April 16, 2021
RED DEER – A total of 36 supportive living beds in Drayton Valley and Ponoka will offer a higher level of care starting next month to better meet the needs of residents in those communities.
Currently, these beds at Seasons Retirement Communities provide care for individuals who are medically and physically stable, able to move independently or with the assistance of one other person, and may be experiencing increased healthcare needs that cannot be scheduled. This level of care is known as SL3.
As of May 1, these SL3 beds will be converted to SL4, a level of care previously unavailable in the two communities. SL4 care is for individuals with more complex medical needs, including chronic disease management and assistance with daily activities, such as meal assistance (including tube feeds), mechanical lift or two-person transfers, medication assistance or administration.
“The Alberta Government is working to ensure the healthcare needs of all Albertans are met, and the introduction of this level of care in Drayton Valley ensures residents who need this higher level of continuing care can get it here in the community,” says Mark Smith, MLA for Drayton Valley-Devon.
“This is welcome news,” adds Ron Orr, MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka. “Ponoka residents should be reassured that if they or their loved ones need this high level of supportive living care, it’s now available in town and near their families.”
The decision to offer this higher level of care was made following a thorough review, and consideration of current and future needs of both communities. All current services and care will continue uninterrupted, and these changes will not impact any current residents.
“This is just one of many ways AHS is working to increase choices and options for seniors,” says Lori Sparrow, AHS Executive Director, Seniors Health, Central Zone. “This decision brings a level of enhanced continuing care to these communities that will help meet the needs of residents and their families now and into the future.”
Supportive living promotes residents’ independence and aging in place through the provision of services such as 24-hour monitoring, emergency response, security, meals, housekeeping and social-enrichment activities. This decision will affect all 16 SL3 beds at Seasons Retirement Communities in Drayton Valley, and all 20 SL3 beds at the facility in Ponoka.
“Seasons is very pleased to be able to offer this enhanced care option at Seasons Drayton Valley and Seasons Ponoka,” says Nicole Almost, Senior Regional Director, Resident and Guest Services, Seasons Retirement Communities.
“I want to thank AHS for their continued support and partnership. Our ongoing collaboration greatly benefits our residents, staff and local seniors. The SL4 designation will also allow us to hire more team members, which is good for the local economy and our retirement communities.”
Established in 2009, Seasons is a Canadian company that operates 13 retirement residences in Ontario and nine residences in Alberta, with more under development. Its management team has extensive experience in the senior housing sector and has developed a culture dedicated to providing residents with superior customer service. Seasons wants residents to feel proud to call them home and to know they are surrounded by people who genuinely care. Connect. Care. Change. For more information, please visit seasonsretirement.com.
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.
