EngAge BC — the operating arm of BC Care Providers Association that supports independent living members — is very excited to announce the preview of Assurity, British Columbia’s new mark of quality for independent living operators. Through Assurity’s quality assurance certification, consumers can count on receiving the very best retirement living has to offer. First announced at the 2019 BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) conference in Whistler, this industry-led and designed program was forged from the passion of some of the retirement living sector’s strongest leaders.
“Creating a thoughtfully-built, custom-made quality assurance program from scratch has been no small feat—especially during a pandemic,” says Mike Klassen, EngAge BC’s Acting CEO. “We are therefore thrilled to announce that the first pilot phase of Assurity will begin in just a few weeks.”
In developing the program, the EngAge BC Member Council felt strongly that residents and families must be meaningfully engaged, as to learn about what they look for in an independent living residence. In addition to involving service users in the program’s design, EngAge BC has worked closely with operators, including the blue ribbon Assurity Advisory Group, to build an innovative program which will provide operators with a practical approach to meeting industry standards, while supporting the public to make informed, confident choices about services.
“In addition to performing the necessary background research, EngAge BC held six focus groups with residents and family members, facilitated more that twenty one-to-one consultations, and held a member forum,” adds Klassen.
In just a few short weeks EngAge BC will begin to pilot the new program, which has been built on the pillars of intentional consultation, careful design, and strong marketing and communications efforts.
EngAge BC would like to thank everyone who participated in the development of the Independent Living Assurity program, including the Member Council, the Assurity Advisory Group, focus group participants and the many operators who participated in individual consultations.
Members can expect to hear more very shortly and can contact Rebecca Frederick, Senior Manager, Strategic Engagement, EngAge BC for more information. To learn more about EngAge BC and its mandate, visit www.engageseniors.ca.
