New dementia & assisted living accommodation Facility planned for Oyen
Work on a new 14-bed assisted living and dementia care spaces at the Oyen Seniors Lodge continues to move forward, with construction on the project beginning this summer. This project is being cost-shared by Acadia Foundation, Special Areas Board, and the Government of Alberta, and is estimated to cost $11.7M. Once completed, the new facility will provide key designated supportive living spaces that will support a range of care, including dementia care. The expansion will ensure residents are able to age in place in their own community, remaining closer to friends and family.
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“Acadia Foundation’s mandate includes providing affordable room and board for seniors who are functionally independent, but who may need assistance from community-based services. By adding the 14-bed Supportive Living 4/4D wing at the Oyen Lodge, we will ensure seniors, who might require a higher level of care, can remain in their community longer. This project provides a home-like environment with 24-hour nursing care and helps residents stay close to friends and family as their needs change over time.” — Allan Stober, CAO – Acadia Foundation Seniors Housing
The 14-bed unit is being constructed as an 10,500 square foot expansion of the Oyen Seniors Lodge. The new addition will include common dining and living spaces for residents and will have 13 DSL4/4D suites and one Bariatric Suite. The DSL4/4D spaces will help make sure residents who transition from the lodge to extended care can stay in a lodge-type facility that provides around the clock nursing care. Currently there is a significant gap in care services available for seniors in the region, forcing many to leave their community behind to access this type of care.
“Alberta’s government is proud to support this project which will ensure seniors in Oyen have access to the necessary supports when they require more care. We are committed to working with our partners in health to ensure seniors living in lodges, and across the continuing care spectrum have the supports they need.” — Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services
“The planning started for this care facility almost 20 years ago when it was identified as needed in our community. It will help to fill the current gap that exists between independent living and long-term care. We are so excited to see it through to fruition.” — Peter Rafa, Chair – Acadia Foundation Board
“The Special Areas Board is proud to partner on this important project. The 14-bed expansion at the Oyen Lodge is critically needed for our region and helps fill a gap in care currently available. By giving seniors who need more care the flexibility to stay in the lodge, we are helping make sure they can stay close to their loved ones while getting the care they need.” — Jordon Christianson, Chair – Special Areas Board
JMAA Architecture has been working with the project team to complete design work on the project since December 2022. Wahl Construction, from Medicine Hat, AB, was selected through the competitive procurement process to complete construction of the new addition and is expected to begin work mid July 2024. The expansion project is anticipated to take around 18 months to complete.