Short answer: recreation and life enrichment teams in Alberta continuing care homes can order dementia activity supplies from CDS Boutique, a Canadian supplier founded in 1992 that specializes in recreation, sensory and therapeutic products for seniors. We carry over 900 products, accept institutional purchase orders and ship across Alberta, with bilingual service and a dedicated contact for Western Canada.
Alberta's continuing care homes: what changed
Since Alberta's Continuing Care Act came into force on April 1, 2024, long-term care facilities are licensed as Type A continuing care homes, and designated supportive living as Type B (including Type B secure spaces for people living with dementia). Both types must follow the provincial accommodation standards, which cover social and leisure activities, and are inspected by the province. Whatever the type, your residents need varied, accessible activities, and your team needs materials that hold up to daily use.
What to stock: a checklist by resident need
Active games with a local flavour
Adapted curling is a natural fit in Alberta. Our set of 8 NAK curling stones glides on any smooth indoor floor, and lightweight stones mean residents in wheelchairs can play too. Add a pedal exerciser with display for gentle seated exercise, and an Omnikin Six ball for adapted volleyball. See Active Games, Sports and Fitness.
Calm, comfort and sensory stimulation
For residents in secure spaces or with advanced dementia, sensory tools often work better than rule-based games: the large gel aquarium, scent games, a Manimo weighted dog or a therapeutic cushion. Browse Sensory Stimulation, Aromatherapy and Weighted Products.
Bingo, trivia and reminiscence
Easy-to-read window bingo cards, quiz games and English-language reminiscence materials keep group programs running all year. See Bingo and Reminiscence Activities.
Grants for Alberta continuing care homes
Alberta has recently offered funding that can cover recreation and engagement equipment. The province's Assisted Living Innovation Grant Program closed its intake on November 6, 2026, with funding decisions expected in early 2027. Other programs, such as the Enriching Lives Grant Program for Alberta-contracted continuing care homes, may still be open. Our Alberta grants page keeps the details up to date, and Sarah Diaz can help with quotes and product descriptions for your application.
How ordering works for institutions
- Purchase orders are accepted. Your first order is paid in advance by cheque or credit card. Once your credit history is established, we invoice you with payment due within 30 days.
- Tax-exempt facilities: write your exemption number in bold on your purchase order.
- Returns: sealed products can be returned within 30 days with a return authorization number (a 10% handling fee applies). For hygiene reasons, dolls, plush toys, weighted products and robotic animals cannot be returned, so check the product details before ordering.
Full details are in our return policy.
Frequently asked questions
Do you ship to Calgary, Edmonton and rural Alberta?
Yes. We ship anywhere in Alberta by courier from our warehouse in Sherbrooke, Quebec.
Can a Type A or Type B continuing care home order with a purchase order?
Yes. Your first order is prepaid by cheque or credit card, then we can invoice you with payment due within 30 days once your credit history is established.
Who do we contact in Alberta?
Sarah Diaz handles Western Canada facilities and grant support: sarah.diaz@cdsboutique.com.
Which activities work in a Type B secure space?
Activities that are calm, safe and need little explanation: therapeutic dolls and robotic pets, weighted plush, gel pads, sensory tubes and simple music players.
Your contact for Alberta: Sarah Diaz, sarah.diaz@cdsboutique.com, or call us toll-free at 1 888 907-6878. Service is available in English and French. You can also send us a quote request.
Sources
- Continuing Care Act, Alberta King's Printer
- Continuing care accommodation and health service standards, Government of Alberta
- Types of Care: continuing care homes Type A, Type B and Type B secure spaces, Alberta Health Services
- Assisted Living Innovation Grant Program, information webinar (October 15, 2026), Alberta Assisted Living and Social Services
