Pasqua First Nation celebrates grand opening of senior care home

Pasqua First Nation celebrated getting a senior care centre onto their community. Mick Favel has the story.

A 13 residential suite senior care home is now officially open on Pasqua First Nation.

Red Eagle Lodge is intended to offer culturally sensitive programming and services, while improving the quality of life for seniors in the community.

Fabian Ironeagle is the chief of Pasqua First Nation. He said he is already hearing positive reviews from those now living in the centre.

“Feeling that secure, safe environment. [The residents] are close to home. They all speak very highly of how the staff treat them,” he said.

Talks within the community regarding the creation of a senior care centre began in 2009.

Over the years, the project has gone through a number of stages. This included consultations with Pasqua members on their needs and wants from a senior care centre.

“We’re all facing the same issues regarding the older population,” said Danielle Poitras, a financial assistant at Red Eagle Lodge.

“Having a safe space for them. I am thankful we can provide this for our relative,” she concluded.

Aside from 13 suites in the centre, there are over 10 small homes intended for independent living residents.

Those living on the property have access to a fitness centre and saunas, theatre room, hair salon, culture room, and a number of other areas for activities.

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Residents will have clinical staff on hand, as well as on-site security 24/7.

Irvin Pasqua has been living at the centre since July. He is happy to be on Pasqua First Nation after spending years in other senior homes.

“I have been gone for 40 years. I’m happy to be home here,” he said.

Six residents are now living in the centre.

Special consideration is now being given to members of Pasqua First Nation when applying to live at Red Eagle Lodge.

Leadership says if there is room at any given time, non-members will be considered.

Red Eagle Lodge is intended to serve generations of seniors to come.

Pasqua First Nation is located about 65 kilometres northeast of Regina.