Seniors in the Comox Valley now have access to an innovative long-term care home, Providence Living at The Views, as residents begin moving in on Monday, July 8, 2024.

“As the population of B.C. ages rapidly, our government is dedicated to ensuring that seniors are well supported within their communities,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “By investing in transformative long-term care homes, we are putting seniors’ needs at the forefront and working to help maintain their independence. In these homes, seniors, especially those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, can thrive in a healthy, supportive and safe environment.” 

Providence Living at The Views, located at 211 Rodello St., Comox, is Canada’s first public, non-profit long-term care home based on the concepts of a dementia village: a small-scale community designed to promote a sense of belonging and purpose for residents through autonomy and community engagement.

Designed for seniors with and without dementia, as well as younger adults requiring long-term care, Providence Living at The Views is an inclusive long-term care home intended to help residents maintain their independence, social connections and desired personal routines.

“I look forward to the profound, positive effects that this new long-term care home will have on our community,” said Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox. “With an environment that promotes independence and fosters community engagement, this care home will not only enhance the physical health of seniors, but will support every aspect of their well-being, including their mental health.”

Located at the former site of St. Joseph’s General Hospital, the 156-resident home will be organized into 13 households, which include a shared kitchen, laundry room, dining room and living room. Each household will accommodate 12 residents who will each get a private suite with a bathroom and personalized features like a storage space and windows providing natural light to create an inviting, homey atmosphere.

Residents will be able to take part in regular household activities, such as cooking and gardening, and will have access to an outdoor courtyard and community amenities.

Providence Living also worked with the K'ómoks First Nation to design a first-of-its-kind sacred gathering space intended for First Nations, Métis and Inuit staff, residents and families to honour their traditions.

The home will focus on a new care and staffing model called Home for Us. Care will shift from the traditional model of care to a new social/relational model of care that integrates a person-centred approach. The care model will move from scheduled routines to flexible routines where the pace and rhythms of the day are determined by the household members. This ensures residents have control over their routines from day to day.

“Providence Living at The Views marks the beginning of our unwavering commitment to revolutionizing long-term care for seniors in British Columbia,” said Mark Blandford, president and CEO, Providence Living. “By embracing the Home for Us care model, which is person-centred, made-in-B.C. and inspired by the concepts of a dementia village, we are replacing the conventional institutional approach with one that truly honors each resident’s individuality and daily well-being.”

In February 2020, Island Health signed a project development agreement with Providence Living to redevelop a care community to replace The Views through joint funding from the Province, Island Health, St. Paul’s Foundation and the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation.

To meet the increasing demand from British Columbia’s growing seniors’ population during the past five years, government has invested approximately $2 billion to expand and improve the quality of care for seniors. This funding covers improvements, such as primary care, home health, long-term care and assisted living.

In addition, the Province is investing more than $2 billion in the redevelopment and replacement of long-term care facilities, such as projects in Vancouver, Colwood, Abbotsford, Richmond, Prince George, Nanaimo, Delta, Campbell River and Cranbrook.

Quotes:

Harwinder Sandhu, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care –

“Seniors are an integral part of our community, and it is up to us to ensure they get the best care possible. This new long-term care home will make a huge difference in the lives of seniors in our province as, among other services, it will mirror a familiar environment and allow residents to continue engaging in normal daily activities. Long-term care homes, like Providence Living at The Views, ensure our loved ones can lead involved, healthy lives close to home.”

Leah Hollins, board chair, Island Health –

“This trailblazing long-term care home – the first of its kind in Island Health, British Columbia and Canada – marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing compassionate, person-centred care for residents with dementia. By partnering in a facility aimed at fostering emotional connections, preserving autonomy, and promoting personal fulfilment, we have exemplified our dedication to enhancing quality of life for all residents.”

Learn More:

To learn more about Providence Living at the Views, visit: https://providenceliving.ca/our-homes/providence-living-at-the-views/

For more information about senior services in B.C., visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/seniors

Two backgrounders follow.