Medical problems can be scary, particularly as we get older and especially in remote parts of the country like the Beaufort Delta where emergencies usually require a trip to Edmonton for treatment.

This only complicates matters, as many people are not used to, or prepared for, the crowded chaotic streets of the big city, making the whole process quite daunting. And if you happen to have mobility or other health issues, it can be overwhelming.

Enter Larga House, a joint venture by the GwichSA国际影视传媒檌n Development Corporation, Nunatsiaq Corporation and Kitikmeot Corporation, to provide Elders and Northerners with as many comforts as they can while staying down south.

SA国际影视传媒漈hereSA国际影视传媒檚 some some Elders that are well versed SA国际影视传媒� and quite comfortable coming to the city,SA国际影视传媒� said general manager Jenn Wilkinson. SA国际影视传媒淎nd then thereSA国际影视传媒檚 some that may be a bit more anxious. If they require more assistance, or they just want to talk to people more, weSA国际影视传媒檙e here to take care of them.

SA国际影视传媒淲e pick up at the airport, we bring them here and get them accommodated and settled. We also take them to all of their appointments, pick them up from appointments and make sure that theySA国际影视传媒檙e comfortable. Maybe they donSA国际影视传媒檛 have equipment with them to travel, maybe they need a walker or wheelchair SA国际影视传媒� we would provide that, make sure that we have that available for them as well.SA国际影视传媒�

Located a short walk away from the Royal Alexandria Hospital in downtown Edmonton, Larga House aims to be a home away from home for Northerners.

It also allows many who have moved south for work, education or other opportunities to keep in touch with their roots. Some staff have been working at the facility for up to 30 years. Many have family connections with guests from up North.

SA国际影视传媒漎ou can often hear staff on the phone saying things like SA国际影视传媒業 love you too,SA国际影视传媒� SA国际影视传媒� itSA国际影视传媒檚 very meaningful for people,SA国际影视传媒� said Wilkinson. SA国际影视传媒淏ut not only that, people will see other people that they grew up with in other communities. So youSA国际影视传媒檒l see guests connect and theySA国际影视传媒檒l say things like SA国际影视传媒業 havenSA国际影视传媒檛 seen you since I was a little girl.SA国际影视传媒� I think thatSA国际影视传媒檚 pretty cool.SA国际影视传媒�

Sporting an elevator, a fully staffed kitchen providing free breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, a prayer room and kitchenettes for those who would like to cook for themselves, there is room for up to 56 people at any time in the building.

Wilkinson said on average of 400 to 600 guests a month, and that was steadily increasing.

Because of the close connection staff have with their guests, Wilkinson said the staff of Larga House were happy to go the extra mile to assist guests. From picking patients up at the airport to helping Elders with mobility issues around the city to getting emergency items ranging from toothbrushes to medication, the services offered to those in need are endless. Guests are given a survey at the end of their stay to provide feedback on what they liked and what can be improved, and Wilkinson said guests can raise concerns with staff at any time.

Making the medical travel experience a more friendly experience with familiar faces also provides emotional support for guests, noted Wilkinson, as many Elders who come down get a chance to see old friends and relatives they may not have seen for some time.

SA国际影视传媒淚f you talk to a majority of staff that work here, a lot of them will say theySA国际影视传媒檝e come here for this reason, because they want to provide services to people from home,SA国际影视传媒� she added. SA国际影视传媒淚t absolutely makes a difference for somebodySA国际影视传媒檚 grandma, grandpa, uncle, aunt, sister or brother. I think people feel more appreciated being provided services by people that they know from their communities.

SA国际影视传媒淭hese hospitals have more people in them in than in some communities, at least some that ISA国际影视传媒檝e lived in. So itSA国际影视传媒檚 really overwhelming. I think when guests see people from home they know theySA国际影视传媒檙e going to be looked after and be cared for. People here understand.SA国际影视传媒�