Hi, I'm Mel
Registered nurse, certified gerontological nurse, and your guide through seniors care
I'm a registered nurse and certified gerontological nurse, and I've spent more than 20 years caring for older adults, people living with dementia, and the families who love them. I started Honeycomb Nursing Services & Consulting so families in Edmonton and the surrounding areas have an experienced nurse in their corner when a parent's needs start to change.
My Why
My Granny and Pop are the reason I do this work
My Granny (my grandmother) spent many years caring for elderly people, and she did it with such kindness and grace. She was a gentle soul. When I lived far away, she wrote me letters by hand, and I loved going to her card game parties.
My Pop (my grandfather) was a quiet, gentle soul too. We had a special connection, and our relationship has meant so much to me throughout my life. He always kept M&M's on hand and gave them out to everyone as "feel good pills" to cheer them up. I loved that so much.
In their last years, my mom and my uncle were amazing caregivers for Granny and Pop. They worked hard to fill their days with joy and with all the things that mattered most to them.
Granny showed me what it looks like to care for older adults with kindness and grace. Pop taught me the value of relationships, and that has shaped my nursing practice ever since. I carry them both with me into every visit, and I want every family I work with to have the kind of care that sees the whole person.
My Experience
Melissa Ristau, MN, RN, GNC(C), DCA
Founder & Senior Care Consultant
Most of my career has been spent caring for older adults and people living with dementia. I've worked as a Director of Care for 130 continuing care residents and about 100 staff, as Care Manager of a 100-bed dementia unit and about 65 staff, and as a Nurse Educator in continuing care. I've also taught in MacEwan University's Gerontology and Hospice Palliative Care Certificate Program. I've called Edmonton home for 16 years.
- Master of Nursing in Leadership (with a specialization in aging), University of Alberta
- Registered Nurse, CRNA
- Certified in Gerontological Nursing, Canadian Nurses Association
- Designated Capacity Assessor, Alberta Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee
Read more about the mission, vision, and values that guide my work.
