Making continuing care feel more like home

Making continuing care feel more like home
Alberta’s government is helping Albertans in continuing care homes age with dignity by investing to make continuing care homes homier.

Continuing care spaces aren’t just health care facilities – they’re homes. That’s why Alberta’s government is investing more than $7 million to ensure Albertans living in provincially funded continuing care homes across the province enjoy welcoming, home-like atmospheres as they age. This investment will support quality-of-life improvements in 52 continuing care homes across the province, positively impacting the day-to-day experience of the more than 4,000 residents living in these homes.

“Where you live matters – especially as you age. That’s why we’re making continuing care feel more like home, ensuring Alberta is not only the best place to live, work and raise a family, but also the best place to retire.”Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services

This investment supports quality-of-life improvements that transform facilities from clinical environments into warm, welcoming, supportive and comfortable places for Albertans to call home. Improvements include features tailored to residents with memory or cognitive challenges, such as the use of murals throughout care homes to help residents navigate their surroundings and reduce anxiety. Other initiatives include bringing residents’ favourite cultural foods and recipes to the table at mealtimes, creating opportunities for intergenerational connection between residents and local children, connecting families through easy-to-use technology and fostering community through hands-on activities like gardening.

“Aging with dignity begins in places that truly feel like home. This funding supports the transformation of continuing care homes into environments where comfort, familiarity and connection are part of everyday life – enhancing residents’ quality of life and reinforcing person-centred care at every stage of aging.”Toby Schneider, acting CEO, Assisted Living Alberta

Improvements to continuing care homes are driven by input from that homes’ residents and care workers, ensuring they are tailored to the unique wants and needs of the Albertans in each home. Together, these projects reflect the province’s commitment to ensuring Alberta remains the best place to live and age with dignity.