Construction has begun on a new Bethany Care Society care home, located in Calgary where the organization’s first facility opened in 1945. The new care facility will have 420 private rooms with ensuites, organized into small “homes” with 14 units, each featuring shared living and dining spaces. The project is part of a massive redevelopment effort aimed at reimagining how care is provided for seniors, with a focus on dignity, independence, and community. The smaller homes within the facility are designed to reduce the number of residents sharing the same space, inspired in part by learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Al Kryski, Bethany Care Society’s board chair, explains that the design of smaller homes within the facility will create a sense of individuality and warmth, similar to homes on a street, with each neighborhood having its own distinct character. The construction of the new care home comes at a time when demand for continuing care facilities is expected to increase in the province, with one in seven Albertans currently over the age of 65, a number expected to rise to one in five by 2048. The provincial government has allocated $114 million in funding for the project as part of a review of continuing care in the province.
Admission to Bethany care homes is managed by Alberta Health Services, which assesses resident needs and suitability for bed type and care levels. In addition to government funding, the Bethany Care Society is launching a capital campaign to raise an additional $20 million to pay for amenities such as a bistro, courtyards, and gathering spaces for residents, family, and community members to enjoy. President and CEO of Bethany Care Society, Jennifer McCue, emphasizes the importance of planning for increased demand for care homes and ensuring that they are flexible and meet the expectations of a newer generation of residents.
The construction of the new care home is also a response to the changing demographic landscape and the need to replace older facilities. The smaller homes and focus on individuality and community aim to provide a more personalized and comfortable living environment for seniors. Construction is expected to be completed in late fall 2027, providing a modern and innovative option for seniors in need of continuing care in the Calgary area. The project reflects a shift in how care is provided to seniors, with an emphasis on creating a home-like environment that fosters dignity, independence, and a sense of community.
