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| June 19, 2006 | Back to List | Print this Page  | | Partnership Leads to new Senior's Facility in Grande Cache | | |
A creative partnership between Peace Country Health and the Evergreen Foundation has led to the construction of a beautiful new seniors lodge in Grande Cache. The new 30-unit lodge, with potential for 60 occupants, is scheduled to open on June 15th, 2005. The new facility, aptly named Whispering Pines, offers a spectacular view of the Rocky Mountains and will offer a wide range of amenities and services to make anyone feel at home.
The unique aspect about this state-of-the-art facility is that it has been designed for independent living, but has potential for aging in place. This means that as a resident's needs change, their suite can be modified to allow them to age in place. This concept and initiative is a perfect example of how innovation in the provision of health care meets Alberta's vision for Continuing Care - to allow individuals to age in place and stay in the community, which improves their quality of life.
The new senior's facility is physically joined to the existing Community Health Complex via a pedway and atrium. The atrium and adjoining patio will be open to both the lodge residents and patients of the Community Health Complex offering a beautiful location to sit, visit and enjoy the view.
The facility offers residents many living options to allow them as much independence and comfort as possible. Rooms are approximately 400 square feet in size and include kitchen facilities. Five of the rooms have large appliances, and are designated self-care rooms, where more independent residents are able to cook all their own meals. Other residents will receive 3 meals a day, prepared in the hospital facility, and 3 snacks prepared by Whispering Pines staff. The facility has a full time laundry worker, who can do the residents laundry, should they need the service. There is also a laundry room where residents can do their own laundry if they choose.
The building has an Emergency Response System (ERS), which offers each resident the option of wearing a pendent, which will signal a staff member, should they need assistance. The facility also includes a state-of-the-art assisted bathtub for community health clients. The tub eases the transition in and out of the bath for patients having difficulties with bathing.
Residents are encouraged to continue using all of their contacts in the community, such as a hairdresser and picking up their mail. But they also have the option of using the services provided in the facility. Should a resident decide to change their address and have all their mail sent to Whispering Pines, it will be sorted and delivered to their rooms.
Residents will greatly benefit from the fact that the facility has hired a full time activity coordinator to organize programs such as gardening, crafts and celebrations for special occasions.
The facility also includes a huge lounge inside the front foyer with vaulted ceilings; decorated with leather furniture, gas fireplace and wide-screen TV. Adjacent to the foyer is a library/chapel. Families can reserve a large family dining room, where they can cook an entire meal to celebrate a birthday or special occasion.
Parking facilities with power are also available for residents with vehicles.
The facility has 14 full time staff. Four staff will work during the day, two in the evening and one at night.
This initiative is truly an innovative partnership in all senses of the word, with resources and services being shared to reduce costs and duplication. "Our partnership with Peace Country Health has been a very successful one and I look forward to our ongoing relationship, said Dennis Puchailo, Chief Administrative Officer for the Evergreen Foundation. Peace County Health is purchasing laundry services from Whispering Pines, while the senior's lodge will purchase foods and nourishment and maintenance from Peace Country Health. Also, Peace Country Health will have a presence in the lodge. They will assist with personal care the lodge residents may need and will help dispense medications to those who qualify for home care assistance.
"It's a very exciting partnership, states lodge manager, Iris Fraser. With the physical joining of the new facility to the existing Community Health Complex we can offer wonderful amenities and services that both facilities can share. It is a truly wonderful facility and we are anxious for the Grande Opening."
| | For more information, please contact: | | Deb Guerette | | Director Communications | | Peace Country Health | | 780.538.6180 | | deb.guerette@pchr.ca | | http://www.pchr.ca |
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