At the University of Alberta, students are dared to dream. Two UofA alumni took that challenge to heart and recently made their ambitions a reality.
Masters in Occupational Therapy graduate Chelsea Krupa and Bachelor of Physical Education graduate Keltie Brisson are the proud owners of Rehab and Retreat Senior Care Specialists LTD., a private adult day centre they opened in west Edmonton in February 2012.
The duo, who specialize in caring for adults and seniors with varying health issues, wanted to bridge the gap between community living and long-term care facilities like nursing homes.
"Family members of adults and seniors requiring care often struggle between the choice of having them live at home - making trips back and forth to the emergency room - or seeking long-term care in a nursing home," says Krupa. "Rehab and Retreat provides an alternative. We give our clients a therapeutic and stimulating environment, alleviating stress from family members and caregivers who might feel overwhelmed by daily demands."
Rehab and Retreat is a day program where seniors and people with disabilities can go to engage in activities tailored to their needs, whether it be therapeutic and recreational activities, exercise and cognitive strengthening. Clients benefit from interacting with their peers, enjoying home cooked meals in a kitchen stocked with real china, and spending time with Rehab and Retreat's certified furry and feathered friends - two small dogs and two budgies.
"My dad lives in a retirement home that takes care of his day-to-day needs, but I feel responsible for providing him with rich, meaningful activities and enjoyment," says the son of one client. "I've noticed that my dad's outlook is much brighter since attending Rehab and Retreat. The retirement home staff say he's now more alert and engaged. Keltie and Chelsea are providing my dad with purpose and satisfaction."
Krupa is overjoyed with the positive feedback from clients, saying she and Brisson are happy to share their love for seniors. On a typical day, clients engage in many activities such as gardening, puzzles, going through old photos, scrabble, exercises, scrapbooking, strength training and gift making.
Krupa says she is grateful for her occupational therapy education that set her up for a career - and life - where she gets to make a difference every day.
About the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine
As the only free standing faculty of rehabilitation in Canada, the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine balances its activities among learning, discovery and citizenship (including clinical practice). A research leader in musculoskeletal health, spinal cord injuries and common spinal disorders (back pain), the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine aims to improve the quality of life of citizens in our community. The three departments, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT) and Speech Pathology and Audiology (SPA) offer professional entry programs. The Faculty offers thesis-based MSc and PhD programs in Rehabilitation Science, attracting students from a variety of disciplines including OT, PT, SLP, psychology, physical education, medicine and engineering.
Related Links
- Rehab and Retreat website
- Rehab and Retreat Facebook album
- Edmonton Journal article: New business provides rehabilitation and retreat