April 11, 2023
CALGARY — Alberta Health Services (AHS) and AgeCare are providing people who have mental health and addiction issues that require long-term complex mental health support with a safe, comfortable, and welcoming place to call home at the new AgeCare SkyPointe II in northeast Calgary.
Opened in January 2023, the new 96-suite building includes 64 long-term complex mental health beds and 32 specialized mental health rehabilitation beds that provide comprehensive mental health care and treatment to adults 18 years and over. Clients are supported by psychiatrists, family physicians, AHS mental health professionals, Protective Services and AgeCare support staff to help ensure the needs of this population are met in the right care environment.
"This new residence will have positive health impacts for the most vulnerable Albertans, as well as providing them with the care they need, all while offering them safe housing," says the Honourable Jason Copping, Minister of Health. "Alberta's government is committed to transforming the continuing care system throughout the province to meet residents' evolving needs both now and in the future."
Providing care and supports to individuals in a community setting enables individuals with mental health and addiction issues to have the appropriate structure they need to succeed, while lowering the stimuli associated with an acute care facility. To this end, the residence will offer patients comfortable private rooms, as well as outdoor spaces and comfortable seating throughout the facility, to ensure a home-like environment is provided.
"Alberta's government is committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all Albertans through a continuum of recovery-oriented supports, including the supports available at this new facility. Through the specialized mental health services available at AgeCare SkyPointe II, more Albertans will be able to receive the care they need in a place they can call home," says the Honourable Nicholas Milliken, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction.
As programming expands, plans are in place to open vocational training studios, a fitness facility, library, computer lab, arts and crafts room, an outdoor recreation area with a basketball court and a resident garden.
"This new space will enable AHS to improve patient and family experiences while reducing unplanned mental health readmissions and increasing capacity at acute care sites by providing a space for individuals who are coming from long-term stays in hospitals or the community. We'd like to thank AgeCare for their partnership on this residence and the Government of Alberta for their continued support," says Mauro Chies, AHS President & Chief Executive Officer.
"Healthcare is about more than the services provided in our hospitals and this program highlights how AHS can partner with local agencies to improve access to community supports," Chies notes.
AgeCare is a contracted service provider to AHS and has built this dedicated mental health facility, located in the community of Skyview Ranch, in northeast Calgary. The new build is adjacent to the existing 352 bed AgeCare SkyPointe facility that includes long-term care, designated supportive living, and hospice spaces.
"This new community is a testament to AgeCare's philosophy of continuous improvement and working towards the betterment of our residents. It's unique and innovative infrastructure along with specialized programming and amenities are intended to support and create a holistic resident engagement experience for our residents and their families," says Dr.Hasmukh Patel, AgeCare Chief Executive Officer & President. "AgeCare thanks AHS and Alberta Health for their continued partnership in providing resident focused care and infrastructure."
Similar mental health programs have been successfully implemented at other long-term care facilities in Calgary, including Carewest Rouleau Manor and Carewest Signal Pointe.
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. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait-times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.
