CANMORE – The long-term care unit at the Canmore hospital is getting $1.5 million in upgrades and renovations after a local foundation hit its fundraising goal.
The Golden Eagle View long-term care unit will be more “modernized and residential-looking” organizers said after phase one of the enhancements to the dining room, bathroom, hair salon and administration office are complete. Included in the project is also the creation of a sun/lounge room in the dining area which will have panoramic windows and a new fireplace.
“I saw this place go up brick-by-brick and I was at the opening. I never imagined that I would be living here as an occupant … I am happy in here. Let’s make this place even better than it is,” Anne Von Niessen, a long-term care resident shared with organizers in a press release.
The local fundraising campaign started in 2016 by the Canmore and Area Health Care Foundation. Feels Like Home is the largest capital campaign since the foundation started, executive director Soulafa Al-Abbasi said in a press release, with about 50 per cent supported by community, third party events and foundation golf tournaments, and 50 per cent by major donors.
“Our campaign began in 2016 and we are incredibly grateful to all those who have stepped up over the past four years to ensure that our seniors in this community have a welcoming environment to call home,” Al-Abbasi wrote.
Organizers explained since the COVID-19 pandemic, staff have taken extra precautions to ensure room for social distancing and wheelchair access and said they have been keeping families updated on the renovations since construction started in July.
“This project is a great example of how the community supports its residents. We are thankful to the foundation for making this possible and believe that this project will ensure Golden Eagle View is a place of comfort where seniors can receive the very best care,” Nicholas Thain, AHS Senior Operating Officer, Community, Rural and Continuing Care wrote in a press release.
The long-term care unit first opened in 1984. Since May 26, 1999, more than 230 residents have called the Golden Eagle View home.
Phase one is expected to be completed by the fall of 2021.
