Alberta’s government is committed to transforming the continuing care system to meet the evolving needs of residents.
By providing $240 million for two continuing care modernization projects – one in Calgary and one in Edmonton – more continuing care residents and their families can have access to the care they need in spaces that are modern and safe. Funding for a Bethany Care Society project in Calgary and The Good Samaritan Society project in Edmonton is included in Budget 2023.
Each of these projects strengthens the quality and sustainability of the continuing care system and addresses recommendations from the Facility-Based Continuing Care Review, including replacing and upgrading aged facilities and permanently phasing out shared rooms.
“These projects will advance the development of new, up-to-date continuing care spaces for seniors in Calgary and Edmonton. The transformation of Alberta’s continuing care system enriches the lives of residents by giving them private living spaces in modern settings and offering the high-quality care and supports they need.”
Bethany Calgary Redevelopment Project
The Bethany Care Society in Calgary will receive $57 million in capital funding in 2024-25, as part of a total $114 million investment over five years, for the Bethany Calgary Redevelopment Project to construct a modern seniors residence. This new seniors residence will replace the Bethany Calgary auxiliary hospital and will be built on the existing property. The new continuing care home will also support Bethany's campus of care model that encompasses physical environment, social connections, health and wellness services, and partnerships with community.
“We are excited to see Bethany Calgary included as part of government’s plan to strengthen health care. Our organization’s work began on this site in 1945, and it’s where we’ve continued to offer exceptional care and services to residents and families. We are grateful for the Government of Alberta’s commitment to transformation of continuing care. We look forward to working with our partners in government and community to modernize Bethany Calgary so that we can continue to support Albertans to age well.”
Good Samaritan Village
Alberta’s government is investing $126 million over five years in the Good Samaritan Society’s facility replacement project in Edmonton, including $63 million in 2024-25, to build the Good Samaritan Village. The new complex will consist of 20 independent households. Each household will be home to 14 continuing care residents living in private rooms, promoting a personalized living environment.
“Good Samaritan Village supports our mission of providing Christian hospitality through a continuum of care to those in need or at risk. It will offer culturally appropriate spaces to support our work in equity, diversity, inclusion and reconciliation.”
Creating more continuing care options for Albertans
To help more aging Albertans stay in their communities as long as possible, Alberta’s government is also launching a new capital grant program for small continuing care settings. Through the new Continuing Care Capital Program - Small Care Home Stream, eligible groups can apply for a one-time grant to build stand-alone homes for four to 14 community care and continuing care residents.
This new capital grant stream is part of the government’s priority to transform the continuing care system and refocus capital grant programs to support more person-centred models of care, such as smaller care homes.
The application forms, eligibility criteria and related process documents for the Small Care Home Stream are posted on the Continuing Care Capital Program website. The application deadline is Aug. 25.
“The Alberta Continuing Care Association supports innovative initiatives like the Small Care Home Stream that enhances the quality of care for our residents. In these smaller group home settings, residents will be cared for by a consistent group of direct care staff with expanded work responsibilities. Studies of this model have found that both the residents’ quality of life improved and staff job satisfaction increased.”
Budget 2023 secures Alberta’s future by transforming the health care system to meet people’s needs, supporting Albertans with the high cost of living, keeping our communities safe and driving the economy with more jobs, quality education and continued diversification.
Quick facts
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Funding for both projects is conditional and subject to the terms and requirements of the grant funding agreement and being signed by all parties, including municipal development requirements.
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Budget 2023 also provides capital funding over three years to increase continuing care capacity in the province. Some of these initiatives include:
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$89.5 million to the Continuing Care Capital Program in 2023-24, part of a total investment of $310 million over three years to modernize existing continuing care spaces, develop culturally appropriate spaces to support Indigenous groups, create small care homes and add new spaces in priority areas having the greatest need.
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$73.5 million over three years to complete the new Bridgeland Riverside Continuing Care Centre in Calgary.
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$90.6 million over three years to complete the Gene Zwozdesky Centre in Edmonton.
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As of 2022, standard ward rooms in continuing care homes with more than two residents have been eliminated.
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The small care home grants will:
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Quickly add new publicly funded community care and continuing care spaces since they can be built faster than larger facilities.
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Allow more Albertans to age in their local communities and improve access to services and supports in smaller, rural and remote communities.
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Create more homelike settings to support those with complex and unique care needs, such as people living with dementia and young adults living with disabilities.
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Expand access to mental health and addictions community care.
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Increase the number of community care and continuing care spaces so more people can be transferred from hospital beds into more affordable and appropriate care settings.
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