Linda Frew has been named the 2025 B.C. Care Provider of the Year for Assisted Living by the B.C. Care Providers Association.
“I’m very very humbled and very proud to receive this,” Frew said.
The award recognizes leaders who show exceptional dedication, compassion and excellence in senior care.
Frew, who is community manager at two Golden Life sites — Castle Wood Village in Castlegar, B.C., and Mountain Side Village in Fruitvale, B.C. — oversees day-to-day care for seniors.
Frew has built a strong reputation for leadership, integrity and commitment to residents and their families over nearly 25 years with Golden Life.
“Linda represents the very best of what senior living should be. Linda leads with heart, compassion, and steady strength,” said Celeste Mullin of Golden Life Management.
Under her leadership, both communities have become welcoming, vibrant places where residents feel safe, valued, respected and at home.
Mullin expressed pride in Frew and her leadership.
“We are incredibly proud of her and the impact she has made over the past 20+ years. This award not only recognizes her professional excellence, but the genuine care she brings to our communities every single day,” said Mullin.
Mullin added that Frew’s leadership has had a lasting influence on residents and the broader assisted-living community.
“At Golden Life, we believe that strong communities are built by dedicated people who care deeply about others. Linda embodies that belief. Her commitment has shaped lives, strengthened families, and inspired teams. This recognition is incredibly well deserved,” said Mullin.
Frew said she is grateful for the recognition but emphasized it is a team effort to create a positive environment for seniors.
“I am very, very honored, but I also think assisted-living is all about teamwork. So I feel like this recognition belongs to my whole team. All of our staff work together every day to support our residents so they can live with dignity and independence. I have a great staff behind me, a great staff,” said Frew.
When asked about the most rewarding part of her job, Frew said:
“The most rewarding part of my day is the connection with the residents. They make me smile. They make me smile every single day. It’s just so rewarding. It’s so rewarding.”
Frew also described the philosophy of Golden Life and how it is reflected in her team and facilities.
“I have to say I’m very grateful to work at Golden Life. One thing that’s always stuck with me at Golden life ever since I started, was Celeste, one of the owners, always told me to treat your residents the way you’d want your family treated and everything else will fall into place. I think myself and all of our staff live by that and it’s so nice. My mom moved to a Golden Life site and it was the best couple years of her senior life,” said Frew.
Golden Life Management is a family-owned organization based in Cranbrook that operates senior living communities across British Columbia and Alberta, focusing on helping seniors live with dignity, connection and purpose.
Frew expressed hope for the future of assisted living.
“I just hope everybody can be as happy as they are at Castlewood. Care givers are the voice of all of these seniors and their standards are high. I hope that all continues,” Frew said.
Frew also praised the B.C. Care Providers Association.
“I am so honoured that the BC care provider chose me but as I say it’s the team. What an amazing association. We went down a couple weeks ago and we were treated like gold. Just what an association, they’re absolutely amazing and they truly are the voice of the seniors. I can’t say enough about the BC care providers,” said Frew.
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