Carmel Hospice

In-home palliative bed program

Respite care

Seniors’ lodge program *vacancies available!*

Special auxiliary beds

Visiting hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. We ask that guests and visitors sign in and out at the main elevator on the main floor.

The building is locked 24/7, but you can request access by ringing the bell at either the front entrance or ramp entrance at the back of the building.

Family members and visitors are welcome at St. Joseph’s Home. We believe visits by family and friends contribute greatly to the comfort and well-being of our patients and residents. At times, restrictions on those hours may be suggested to ensure the best patient care.

We ask that children be accompanied and under constant supervision of an adult.

Site Administrator

Ryan Wiest
403.526.3818
Ryan.Wiest@covenanthealth.ca

Clinical Unit Manager

Racquel Charnetski
403.526.3818
racquel.charnetski@covenanthealth.ca

Stop the spread of germs

• For the safety of our residents, we encourage you to clean your hands when you visit. See A Guide to Clean Hands for information on protecting yourself and your loved ones.
• If you’re sick, it's best to wait and visit your loved one when you’re feeling better. If you must visit and you’re coughing or sneezing, consider wearing a mask to protect your loved one.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then discard the tissue. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your upper sleeve or elbow.
• Clean your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer, especially after coughing or sneezing.

Update to Designated Family/Support Person and Visitor Access

Covenant Health acknowledges the social nature of care and the role of family as an integral dimension of the patient and resident experience. Therefore, at Covenant Health there is a presumption in favour of family presence as the standard of care.

Exceptions are necessary when patient, resident and staff safety, quality, privacy and other factors determine limitations.

Refer to the Designated Family/Support Person and Visitor Policy for more information about access and visitation.

Free visitor parking is available, including accessible parking stalls, in the parking lot behind St. Joseph’s Home and around the perimeter of the building, including 3rd Street. Please be aware of restricted areas of parking and designated resident parking spots.

Parking map

Staff                                                                 70

Volunteers                                                      20

Long-term care beds                                   10

Palliative care beds                                       10

Embracing change in rural care
Specialized beds provide comfort at end of life
Making patients comfortable at the end
Vehicle parade connects residents and families
Hospice wedding fulfills last wish
St. Joseph's Home brings a community together

St. Joseph's Home in Medicine Hat, Alberta, was established on, April 11, 1951. Initially started at the request of Bishop Francis P. Carroll of Calgary, the Carmelite Sisters arrived with the goal of providing a comfortable home for seniors in the area.

The property was initially purchased for the Sisters by Msgr. McCoy, Pastor of St. Patrick's Parish. The Carmelite Sisters worked tirelessly to receive visitors who eventually arrived May 31, 1951.
Space in the facility filled quickly, forcing the Sisters to move to the attic and basement to create more space for residents. Soon it became clear that a new building was necessary. With funds raised by a committee, construction on a new building began and was completed in 1956.

By 1985 it became clear that St. Joseph’s Home needed a new building. Again a building committee came together and was chaired by his Excellency Bishop Paul O'Byrne. Donations were collected from a variety of different sources, including the Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph's Ladies Auxiliary and from a benefit hockey game played by the famous Flying Fathers.

The building saw another addition in 1987 when a new wing featuring a new convent was built, again with the support of generous donors and fundraising. One of the most recognizable donations to the new facility was the three beautiful stained glass windows for the renovated chapel.

For over 60 years the Sisters have a provided a safe, secure, assisted living program for the elderly in the Medicine Hat area. In 2011 St. Joseph's Home became part of Covenant Health. The Carmelite Sisters realized that it was time to pass the torch to an established Catholic organization so that the tradition of love and care they started would continue. Covenant Health is also committed to maintaining the Station of the Cross park adjacent to St. Joseph's Home, which is a unique feature of the facility.