March 3, 2022
HINTON — More local seniors will be able to get the around-the-clock care they need in the community starting later this month with the opening of 32 supportive living beds at the Evergreens Foundation Pine Valley Lodge, 177 Boutin Ave.
Licensed practical nurses and healthcare aides will staff the beds, providing 24-hour onsite professional and personal care support services. Home care registered nurses from Alberta Health Services (AHS) will provide around-the-clock support to the care team.
“This is a big step forward for Hinton, and an important part of the work we’re doing to increase the capacity of the health system across the province,” says Health Minister Jason Copping. “We need to have the right spaces available when people need them, and where they need them. And many people move into continuing care from hospital, so adding spaces also frees up hospital beds and increases capacity so the whole system can work better.”
These new supportive living Level 4 (SL4) spaces are for individuals with complex but predictable medical needs that can be safely managed onsite. They may require chronic disease management and/or assistance with daily activities, such as meal and medication assistance.
Residents live in a home-like environment that promotes privacy and independence. Services include served meals, linen, laundry and housekeeping services, plus recreational and activity programs. Maximum independence is encouraged.
“The opening of these new supportive living beds expands the range of continuing care options and services available to the community to help seniors remain as healthy and independent as possible,” says West Yellowhead MLA Martin Long. “It provides the right mix of independence and support desired by seniors today and brings new options for local residents.”
“We are very pleased to have these new supportive living beds added to the community,” says Megan Cox, AHS Seniors Health Area Manager. “They are an excellent addition that will ensure those seniors who require more care and support can receive it close to home.”
Kristen Chambers, Chief Administrative Officer for the Evergreens Foundation, says the new beds offer an additional level of assistance that will be valuable to seniors in the area. “The addition of SL4 care gives our seniors more living options while helping them to remain vibrant, healthy and as active as possible,” she says. “Our goal is to assist in allowing seniors to remain within their own community surrounded by the familiar faces of friends and family.”
The Evergreens Foundation has partnered with AHS since 2008. This will be the fourth Evergreens Foundation facility to be in contract with AHS for higher levels of care.
Construction on the Pine Valley Lodge is expected to be complete by late spring. When complete, the 101-unit facility will also include 49 supportive living lodge units, four two-bedroom units and 16 one-bedroom units.
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.
