Wing Kei to Build New Supportive Living Centre

Our Strategic Direction: Expand services and programs to meet community demands and to broaden the scope of the organization

A year after the Wing Kei Care Centre opened its doors in 2005, the Board began dreaming about its next project—the development of a supportive living facility. Now, that dream is coming to fruition, aided by a $6.5 million grant from the provincial government. “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for us and completely fits with our vision and strategic directions to grow our services to meet the needs of seniors,” says Brian Lee, Wing Kei Board Chair. Wing Kei currently offers long term care to 135 residents, assisted living to eight residents and home care services to 180 clients. The new 90-bed facility, located in Calgary’s Greenview community, will provide designated assisted living services.

The funds were granted to Wing Kei by Alberta Seniors and Community Supports under the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative. “This funding reflects our government’s commitment to providing more options that allow seniors to remain as independent as possible, even as their personal care needs increase,” says the Honourable Mary Anne Jablonski, Minister of Seniors and Community Supports. “I am confident that this new project will build upon Wing Kei’s success and experience in providing seniors accommodations that increases the quality of life for their residents.”

Designated assisted living offers a home-like environment, with residents maintaining privacy and independence while accessing health and personal care as they need. This provides an option for seniors who require more support than is offered through home care and who do not require the specialized care offered in long term care facilities.

Building on a strength, Wing Kei plans to adapt its successful approach to providing culturally appropriate care for seniors to the supportive living environment, ensuring residents’ language, food and recreational needs are met. “As an organization we feel so fortunate to have the confidence of the provincial government and the community to expand our services,” says Brian. “Our goal is to glorify God by caring for seniors with love and respect. Providing seniors with options for their care is part of this goal. We know that when we succeed in achieving this goal, the whole community benefits—it is a true blessing.”