Celebrating connection and joy during the holidays at Bellevue Park
How person-centred care and meaningful moments brings the spirit of the season to life for residents
Credit Abby News
Recreation Coordinator Anna Tecson (centre right) and her team create meaningful holiday moments at Bellevue Park, bringing joy, connection and person-centred care to residents daily.
For Anna Tecson, Recreation Coordinator at Bellevue Park Senior Living, the holiday season is about more than festive décor or a busy calendar of events. It’s about creating moments of connection, joy and fulfillment for residents – especially those in full-time care.
“My role really means bringing person-centred care into each day,” Anna says, “Recreation is about joy. It’s about making residents’ days feel meaningful and helping them reconnect with good memories, especially during the holidays.”
Working primarily with full care residents, many of whom are living with cognitive challenges such as dementia, Anna sees firsthand how thoughtful programming can spark powerful emotional responses.
Music, in particular, plays a central role. Bellevue Park regularly welcomes entertainers and music therapists, and it’s often during these sessions that powerful memories surface for residents.
“There are times when residents start singing along, or even crying, when a certain song comes on,” Anna explains. “You can see the memories come back.”
Anna recalls a performance of The Tennessee Waltz, where a resident with advanced dementia became visibly emotional. His wife, sitting beside him, quietly shared that the song was one they used to dance to together.
“Moments like that are incredibly meaningful,” Anna says.
Bellevue Park itself is still a young community, having opened just over a year ago. That newness has helped shape a strong sense of family among staff and residents alike.
“We really built this place from the ground up,” Anna says. “There’s a closeness here, it feels homey and everyone works together to create a really wonderful environment."
This season, Anna and her team introduced a holiday spirit week, with themed dress-up days, festive activities like gingerbread decorating and visits from Santa – complete with photos sent home to families.
On Christmas Day, every resident will also receive a gift, reinforcing the festive feeling of being home for the holidays.
Residents and families at Bellevue Park enjoy access to a wide range of full care options, including:
Individualized care plans
Personalized assistance
Customized lifestyle options
A compassionate and empathetic team
Onsite nutritionists/dietary support
Additionally, independent living at Bellevue Park offers privacy, comfort, and choice, with spacious suites, modern amenities, engaging activities, and supportive services that let you enjoy every day your way confidently and independently.
What motivates Anna most is the bond she builds with residents. “I never grew up with my grandparents,” she shares. “Being here fills that void. You hear their life stories, you see them every day and you truly care about them.”
To explore life at Bellevue Park Senior Living, access care options, or connect with their supportive team, visit Bellevue Park at 2882 - 272 Street, Aldergrove St or contact them today at 604-329-3664.