October 6, 2015
MEDICINE HAT — Additional supportive living beds are now available in Medicine Hat for local and area seniors, providing supported independence with on-site health care professionals, served meals, recreational activities and housekeeping services.
“Alberta seniors deserve options that allow them to stay in their communities, close to their family and friends,” says Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health. “These new supportive living beds will allow more seniors in Medicine Hat and area to get the care they need closer to home.”
The new Meadow Ridge Seniors Village will be operated in partnership between Park Place Seniors Living and Alberta Health Services (AHS). The new 84-bed residential facility provides contracted accommodation for 42 people who need supportive living and 42 who require secured memory care, in addition to supportive living.
Meadow Ridge, located at 259 Park Meadows Dr. S.E., will be staffed by licensed practical nurses and health care aides who provide 24-hour on-site professional and personal care support services. AHS Home Care registered nurses provide oversight to the care team and will be available around the clock as required.
Level 4 supportive living provides residents with a home-like environment that promotes privacy and independence, along with the peace of mind of knowing licensed practical nurses and health care aides are onsite. Supportive living includes served meals, laundry and housekeeping services plus recreational/activity programs. Maximum independence is encouraged.
Residents with memory loss or cognitive impairment will be cared for in three home-like cottages, each with 14 private rooms and shared common spaces. To add to the feeling of community, suites and rooms are gathered into neighbourhoods: Merrylea Cottage, Robinswood Cottage, Elkswater Cottage, Hycroft Court and Cypress Mews.
Meadow Ridge also provides common areas throughout the village, including the Village Square, which offers residents a large multi-purpose space, exercise room, lounges and a chapel. In addition to the secured gardens off the dementia cottages, there is the Village Green, a courtyard open to residents and visitors. There are also spa rooms for assisted bathing. Services include an on-site hairdresser and barber, and a tuck shop.
The supportive living spaces will help meet the current and future needs of the community, says Sean Chilton, Chief Zone Officer of AHS South Zone.
“This new facility gives more options for Medicine Hat and area seniors,” says Chilton. “We have planned carefully in terms of determining the number of beds and expect the additional capacity will allow for the expected future growth of the population of seniors in the South Zone.”
“We are very pleased and excited to introduce Meadow Ridge Seniors Village to the seniors of Medicine Hat,” adds Al Jina, founder and owner of Park Place Seniors Living. “This residential-style community will provide a comfortable and secure home to residents who remain active and vibrant, assisted by our care and hospitality services that support everyday living.”
Dr. Byron Hirsch, medical director for seniors’ health at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, says the additional supportive living capacity in the community will mean a greater range of services.
“Research indicates seniors have improved quality of life when they retain their independence,” says Dr. Hirsch. “Supportive living facilities provide many seniors with the services they need while, at the same time, encouraging independence. It is what seniors tell us they want.”
Park Place Seniors Living is a family-owned and operated Vancouver-based company providing seniors’ residences in Western Canada, with locations in B.C. and Alberta. All are served by compassionate caregivers and hospitality professionals. Since 2005, all of the company’s continuing care homes have earned accreditation through independent Accreditation Canada reviews.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
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