BC Care Providers Association is proud to recognize Judy Calhoun of AgeCare Royal City as the recipient of the 2025 Family Champion Award, an award that honours former or current caregiver, family member, or friend who has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life of older adults who live in a long-term care or assisted living home or receive home health services.
When Judy Calhoun first stepped into long-term care in May 2014, it was in one of the hardest moments of her life. Her father-in-law was moving into care just three days after the passing of her own father. Still grieving and uncertain, Judy found herself embraced by a team of caregivers who showed her a simple but powerful truth — kindness heals. That experience opened her eyes to the deep compassion within seniors’ care and sparked a personal promise that if her family ever needed care again, she would give back to that community with the same empathy she had received.
A few years later, when it was time to find care for her mother, there was no hesitation. Judy and her husband, Grant, knew Royal City Manor (now AgeCare Royal City) was the only choice. From the beginning, Judy didn’t just visit; she became part of the fabric of the home. Seeing family councils as a bridge linking families, residents, and staff, Judy joined the council in 2014 and soon became its heart, guiding families through both joy and hardship with calm reassurance.
A few months into her tenure, several long-time members moved away, leaving the Council fragile. Judy personally welcomed every new family, explained how their experiences could improve care, and removed barriers to participation by offering phone or video options, plain-language agendas, accessible materials, and interpreters when needed. These changes created a truly inclusive space where all families could share ideas and concerns openly.
Judy’s commitment extends far beyond her own family. She is the person who notices when someone is struggling in silence and quietly steps in to help. She has comforted grieving family members, offered guidance to new caregivers, and reminded staff how deeply their kindness matters. Her presence brings steadiness to difficult days — a sense that, together, they can always find a way forward.
Judy’s journey has been defined by two principles she lives by every day: “be kind” and “let go of guilt.” She reminds families that placing a loved one in care is not failure but an act of love. She helps them see that kindness — to themselves, to staff, and to one another — creates better outcomes for everyone. Her empathy turns meetings into safe spaces for truth and connection. Families come in anxious and leave feeling supported, heard, and hopeful.
Through the years, Judy’s influence has transformed the culture at AgeCare Royal City. Families trust more, communication flows more easily, and residents experience care grounded in dignity and compassion. She models the kind of partnership that strengthens the entire community of care, showing that collaboration, not criticism, leads to lasting change.
Thank you to our award sponsor for their generous support:
