Minister Pon announced funding for new continuing care spaces in Drumheller with Tom Zariski, Heather Colberg and MLA Horner.
The renovation of the Sunshine and Hillview lodges will accommodate 26 new continuing care living spaces, which provide different levels of care and flexible options for seniors as their health-care needs change. That includes health-care services of varying levels, from care aides and on-site nursing care to specialized dementia care.
The ministries of Seniors and Housing and Health collaborated on this project to cut red tape and bring greater efficiency to the funding and capital project approval processes.
The housing management body, Drumheller and District Seniors Foundation, will operate the redeveloped lodges, while Alberta Health Services will administer the health-care services.
“I am proud to announce this important investment for the community of Drumheller on National Housing Day. Integrating continuing care spaces in seniors lodges is an efficient and more affordable way to address the needs of seniors and support them to age in their own communities.”
“We’re helping Drumheller seniors access the care they need while staying close to friends and family. Converting space in existing seniors lodges is cost-effective and will help provide higher levels of care for seniors and vulnerable Albertans. Strong government partnerships like this one are increasing the number of continuing care spaces in Drumheller and across Alberta.”
“As a community, we are honoured that the government is making this important investment into Drumheller. Our seniors are so important to us and this will allow more residents the opportunity to stay in the community and be with their loved ones. We are truly grateful that Josephine Pon, minister of seniors and housing, and Tyler Shandro, minister of health, are helping our community in such an important way.’’
“The Drumheller and District Seniors Foundation thanks the Alberta government for investing in continuing care for the Drumheller area. Seniors who used to have to leave the area, leaving family and friends behind, will now have the opportunity to receive the care they require and not have to leave.’’