Stettler’s new seniors’ supportive living complex Points West Living has opened its doors with a total of 104 suites.
“So far, we have 10 residents living here,” said general manager Susan Cameron, who has 11 years’ experience in seniors care and also a registered nurse.
Since early last week, Pine Ridge in Stettler Hospital and Care Centre have been moving the 32 residents to Points West.
“They are continuing to move residents from Pine Ridge, two a day, until the end of this month, and then it will close,” Cameron said.
“Residents are happy with the nice, big suites and good food.”
Located on 70 Street at the corner of 44 Avenue, the complex features 88 supportive-living suites filled by Alberta Health Services, along with 16 independent suites.
That includes 30 suites for memory care, which was previously not available in Stettler.
Residents for support living will move in during August, with a grand opening planned for some time in September.
Points West already has a waiting list for the independent living.
Some residents are also coming from Heritage House.
“When I heard that this place was being built, I wanted to move in,” said Jim Ellwood, a resident of Heritage House for eight years.
“The rooms are twice the size, the meals are super, and we are getting care for very good.”
Now he will also enjoy an ideal view of Stettler Sports Park to watch soccer and baseball.
Points West continues to hire staff and encourages local people to apply for positions such as licensed practical nurses, staff for administration, food services, recreation and maintenance.
“We will have a staff of about 100 employees, full-time and part-time,” Cameron said.
“We already have some coming from Pine Ridge.”
Wages are the same grid at Alberta Health Services.
Licensed practical nurses and certified health care aides will be employed under standards of Alberta Union of Provincial Employees.
For potential residents, designated assisted living units will be capped at $1,785 a month while independent units range from $2,200 to $2,600 a month, with round-the-clock professional health care.
Residents will be accommodated in a cottage-style community at Points West.
“Each cottage will be named by the residents, families and staff to reflect the culture of the Stettler area,” Cameron said.
“Archive photos of the Stettler area will also hang around the facility.”
Over the two-storey facility, six seating areas accommodate up to 16 people for small gathering and meals, with other features such as several lounges and exercise room which can also be used for physical therapy.
Outside the complex, raised gardens and walking paths will be located behind the building.