Senior housing

ABRIO PLACE

SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PROJECT TO OPEN IN 2023

STORY BY JODY SANDERSON

Airdrie’s former Hampton Inn has a new name and a new lease on life.

Abrio Place is the Rocky View Foundation’s (RVF) most recent addition to its group of assisted living senior housing.

Abrio Health, a local health consultant organization, provided the $100,000 donation required to acquire the hotel. RVF bought the hotel in June 2021 and is looking to open in May 2023.

“Because this is our business, we’ve recognized the immense need for such a facility for some time,” says Carol Borschneck, RVF’s Chief Administrative Officer. “The hotel was in excellent condition, only five years old, and renovations have mostly been limited to our common areas, such as the dining room and activity area.”

The 92 rooms are designed for Supportive Living (level 2), 60 of which will be subsidized. Residents 65+ must be functionally independent, with or without the help of existing community services. All daily meals and snacks are provided, with housekeeping and linen changes every week.

Abrio Place has a commercial kitchen, and amenities include busing service, activity spaces, a solarium which acts as a mult-purpose room. Exercise equipment is also available on site. Residents can do their own laundry or pay a fee for the service.

“Every room comes fully furnished,” explains Borschneck. “However, residents are encouraged to bring any of their own belongings to make it as homey as they wish. We will also have a tuck shop available for personal incidentals.”

More than 260 people have expressed interest already, although the facility is not suitable for all applicants. Manager Melissa Bevan is currently contacting applicants and booking tours of the rooms.

Alberta Health Care services provide home care for those requiring such. “But we would like to, at some point soon, use our own staff. It is reassuring for residents to be cared for by people they can see regularly,” says Borschneck.

RVF is currently still fundraising. The property sits on a half acre of land that the organization would like to develop into a park, for outdoor events and exercise opportunities. There is also plenty of parking available on site.

“I would like to acknowledge June and Stan Grad, Don and Roxanne Bell and the Hamilton family for their dedication to this project. We couldn’t have done it without them.” life