Big isn't always better
Care homes in Alberta used to be small and intimate — dating back to the rural care homes in the early 1900s that were often attached to churches, nursing posts, and even private residences. However, between 1965 and 1990, as the aging population grew and began to congregate in regional and urban areas, governments began to construct larger-footprint buildings to accommodate 50 to 100 residents. By 2005 to 2020, mega-facilities came into fashion, with some developers building care homes that could accommodate up to 400+ residents.
However, as the prevalence of dementia continues to grow, governments and care home operators are now recognizing that large-footprint spaces can feel overwhelming to residents with cognitive challenges. This has led to some innovations in ‘right-sizing’ larger care homes to create smaller, pod-style living units within the larger footprint. This is achieved by:
Creating distinct units or wings within a larger structure, complete with their own recreational, meeting and dining spaces designed for smaller cohorts of residents.
Clustering multiple small-footprint structures within a larger ‘campus’ — where most daily living activities are held within the small structures, with occasional larger gatherings in shared, campus-wide spaces.
Developing connecting walkways (indoor and outdoor) between multiple smaller structures within a campus.
Moving back to smaller care homes
CHAA has been a strong advocate to funders regarding several changes that will help move our sector toward smaller footprint care homes:
Dedicated grant funding to retrofit, redesign or replace the large care homes that were constructed between 1965 and 2000. Many of these homes are now at the end of their useful life but are situated on large real estate holdings in prime and inner city locations. Not-for-profit operators are keen to repurpose and modernize these high-potential buildings.
Operational funding that supports the higher costs of a small-footprint care environment. For example, providing meal services in six or eight ‘pods’ costs considerably more than congregating 200 residents into a common dining hall.
Flexible space design is an essential element of new building design and retrofitting. For example, moveable walls allow amenity spaces to serve multiple purposes or to be expanded or contracted to accommodate either singles or couples in private rooms.
Related Content
Learn more about resident quality of life.
Family caregivers
Only 5% of seniors will ever need care in a continuing care facility. The remaining 95% will often look to family caregivers to support their health, safety, and well-being at home.
About CHAA
CHAA is the official voice of not-for-profit, faith-based care organizations. We’re a strong and visionary provincial association – dedicated entirely to improving quality of life and care in partnership with our residents and clients.
PCBF funding research
The Patient Care Based Funding (PCBF) model has served Alberta well for more than a decade. Still, CHAA’s research shows there is room to strengthen this funding model for the benefit of residents, staff, and contracted operators.