The venerable Autumn Glen Lodge will get a massive makeover.
In fact, the half-century-old facility for low-income seniors may even be demolished to make way for a new modern home for the town's seniors.
The Parkland Foundation Housing for Seniors is launching a $99,000 six-month feasibility study in January to determine the best future housing option for the town's low-income elderly residents.
"It is an aging facility. The housing needs from 50 years ago have changed and we need to adapt to those changes," said Tracey Walker, board chair of the foundation. "It is a great opportunity to see what the need is and address that. It may mean we will have to change the scope of what we offer in the level of care."
The consultants, from Edmonton's Western Health Planning, have been directed to look at what can be done with the old building, whether it can be expanded, determine whether the right levels of care are in place and examine public and private partnerships. The lodge is now classified as a level one and two care facility where seniors either look after themselves or choose home care by themselves. There is no medical staff at the lodge.
Although no budget has been set yet for whatever option is ultimately chosen, it is possible Innisfail could see a new facility on the scale of the $21.3-million Mount View Lodge in Olds that was officially opened last year.
"We could be a completely different looking place," said Walker.
Once the study is completed in June the board will then recommend the best option for the lodge's future and take it to the foundation's six partnering municipalities ñ Red Deer County, Innisfail, Penhold, Bowden, Elnora and Delburne - for approval. If that is approved the foundation will then develop a business plan, a process that will include seeking provincial government grant support.
The initiative by the foundation, which manages the lodge along with self-contained suites in Bowden, Innisfail and Penhold as well as two family houses in Bowden, is considered its most important and urgent priority.
Foundation officials and staff at Autumn Glen Lodge say they have known for years the 62-room facility was inadequate for local seniors' needs. The lodge's origins date back to 1959 when the provincial government brought in the Homes for the Aged Act.
The first 32 rooms at the facility were built in 1960. A 10-room addition was built in 1974. The lodge was expanded again in 1984 with a 20-room addition, with each unit having a full bath.
However, while the building's infrastructure meets building and safety codes, the size of the residents' rooms as well as the amenities throughout the aging structure have become increasingly inadequate for staff and less desirable for older citizens both in town and throughout the county.
Most quarters for residents range in size from 120 square feet to 167 square feet, with a few at 196 square feet and one at 270 square feet. An Alberta Infrastructure report stated the ideal size for resident rooms is 300 square feet.
As well, the halls and corridors of the building cannot accommodate wheelchairs. Most disturbingly for residents is that more than 40 out of the total 62 rooms do not have a bath. Residents without must use shower facilities or share baths with others.
"It would be good to build it the way we want it, more space and walk-in showers," said 91-year-old resident Harry McKain. "The rooms are way too small and I have no shower."
Meanwhile, the initiative to modernize Autumn Glen is also important for the town because it will convince older citizens to remain in the community, instead of moving to other municipalities where there are better seniors' facilities.
"Keeping our senior residents in Innisfail is always our goal," said Walker, a member of town council. "This will mean providing them with adequate housing. We want their next home to be in that comfort place."
