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Points West Living has opened an additional 150 continuing care spaces adjacent to its existing facility in north Red Deer (rdnewsNOW file photo)
Points West Living

Additional 150 continuing care spaces open in Red Deer

May 25, 2021 | 1:47 PM

RED DEER — Local and area residents now have improved access to a range of continuing care options with the opening of the 150 new care spaces at Points West Living (PWL) Red Deer.

The new facility, located adjacent to PWL’s existing facility in the city’s northwest, houses: 45 long-term care spaces for residents living with chronic health problems that require the oversight of a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

There are also 90 supportive living spaces for residents who can live independently but require publicly funded personal care and health services based on assessed unmet needs. A third of these beds also offer dementia care.

In addition, there are 15 transitional care beds for people discharged from hospital but still needing time and support before returning home to live independently, or returning to a designated living residence.

“This is welcome news for families who live in Red Deer and the surrounding areas,” says Adriana LaGrange, MLA for Red Deer-North. “These new spaces provide local seniors a comfortable place to call home where they can age close to their grandchildren and loved ones. Although this project was privately funded, these new beds align with our government’s goal of providing the healthcare services that Albertans need close to where they live.”

Residents started moving into the new facility earlier this month.

The facility offers 24-hour monitoring, emergency response, security, meals, housekeeping and social-enrichment activities. On-site nursing professionals and healthcare aides support residents requiring assistance with daily living, including personal care. SE Health, contracted by Alberta Health Services (AHS), will provide care, including specialized dementia care, independent living and 24-hour on-site support for individuals with complex health needs.

“It’s an honour to be involved in this vibrant community for older adults and the future of aging in Alberta,” says Shirlee Sharkey, CEO of SE Health. “Together with our partners, we look forward to sharing our passion for caring and helping people to realize their most meaningful goals for health and well-being.”

“Adding these living spaces addresses the need for more continuing care beds, freeing capacity in the healthcare system and providing appropriate support to allow seniors to thrive as they age in place,” adds Lori Sparrow, Senior Operating Officer for Community and Seniors Health in AHS Central Zone.

The new building represents the second and final phase of project construction, which began in November 2019. Phase 1 opened in 2016 and includes 114 supportive living spaces.