To support seniors who are no longer able to live in the community, the Province through Fraser Health, will add 125 publicly funded long term-care beds to the region with the planned opening of a new facility in Surrey in 2024.

PICS Diversity Village, operated by Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS), will be open to all seniors in need of long-term care and will provide culturally sensitive services to people who identify as South Asian.

“Across our province, our senior’s population continues to grow, which is why investments into services such as long-term care beds are so important,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “With the addition of these new beds in the Fraser Health region, we are ensuring services for seniors are in place to support people for many years to come.”

PICS Diversity Village will be located at 6471 175A St. in Surrey. It will provide a total of 125 publicly funded beds and feature unique neighbourhoods to facilitate community building with other residents, family members and staff, and will be able to provide care for a full range of complex care residents.

The beds will be resourced at an average of 3.36 direct care hours per resident day in keeping with the provincial target.

“As our population continues to age, we are continuing to bolster the resources we provide seniors living in our region, including long-term care beds,” said Dr. Victoria Lee, Fraser Health president and CEO. “While we want to ensure we are supporting people to live independently in the community for as long as possible, we are also working to make long-term care beds more accessible to seniors if and when they need that level of support.”

While all beds will have the capacity to provide culturally sensitive care to the South Asian population, any senior who meets the criteria to be admitted into long-term care can list PICS Diversity Village as their preferred facility, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background.

“PICS has been serving the community for more than 30 years,” said Satbir Singh Cheema, president and CEO, PICS. “Creating a more inclusive and respectful society is at the core of everything we do, and PICS Diversity Village will be an extension of our vision. I thank all our partners and everyone who has supported our dream of providing a culturally safe home for seniors.”

PICS Diversity Village is a result of a partnership between the Ministry of Health, Fraser Health and PICS.

The total capital cost of the project is expected to be $58 million, with PICS providing $5 million in fundraising for the construction. Once open, the Ministry of Health, through Fraser Health, will provide operational funding on an ongoing basis for care services.

Construction of the new facility is expected to begin in 2022.

Quotes:

Jinny Sims, MLA for Surrey-Panorama —

“Surrey is by far one of the most diverse cities in B.C. I am happy this new diversity village will ensure seniors of all backgrounds can receive everyday care in their native culture – from food to religious practices. This announcement demonstrates the government is adapting to the cultural needs of aging people throughout B.C. and that diversity is our strength.”

Rachna Singh, MLA for Surrey-Green Timbers —

“Surrey is one of the fastest-growing cities in B.C., and our seniors’ population is growing right alongside it. That’s why today is so important for the community. As we grow, we have a responsibility to our population to develop the necessary supports and services to ensure seniors and their families can live well and age comfortably.”

Garry Begg, MLA for Surrey-Guildford —

“Seniors are the hearts of our communities, and they deserve to get the support and care they need to live their healthiest lives. The PICS Diversity Village will bring relief to the seniors in Surrey and their families, by giving providing them with culturally sensitive care in a long-term care home.”

Harry Bains, MLA for Surrey-Newton —

“I hear from seniors and their families in Surrey about wanting more choice in making long-term care decisions. For seniors, this new long-term care home will give them the ability to choose what best meets their needs – a home that is culturally sensitive and close to their families.”

Bruce Ralston, MLA for Surrey-Whalley —

“I think this announcement demonstrates how we are working across government to truly embrace culturally sensitivity – respecting the needs of all of our diverse citizens. The seniors’ population in Surrey is growing rapidly, and with one of the largest groups of South Asian seniors in B.C., they deserve to live in a culturally familiar and comfortable environment as they age.”

Jagrup Brar, MLA for Surrey-Fleetwood —

“This project by PICS for Surrey is an excellent way to ensure that seniors and their families have access to care that respects their diverse cultural backgrounds and helps make them feel more at home. I congratulate PICS, Fraser Health and the province for addressing the growing needs of seniors in Surrey and the surrounding communities.”

Ravi Kahlon, MLA for Delta North —

“Having a home with PICS Diversity Village, where our seniors can feel safe, cared for and part of the community, is so important. Our seniors deserve that respect and consideration after decades of caring for and teaching the community, and I’m proud to see the effort PICS has put in to provide culturally appropriate care.”

Quick Facts:

To provide seniors who identify as South Asian with culturally sensitive supports, PICS Diversity Village will:

• incorporate South Asian cultural values, traditions and beliefs into the care environment;
• work with cultural and faith-based community organizations to connect residents to their services and include South Asian-focused activities into their programming;
• provide residents with traditional South Asian food options;
• provide residents with activities that are familiar to South Asians;
• communicate with residents in their language; and
• train all staff regarding cultural competence and cultural safety.