Sagewood’s Phase 2 set to open in 2013

Times Contributor   

 

Sagewood is currently constructing phase 2 of their seniors’ community. The exciting expansion will offer more care for seniors, and will be completed in the fall of 2013.

Amir Rajani, Sagewood’s general manager, says that the expansion will be “really good” for both residents and the community.

Phase 1, which is currently what Sagewood offers, has 102 rooms split up into 40 Supportive Living level 4 (SL4) rooms, 20 Supportive Living Level 4 Dementia (SL4D) rooms, and 42 independent living suites. 

“In Phase 1, more than 80 per cent of the people were from Strathmore, so they got to come back to their community,” said Rajani. With the expansion, more seniors will get the ability to come to Sagewood and experience the community of Strathmore.

Phase 2 will be a three story building with 35 rooms on each floor. These 105 rooms will be split into several groups: 35 of the rooms will be SL4, 35 will be SL4D, and the other 35 will offer long term care.

“Of course there is a need for it in this region,” Rajani said of the expansion, which is a collaborative effort between AgeCare and Alberta Health Services.

There are many benefits to moving into a residence such as Sagewood. Rajani explains that seniors live with structure and all of their needs are assessed and taken care of, including medication and diet.

With the addition of Phase 2, Sagewood will also be introducing an adult day support program, where seniors can drop-in for the day and have activities with residents and other drop-ins. In addition to this program, Sagewood will be able to offer a children’s daycare. 

“Sagewood…after the second phase, will have independent residence, SL4, SL4D and long term care, so three or four different kinds of people with different needs will be in the same community,” Rajani explains. This is beneficial for couples with different needs, who can be placed together, or even for existing residents whose health care needs may change since they can stay in the same community.

Sagewood doesn’t decide who moves into their residences, instead seniors must apply through Alberta Health Services where their needs will be assessed and matched to vacant beds in the system. 

For more information please visit http://www.agecare.ca/sagewood-strathmore.html.