New supportive living residence now open in Smoky Lake

SMOKY LAKE — A new supportive living residence is helping to meet Smoky Lake’s growing and changing community needs, thanks to a partnership between the Government of Alberta, the Smoky Lake Foundation and Alberta Health Services (AHS).

Bar-V Nook Supportive Living, located at 4524 52 Ave., opens to residents today (Aug. 8).

The new Bar-V Nook Supportive Living residence adds 41 supportive living spaces to the community. These spaces offer a mix of living options, including dementia care, to meet the varied health and personal needs of its residents.

“This is great news for the community of Smoky Lake and another example of how our government, together with our partners, are working to ensure area residents are able to access the continuing care services and accommodations they need to remain safe and healthy as they age,” says Minister of Health Sarah Hoffman.

The Government of Alberta provided $7.4 million in funding for the residence through the former Affordable Supportive Living Initiative. Bar-V Nook Supportive Living is operated and managed by the Smoky Lake Foundation, while AHS delivers care services to residents. The foundation has subcontracted Connecting Care for management services.

“It’s great to see this project come to fruition,” says Dr. Verna Yiu, President and CEO of AHS. “We know it’s important to Albertans to be able to stay in their community as they age, closer to their family and loved ones. This bright, new, modern space and its varying levels of care options support the unique needs of each individual, allowing them to age in place and not have to move to a different residence as their care needs change.”

Supportive living provides a home setting for adults and seniors in a private yet congregate living setting. It’s a non-institutional alternative for those who are no longer able to live in their own homes. Its focus is to promote health, well-being, independence and maintain functional abilities.

“We are thrilled to be increasing the range of care options and spaces in Smoky Lake,” says Randy Orichowski, Smoky Lake Foundation Board Chairman.

This facility opens as the Smoky Lake Continuing Care Centre building nears the end of its life. The aging facility is no longer adequate to deliver the care that residents require.

With support from staff, family members and volunteers, residents living at the Smoky Lake Continuing Care Centre are beginning to transition to the new Bar-V Nook Supportive Living residence or the George McDougall Centre, a local long-term care residence, depending on their individual care needs.

Once the transition is complete, Smoky Lake will see an increase of 12 net-new continuing care spaces thanks to the new Bar-V Nook Supportive Living residence.

AHS continues to work with Alberta Infrastructure, the Town of Smoky Lake and County of Smoky Lake to explore all options for the Smoky Lake Continuing Care Centre building when it is vacated; however, no decisions have been made at this time.

Residents, families and community members will be invited to attend a grand-opening celebration of the new Bar-V Nook Supportive Living residence this fall.

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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