Provincial funding for a 48-bed supportive living facility was announced in March 2015, and ground has finally been broken. A sod turning ceremony for the new Pioneer Place was held Friday, and construction will begin this month.
Connecting Care CEO Doug Mills explains that the new homes will have a focus on dementia care, filling in the missing piece of the puzzle.
“The new Pioneer Place that’s coming up will have a place for memory care, which there’s none in this community. It’s a huge need all throughout Alberta and most of Canada. There’s a stepping stone through a system here, so nobody really will have to leave Hythe.
The community is located in the same area as Pioneer Home, the continuing care facility, and the local pharmacy and medical clinic. Alberta Health Services North Zone Executive Director for Seniors Health Robyn Maddox says it gives local seniors the opportunity to age in their own community.
“It’s just important to get the options out for clients. Right now, we have long-term care in the community, but the nearest designated supportive living [facility] where we provide care is in Grande Prairie. So, if clients are requiring these levels of care, it is really, really important to help provide that in the community they come from.”
The project received a $3.9 million Affordable Supportive Living Initiative grant, which will cover part of the $11.4 million price tag. Construction will begin in October and Pioneer Place should be accepting residents by October or November 2017.