Health
People in Vernon will soon have greater access to care closer to home with construction underway on 90 new publicly funded long-term care beds in the community, as part of the largest one-time increase in long-term care beds in the Interior in more than 16 years.
“Seniors and Elders deserve safe, comfortable and high-quality care close to home,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “This investment in 90 new long-term care beds ensures that older adults in the Vernon area will have access to care in their community when they need it.”
The new beds are part of an expansion of Creekside Landing and are expected to be ready for residents by June 2023. Creekside Landing provides long-term care, assisted living and independent living services.
After a competitive bidding process, the contract was awarded to Kaigo Senior Living.
The three-storey expansion will be built to current prevention, infection and control standards and feature a modern design, providing a warm and caring environment. A large new outdoor garden and bridge running over Vernon Creek will be added to the outdoor amenities, including secure walkways.
These new long-term care beds in Vernon are part of government’s investment to create 495 new long-term care beds in the Interior Health region. The remaining 405 beds will be in Kamloops, Kelowna, Nelson and Penticton. Interior Health issued five requests for proposals for the beds in July 2020.
Improving access to long-term care is part of the B.C. government’s commitment to strengthen the supports available to seniors. The Province has invested more than $1.4 billion over the past four years to improve care for seniors, including investments in primary care, home health, long-term care, assisted living and respite services.
A backgrounder follows.
