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Alberta’s government is investing in a simple but powerful idea: that continuing care facilities should feel less like institutions and more like home.
With more than $7 million committed to improving living environments in 52 provincially funded continuing care homes, the province is aiming to enhance daily life for over 4,000 residents. The initiative focuses on creating warm, familiar spaces that support not just physical care, but emotional well-being and dignity as Albertans age.
“Where you live matters – especially as you age,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services. “That’s why we’re making continuing care feel more like home, ensuring Alberta is not only the best place to live, work and raise a family, but also the best place to retire.”
The funding is being directed toward practical, quality-of-life improvements that transform clinical settings into more welcoming and personalized environments. These include features designed to support residents living with memory or cognitive challenges—such as murals and visual cues that help individuals navigate their surroundings and reduce anxiety.
Beyond physical upgrades, the initiative also focuses on strengthening connection and community. Residents will benefit from culturally meaningful meals inspired by their favourite foods and traditions, as well as opportunities to engage with younger generations through local programming. Technology is also being introduced to help residents stay connected with loved ones, while hands-on activities like gardening aim to foster a sense of purpose and belonging.
“Aging with dignity begins in places that truly feel like home,” said Toby Schneider, acting CEO of Assisted Living Alberta. “This funding supports the transformation of continuing care homes into environments where comfort, familiarity and connection are part of everyday life.”
Importantly, the improvements are being guided by input from residents and care staff, ensuring that each project reflects the unique needs and preferences of the people who live and work in these spaces.
The investment is part of a broader effort to expand and modernize Alberta’s continuing care system. The province is currently undertaking the largest expansion in its history, with billions of dollars planned over the next decade to build new spaces and meet growing demand.
Since 2019, more than $750 million has been invested to create over 3,000 continuing care spaces, with an additional $400 million allocated for shovel-ready projects. Today, Alberta has approximately 30,000 provincially subsidized continuing care spaces supported by more than 240 home and community care providers.
The need continues to grow. Alberta is currently home to about 865,000 seniors—a number expected to surpass one million within the next decade. Within 20 years, one in five Albertans will be over the age of 65, placing increasing importance on accessible, compassionate and community-focused care.
Through initiatives like this, the province is working to ensure that as demand rises, so too does the quality of life for those who call continuing care home.
For more information about continuing care in Alberta, visit the Government of Alberta website at www.alberta.ca/continuing-care-in-alberta.
Source: Government of Alberta press release
(Adapted and edited for publication by the Two Hills Chronicle)
