Calgary Health Foundation Commits $1 Million to Expand Bariatric Care Services in Alberta
The Calgary Health Foundation has announced a significant $1 million investment in Assisted Living Alberta (ALA) to fund the expansion of specialized bariatric care services at two key Calgary locations. This strategic partnership aims to address the growing demand for weight-related healthcare while optimizing hospital resources across the province.
Enhancing Care at Carewest Facilities
The funding will support critical upgrades at Carewest Garrison Green and Carewest Sarcee, two facilities that provide essential continuing care services. At Garrison Green, seven existing bariatric spaces will be modernized to improve accessibility and better accommodate residents who require specialized equipment. Meanwhile, Sarcee will receive a new bariatric bed along with site enhancements designed to facilitate safer transfers, personal care, and rehabilitation activities.
Addressing System Pressures and Patient Needs
This investment is expected to have a dual impact on Alberta's healthcare system. By creating appropriate continuing care spaces for patients with complex weight-related needs, the initiative will free up acute care hospital beds for those with critical requirements. Additionally, it will ensure that Albertans living with severe obesity receive long-term rehabilitation and community discharge assistance when needed.
Dr. Sayeh Zielke, Executive Chair of the Assisted Living Alberta Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of this partnership: "This represents an important step forward in addressing a growing and complex care need. We are grateful to Calgary Health Foundation for this commitment which will improve access to safe and enhanced bariatric care for Albertans."
Leadership Perspectives on the Initiative
Paul Rossmann, President and CEO of Calgary Health Foundation, highlighted the broader benefits of the investment: "We are proud to support this initiative with Assisted Living Alberta and Carewest. By investing in optimized continuing care spaces for bariatric patients, we can ensure they receive care in a setting designed to meet their needs, which will relieve pressure on hospitals."
Barb Kathol, Chief Operating Officer of Carewest, added: "By increasing bariatric capacity at Garrison Green and enhancing supports at Sarcee, more patients will be able to transition safely from hospital to community-based settings sooner. This will help reduce unnecessary hospital stays and improve patient flow across the system."
Timeline and Future Implications
The upgrades at Carewest Garrison Green are scheduled for completion by summer 2026, with Carewest Sarcee enhancements expected by fall 2026. This marks Assisted Living Alberta's first major philanthropic partnership and reflects a shared commitment between ALA, Carewest, and Calgary Health Foundation to improve care quality and patient outcomes for those with complex medical needs.
The initiative represents a proactive approach to healthcare management in Alberta, focusing on creating appropriate care settings that can reduce hospital wait times and ensure patients receive timely, specialized treatment in environments suited to their specific requirements.
