At BSF Lifestyles, moments matter. They can be small, like a staff member remembering how someone takes their tea or coffee, or the sound of laughter from the next room. They can also be big, like celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary, or making a new friend. What makes every moment meaningful is the feeling behind them: connection.
This year, The Brenda Strafford Foundation (BSF) celebrates 50 years of providing care, comfort, and community to seniors and families. Over the last five decades, many things have changed. We have grown to include new communities, expanded our programs and services, and started using new technologies to support our work. Through our growth, one thing has remained the same: our belief that everyone deserves to live with dignity and be seen and valued.
Many seniors come to us after a change in their life, when living on their own is no longer safe or practical. The transition to senior living can feel scary and overwhelming. At BSF, our goal is to help with this transition, so that people can continue living the life they love, with support where they need it, and independence where they want it.
Across our five continuing care communities in Calgary and Okotoks, BSF offers supportive living, long-term care, and private-choice care options. Residents receive care that adapts as their needs change, giving peace of mind to both residents and families.
But what shapes our communities is not the level of care, it’s the people. One resident might enjoy joining neighbours for breakfast and participating in our programs and activities. Another resident may prefer quieter, one-on-one moments in cozy spaces. We meet people where they are.
Our teams support residents with a genuine interest in who they are. We call this ‘The BSF Way,’ our person-centred philosophy that guides how we care, how we interact, and how we create our spaces. It means taking time to learn what makes someone unique, being present in the moment, and enabling and respecting choices. It means doing little things that make a big difference, and making everyone feel at home.
As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we continue to look to the future. Through our Dr. Barrie Strafford Centre for Learning, Innovation, and Quality, we explore new ways to improve aging care and continually improve our services.
This holiday season, you can support our work and help make our residents feel at home. Donations help fund programs that bring joy and connection to residents, families, and staff, including music therapy, art programs, special outings, and moments that create memories. Volunteering is another meaningful way to make a difference, whether by playing a game, helping with a Therapeutic Recreation activity, or simply sharing a conversation.
If you or someone you know is considering senior living, BSF communities offer comfort, connection, and peace of mind.
Learn more or get involved at BSFLifestyles.ca. Because aging is not only about care; it’s about living well.
BSF Social Media Handles:
LinkedIn: @The Brenda Strafford Foundation
Facebook: @The Brenda Strafford Foundation
