An Interview with Kristen Parsons from Tiffany Village Retirement Residence Partnership

The Canadian retirement home industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by the rapidly increasing population of seniors. As of July 2023, there were 7.6 million people aged 65 and over – almost one in five of the total population. Not only that, it is also the fastest growing demographic in the country – growing at six times the rate of children aged between zero and 14.

When it comes to caring for individuals during the latter stages of life, nowhere excels quite like Tiffany Village Retirement Residence Partnership. With two residential facilities in Newfoundland and Labrador, the award-winning senior care experts enable their residents to enjoy their golden years with dignity and grace. To find out how they achieve this, we spoke with their executive director Kristen Parsons.

What is your background and how did you get into the care industry?

As a young child, I grew up in a home where my grandparents lived and settled. It was a common theme of our upbringing that you care and advocate for seniors, and protect the most vulnerable populations. The love, compassion, and commitment to others, is why I chose nursing as a profession. I started my career after nursing school in the acute care sector of paediatric oncology, haematology and palliative care. I had a wonderful opportunity of growing my career both on the clinical and leadership front, and after a decade in the acute care sector, I transitioned my career to the senior sector where I oversaw multiple long-term care and retirement living communities.

My passion for serving vulnerable populations and advocating for others was pivotal and I truly believe the art of advocacy is what separates good clinicians and leaders from great ones. In 2022, I had a wonderful opportunity to return to my home province of Newfoundland and Labrador to oversee the retirement living community of Tiffany Village and Kenny’s Pond. My greatest passion in all leadership and management roles I have had is the ability to mentor, support, and grow future care providers and leaders of their craft, to ensure we leave a piece of ourselves in the care, service and hospitality model of senior living. There is no greater gift than providing a piece of yourself to another, and to see the benefit it brings to the life of a person.

What do you believe are the key factors that make a good retirement home?

Fundamentally, our mission and values are based on three themes: compassion, care and commitment. We believe that our greatest asset are the people that work for our company, and we feel the residents of Tiffany Village and Kenny’s Pond are the anchor to which our excellence is seen, heard and understood. We believe every story is meant to be told, and every journey is meant to be lived. We foster an environment of independence, choice, dignity and respect. We do not put a one size fits all approach on our model of service and care, and try to always adapt and evolve to meet the ever growing needs of our residents.

We ensure every resident has a sense of belonging, purpose and meaningful relationships where they can live their life on their terms and the services evolve as their needs change. We believe we provide a homelife atmosphere were one can “age in place” with dignity and have the required services to live a full and abundant life. We see the work we do as a calling, and not a job and believe every employee, resident, family member, volunteer, etc., has a place at Tiffany Village and Kenny’s Pond.

Can you give us a brief introduction to the two properties you oversee?

Tiffany Village is a modern retirement living facility with touches of traditional and classic flare to accompany residents throughout all stages of life. At 182 suites, we offer a full breadth of services. Tiffany Village offers a full range of meal and dining services and a broad range of all-inclusive amenities and subsidised care services from Level one to four care, as well as respite and palliative care services.

Kenny’s Pond has 111 suites and is located on the shores of Kenny’s Pond, with walking trails in your backyard. The residence is an ideal location for seniors who wish to remain independent and active, and it has been designed with the philosophy of “age-in-place”. Kenny’s Pond offers a full range of meal and dining services and a broad range of all-inclusive amenities and subsidised care services, from respite and palliative care services through all levels of assisted living.

Who are these residences suitable for?

Residents of Tiffany Village and Kenny’s Pond consist of individuals who are ready to take the next step in their retirement regardless of reason or need. We provide service offerings to independent, assisted living, respite, as well as residents who require end of life care. Our service offering comprises housekeeping, laundry, meal service, care delivery by personal care attendants, licensed and registered nurses, therapeutic and recreational wellness, as well as daily maintenance needs.

What are the standout facilities and amenities available to residents?

From the spaces in which you will live and the community that you will join, to the myriad of activities that will fill your life (including a park right on your doorstep), Kenny’s Pond and Tiffany Village offer you the very best life. Our lifestyle options allow you to tailor your own personal experience, giving you the absolute freedom to define your life on your terms. We offer spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites designed to optimise your comfort – all with individually controlled environment systems, weekly housekeeping and linen laundry services, formal dining and, most importantly, nursing care for when your needs change.

We ask people to immerse themselves in-house, with a large capacity theatre for movie nights, seminars, and speeches. Stay active in our fitness centre equipped with the latest cardiovascular and strength training systems. Join our community kitchen for cooking and baking classes, perfect for family gatherings. Visit the general store for your day-to-day necessities. Relish in the treats at our popular Kenny’s Café or Tiffany Village bistro, where complimentary snacks, baked goods, and beverages await daily. Get lost in a good book or enjoy the cosy fireplace and computer stations at our library. Explore your green thumb at our on-site greenhouse, open 365 days a year. Pamper yourself at our hair care salon. Rejuvenate your senses in our spa room with many curative delights, including therapeutic baths. Take advantage of our recreation bus service for local outings, cultural events, and scheduled shopping trips, and embrace a life of fulfilment at Tiffany Village and Kenny’s Pond.

What kind of activities can residents enjoy?

The residents of Tiffany Village and Kenny’s Pond love the regular musical entertainment, dance, bingo, cards, storytelling, happy hour, exercise, and yoga, as well as sightseeing tours. The biggest event at Tiffany Village and Kenny’s Pond is the black-tie event each Christmas where residents dress up and have a night of food, drinks, and musical entertainment. This night allows us to reflect on the year past, with enjoyment of the new year to come at Tiffany Village and Kenny’s Pond.

What is the dining experience like at Tiffany Village and Kenny’s Pond?

Every meal at Kenny’s Pond and Tiffany Village is a conversation piece. A relaxed atmosphere, conversations with friends and family, and menus prepared by a chef that understands the needs of the residents. We offer 1-2-3 meal plans in our formal dining area, meal service to the rooms, as well event planning for your special day.

Can you tell us about some of the technological solutions incorporated into the care provisions?

At Tiffany Village and Kenny’s Pond we have the security of knowing that with state-of-the-art clinical monitoring we can quickly respond to falls, changes in sleeping patterns, heart and respiratory rate, and mobility. By using Amba in the home of our residents, we can individualise care plans, respond proactively versus reactively, remain efficient with our care resources, provide timely care regimens and have supportive conversations that are reflective of the data. It is a non-invasive approach to care that allows us to know what is happening in real time, and regardless of cognitive of physical functioning, we can rely on data to tell us a story that aids in providing the right care plan to the resident.

How have the Amba devices enabled you to improve or adjust your offering?

Amba has allowed us to become more efficient, reliable and sound with our care resources. It provides us a universal yet individualised approach to care, where we can improve quality, safety and efficiency within a challenged labour market. We understand that all residents have individual care needs, and by using supportive technology, it allows us to respond in a way that enables choice, independence and integrity to remain at the core.

How would you describe the overall living experience at Tiffany Village and Kenny’s Pond?

Tiffany Village and Kenny’s Pond is home. It brings all the memories of your youth, the journey of your adulthood, and the longevity of the next map in the road. It is the comfort of knowing that your experience will be yours, and that regardless of time and place, your choice will be at the centre. Overall, we are ‘resident first’ and always ensure you are at the centre of our planning, decisions and outcomes.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Tiffany Village and Kenny’s Pond is a wonderful place to live and begin a new chapter in your journey to better living. It is also a wonderful place for employees to work, grow their career, and build a reputation in the care and service industry. I joined the company in 2022, and I have enjoyed every day I enter the doors of Kenny’s Pond and Tiffany Village. The management and leadership team are centred on the needs of the residents and truly foster a positive work environment. It has become our home and family, and we oversee each department not only for the residents and employees but for our own future as seniors one day.

For more information about life at Tiffany Village and Kenny’s Pond or to enquire about availability, please visit www.tiffanyvillage.com.