10 new hospice beds, 12 long-term care beds opening at Foyer Lacombe
EDMONTON – Additional hospice and long-term care beds will open in St. Albert early next year, Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Covenant Care announced today.
A new mixed unit – with 10 new hospice beds and 12 new long-term care beds funded by AHS – is scheduled to open in January at Foyer Lacombe, a facility owned by the Oblates in St. Albert.
“We appreciate the tremendous support of the community for hospice care in St. Albert and we’re very pleased to partner with Covenant Care to expand end-of-life and long-term care in St. Albert and surrounding areas,” says Carol Anderson, Executive Director for Continuing Care in the AHS Edmonton Zone.
“We made a commitment to improve access to continuing care in all areas of the province. These new beds will have a positive impact on access to timely, appropriate health care across the health system.”
Hospice beds provide specialized care for individuals diagnosed with a serious illness that will shorten their life. End-of-life care is highly collaborative, with caregivers working closely with patients and their loved ones to ensure the patient is treated with dignity, with a focus on providing best quality of life possible.
Long-term care is provided to individuals with complex health needs in a hospital-like setting. Under the direction of a family physician, an on-site registered nurse supervises care with the support of licensed practical nurses, health care aides and other health care providers, as appropriate.
“We identified a need for additional long-term care and hospice beds in St. Albert and neighbouring communities,” says Anderson.
“We’re really happy we were able to work creatively and collaboratively with the community and our partners in Covenant Care to find a way to meet the needs and better serve the residents of these communities.”
The beds will be located in a newer wing of the building that also houses an independent living program operated by the Missionary Oblates.
“We are very much looking forward to working with health professionals and partners in the community to make a difference for individuals and families at the most vulnerable times of their lives,” says Dennie Hycha, Senior Director of Operations, Covenant Care. “We’re building on a 150-year legacy of Catholic health care that began on this very spot in Alberta, serving people of all faiths and traditions with quality, compassionate care for body, mind and soul.”
Covenant Care is a non-profit partner in Alberta’s integrated health system offering innovative approaches to supporting seniors in a caring community where they can thrive. Located in Red Deer, Calgary and the Edmonton area, Covenant Care offers an enriching environment for seniors care and hospice care — respecting dignity and individual choice, encouraging a spirit of creativity, honouring each person’s potential and nurturing human connections.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
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For media inquiries, contact:
Christi Retson-Spalding
AHS Communications
780-407-8545
Christi.retson-spalding@ahs.ca
Rayne Kuntz
Covenant Care
780-246-2523
rayne.kuntz@covenanthealth.ca