The multi-million dollar expansion of the Bow River Seniors Lodge in Canmore will get underway in the new year and improve care for seniors in the Bow Valley who want to age in place.
Bow Valley Regional Housing manages the aging facility, which was built in the 1970s. Executive director Ian Wilson said the design style then differs dramatically from what will be created with the 63 units as part of the project.
“It is a ’60s design and back then they thought seniors would move in at 65 and just want someone to cook and clean for them, so they built these tiny little rooms with half bath and they have evolved and now our seniors need bigger spaces, more modern spaces and fire safe spaces,” Wilson said.
“The units are designed to be very versatile. We can meet the needs of our level two seniors or, if we get 24-hour home care, we can do even more; we can go all the way up to helping some of the folks that are living in the hospital.”
Seniors care in Alberta is classified as levels one through four, with one representing home care and four the highest level of support.
The board’s Joanna McCallum said it’s exciting news the province has invited the organization to submit an application for phase two of the project, which would bring the higher levels of care to the valley, as they currently don’t exist.
BVRH has tagged the $15.7 million project This is Home and it will replace 43 aging units and add an additional 20 to the facility.
McCallum said the project will enable more seniors from the Bow Valley to age in place close to family and the community they love.
“We support our entire community by making it possible for seniors to continue to live here in the Bow Valley region, able to age in place,” she said. “This support strengthens the ties between generations, reducing the stress felt by caregivers whom are separated form their loved ones.”
More space, a higher level of care and a design focused on flexibility, said McCallum, means fewer seniors will be forced to move outside the region as their medical and support service needs increase, and reduces the current pressure facing long-term care facilities at local hospitals.
Operations will continue as normal at the lodge with a focus on minimizing disruptions for residents and neighbours. Once built, residents will transfer to the new wing.
“Those old units will make way for the level three and four facility that will have to be a new facility and built to a fairly high level of building code,” Wilson said.
The application for grant support from the province that assumes a 50/50 cost share with BVRH which is due Dec. 19. Right now, the board is considering anywhere from 54 to 72 units built in pods of 18 rooms.
The current project, on the other hand, is an 80/20 per cent cost share. However, the province has offered to pay the entire cost up front and allow BVRH to collect the requisition from member municipalities over time.
McCallum said, though, there is no funding for furniture, fixtures and equipment, so the organization will be looking to Bow Valley residents to help fundraise for that in the near future.
