Today marked the grand opening of The Rosewood at Harmony Court Care Centre and Fraser Health's first model of care designed for medically stable, independently mobile seniors with dementia.

The Rosewood neighbourhood provides families with a unique care solution for a loved one who is no longer able to live on their own, or can no longer be supported in an Assisted Living setting.

The 25 newly renovated private suites occupy the main floor of Harmony Court, a setting operated by AgeCare Communities. Staff with specialized knowledge and skills provide residents with a safe and secure environment, activities, and supports to assist them in maintaining their independence in a community setting.

Residents are treated with dignity and respect - emphasizing their abilities rather than their losses. A courtyard filled with planters allows gardening enthusiasts to continue to fulfill their passion, and a variety of activities foster social interactions, including playing bingo, singing in a group and gathering for afternoon tea.

The Rosewood neighbourhood is the first development in Fraser Health of the Alternative Care Model - Dementia (ACM-D), which fills a service gap between Assisted Living and Residential (Complex) Care. ACM-D provides a home for individuals who, because of their cognitive impairment, require more supports than can be offered in Assisted Living and yet do not require the full range of services offered in complex care settings.

The annual funding for this new program is close to $1.2 million. Fraser Health expects this new model will be the blueprint for the development of future sites to meet the housing and care needs of a growing population of seniors with dementia.

Quotes:

Michael de Jong, Minister of Health -

"Our government is committed to providing housing solutions that make sense for seniors and their changing care needs. This new model of care will allow the growing number of seniors with dementia to remain in their community, close to family and friends."

Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors to the Minister of Health -

"It is important that seniors in care remain as active and independent as possible. Seniors who make The Rosewood their home will continue to enjoy a full life with enjoyable daily activities such as gardening and playing games."

Harry Bloy, Burnaby-Lougheed MLA -

"Seniors are living longer, healthier lives and our government is committed to promoting their independence through a variety of housing options."

Richard T. Lee, Burnaby North MLA -

"The opening of The Rosewood is a welcomed addition to housing options for area seniors. It will benefit many families throughout the region knowing that their loved one is being well taken care of with dignity and respect."

Heather Cook, executive director, Residential and Assisted Living, Fraser Health -

"Developing a continuum of housing and care services is a top priority for Fraser Health. This redeveloped facility provides seniors with the supports needed to meet their diverse care needs in a home-like setting."

Dr. Hasmukh Patel, CEO, AgeCare Communities -

"We are pleased to be able to partner with the Province and Fraser Health to provide seniors with dementia a place to call home, and comfort to families knowing their loved one is enjoying life in a safe environment."

Quick Facts:

* The Alternative Care Model - Dementia is the first care model of its kind in Fraser Health.

* The Rosewood at Harmony Court is a partnership between Age Care, an independent contractor, and Fraser Health.

* The government has created a continuum of care for seniors in British Columbia.

o Home health services: For seniors with varying health-care needs, up to and including end of life, who want to stay in their home and are able to manage with assistance.

o Assisted Living: For seniors who can no longer live at home, yet do not require the 24-hour, seven day a week professional care provided in residential care facilities.

o Residential Care: For seniors with complex care needs who require full-time professional care.

* In 2008, the provincial government met its commitment to provide 5,000 net-new residential care beds, assisted living units, supportive housing and home support. The Province has opened over 6,300 additional new beds and units across B.C. since 2001. In total, 13,780 new and replacement beds and units have been opened, replacing many that were old and unsuitable.

* Fraser Health has built 1,888 additional beds and units since 2001.

Learn More:

For more information about Fraser Health's new care model, visit: www.fraserhealth.ca

Contacts:

Ryan Jabs

Media Relations Manager

Ministry of Health

250 952-1887 (media line)

Roy Thorpe-Dorward

Fraser Health

604 587-4612

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect