Red Deer - FAQ

When did the community open?

This beautiful 5 storey community opened in September 2016 & Phase 2 in 2021.

What is the rental cost? Is a damage deposit required?

Please see the table below. All Rates are approximate.
Damage deposits are equal to one month's rent.

Is there a choice in room size, layout?

There are two types of suites, Studio & 1 Bedroom. There are various floor plans of studio suites and one floor plan of the 1 Bedroom suite. An interior and north courtyard open from the main floor cottages, and on upper floors cottages include balconies off of each living and dining room. See Floor Plans.

Are appliances included?

In Studio and 1 Bedroom DSL4 suites, there is a microwave and a small fridge. In Memory Care suites, microwaves, and fridges are normally not provided.

What services does the rent cover?

The rental rate includes: Three meals per day plus snacks, weekly light housekeeping & linen service, recreational activities, power, heat, and water. Expenses that are not included are: Telephone, cable, internet, assigned parking, and personal laundry services.

How often can the rent increase?

Any rent increase for Designated Supportive Living suites is based on Alberta Health adjusting their “Long Term Care Room Rental Rates” which occurs yearly.

Is parking available?

Unassigned parking is available at no cost. Assigned surface parking stalls with plug-ins are available for a monthly fee.

What security measures will be in place?

The community is locked at all times. DSL4 Residents will be provided with a fob for free access to the building. After-hours visitors can be buzzed in by the Resident, or welcomed by an employee care partner. We encourage Residents to lock their suite doors when not at home. In memory care suites, keys, and fobs are not normally provided.

What about the staffing? Who is in charge of the building? Who cares for the Residents and what type of care do they provide? What are their qualifications?

Operational support at Points West Living communities is provided by Connecting Care (2000) Inc. Resources are available in the areas of Resident services, human resources, leadership and team building, and operations. The community has a local experienced General Manager in charge of the day-to-day operations. Other members of the team employed by Points West specialize in hospitality services, such as developing recreational activities, meal preparation and delivery, housekeeping, administration or maintenance.

There are Certified Health Care Aides (HCA) providing most of the hands-on personal care such as bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, medication assistance, and other services for the Residents. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) perform nursing care functions, such as assessments, injections, wound dressings, and any other tasks that do not fall within an HCA’s scope of practice. Both HCA’s and LPN’s provide support 24/7. These clinical services are provided by Saint Elizabeth Health Care, under the oversight of Connecting Care (2000) Inc.

Alberta Health Services provide health care professionals for clinical care management. The Care Manager, a Registered Nurse, in collaboration with the team (Resident and family/guardian, LPN, HCA’s), will develop the plan of care to meet the Resident’s needs and oversee the implementation and evaluation of the plan. On-Call services by Registered Nurses are provided by the Alberta Health Services Home Care program.

Do couples need to live separately for one to get care?

No. Points West Living supports couples to stay together if they choose to do so, whenever possible. Often a couple can be accommodated in a 1 Bedroom DSL Suite. Another option is to live in separate suites but in the same community.

Do I need to give up my pet to move in?

No. Pets are very welcome to join you. They must be well-behaved, well cared for, have all of their immunizations up-to-date, and be kept on a leash at all times in common areas. Pets can be a maximum of 35 lbs., and will be interviewed by the manager. A $500 pet deposit is required.

Does this community have its own bus service for Doctor's appointments, a bank run, shopping, etc. and will there be a fee to use this service?

There is currently no plan to purchase a bus. We are open to considering this option, based on the wishes of the Residents, and the requirement for a bus based on the services available locally (Red Deer Transit, Action Bus, private transportation companies). If such a program is developed, it will be structured to run on a cost-recovery basis.

What types of amenities are included?

The building includes: A main floor multipurpose/dining room, family dining room, bistro, hair salon, exercise room, assisted bathing spas, reading room, guest suite, cottage living rooms, cottage kitchens and dining rooms, cottage laundry rooms, ample parking, patios, decks, and courtyards with walking paths and gardens. The main floor also houses a children’s daycare and has space for one other commercial tenant.

Who provides the food? Does it come in frozen? Where is it prepared and by whom? Is there a dietician involved in the planning of the meals and special diets?

Points West Living provides homemade meals. We offer Residents a variety of choices, allowing them to enjoy local favorites, familiar foods, and specialties. Fresh fruits and vegetables are used as often as possible. All food is prepared fresh daily, in-house by our care partners who are trained in food preparation and handling, and follow a 9-week menu cycle. Menus are based on the Canada Food Guide and are approved by a Registered Dietician. Texture-modified diets are available and managed on-site.

If the menus are pre-planned, what about holidays, special events, or requests?

While there is a 9-week menu cycle, there is always flexibility within that cycle. All menus are reviewed monthly with special consideration given for holidays; special events and occasions; as well as Residents' comments and requests.

Is there a Physician on call?

No. Supportive Living is a community-based program and not a medical facility such as a Long Term Care Centre. Residents will continue to see their own Doctor in the community in the same manner as before moving to Points West Living Red Deer. Doctors can make home visits.

Who can live at Points West Living?

Points West Living - Independent Supportive Living:

The Independent Supportive Living suites are available to individuals wishing to have the services offered by Points West Living Red Deer (safe and social environment, meals, housekeeping, recreation, 24/7 staffing). We are currently taking applications. Please contact General Manager or Community Engagement Coordinator to arrange for a tour and an application package.

Points West Living - Designated Supportive Living, Long-Term Care & Alternate Level of Care:

The suites are available to individuals assessed by Alberta Health Services through Coordinated Access for Points West Living Red Deer. Inquiries on the assessment and placement process can be obtained by contacting the Alberta Health Services Central Zone Continuing Care Access Centre at 1-855-371-4122.