Edmonton, AB – One in six emergency visits to a Covenant hospital involves a senior. As Alberta’s senior population grows faster than any other age group, more older adults are facing loneliness and the fear of being forgotten. This is creating pressure on care, technology, equipment and programs that help our seniors live with dignity.
This June, Covenant Foundation and our donors are responding with action to improve the lives of seniors from La Crete to Lethbridge. In celebration of Seniors' Month, the foundation is raising awareness and funds to support innovative technology, life-enriching programs and specialized equipment at Covenant hospitals and care communities across Alberta.
“We have an opportunity to reimagine what senior care can be,” says Cathie Calarco, director of development with Covenant Foundation. “Honouring seniors is about more than recognition, it’s about coming together to ensure every older adult in our province is supported, valued, and able to age with dignity.”
$17 Million Committed. But We Can Do More.
To date, Covenant Foundation has committed approximately $17 million towards seniors' care initiatives across Alberta that Covenant facilities need to deliver elevated care.
What does that look like in practice? It means VR goggles for residents at the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre, offering immersive experiences that combat isolation and stimulate cognitive engagement. It means more than $50,000 invested in specialty bikes that allow seniors with limited mobility to stay physically active, improving both body and spirit. It means real, tangible improvements in the daily lives of real people.
By the Numbers
1.1 million seniors in Canada feel lonely and isolated (Canada Health Survey on Seniors, Statistics Canada, 2023)
There are 707,000 seniors in Alberta (2024 Seniors Community Profile, Government of Alberta)
Dementia cases are projected to increase by 286% by 2050 (Alzheimer Society of Canada, 2024)
This June, Be Part of the Change
"We are proud of how far we've come," says Cathie "but our work is far from over. Alberta's senior population isn't slowing down and neither are we. We rely on the continued generosity of our donors to keep pace with that need, and to help every senior in our care live with connection and joy."
Alberta's seniors built this province. This Seniors' Month, Covenant Foundation is asking Albertans to invest in their care not just as a gesture of gratitude, but as a recognition that strong seniors' care makes our entire health system stronger.
Donate at seniorsmonth.ca
Enter the 50/50 raffle for a chance to win half of the anticipated $75,000 pot!
Host a fundraiser in your community
Celebrate every moment by sharing your memories on social media and tagging Covenant Foundation, or post yours at seniorsmonth.ca
Seniors' Month is one of the Covenant Foundation's largest annual campaigns. Every dollar raised stays in Alberta, supporting Covenant facilities and the seniors who depend on them. Learn more and get involved at seniorsmonth.ca.
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About Covenant Foundation
Covenant Foundation raises funds to elevate the experience at Covenant hospitals and care communities across the province. Through specialized programs, enhanced care spaces, state-of-the-art equipment and training and leading-edge innovation, we spark transformation as unique as the communities we serve.
Guided by our mission, we prioritize compassionate care for those most vulnerable, supporting the whole person in mind, body and soul. We ensure Albertans don’t just receive exceptional care, they feel it at every moment of their journey.
Media Contact:
Karlee Conway
Marketing and Communications Director, Covenant Foundation
Phone: 780-938-5963
Email: [email protected]