People living with significant health challenges because of an acquired brain injury will soon have access to improved care and rehabilitation-focused support through a new purpose-built supportive-living home.
“Receiving care as close to home as possible makes a huge difference for people recovering from injuries, especially one as serious as a brain injury,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “That’s why we’re bringing dedicated and rehabilitation-focused brain injury programs to community settings like Parksville. This new supportive-living home will provide the specialized services patients need, helping them to recover closer to their families and loved ones.”
Following a request-for-proposals process for 16 beds and a service provider, Island Health awarded a contract to Connect Communities, a Langley-based organization that specializes in providing services for people living with brain injuries. Connect will construct a condo-style supportive-living home where staff will deliver 24/7 intensive care aimed at improving wellness, and promoting independent living and community integration.
Connect Parksville will be a 28-bed facility, with the remaining beds available to non-Island Health clients. Parksville council approved rezoning for the site at 365 Moilliet St. in October 2024.
As part of the Island Health contract, Connect will offer 24-hour support services for 16 clients living with brain injuries. This includes eight short-term bedrooms for individuals transitioning to independent living and eight long-term bedrooms for individuals requiring ongoing care. The facility will serve clients from central and north Vancouver Island.
The comprehensive brain injury program will offer a range of therapies, including occupational, physio, speech-language and recreational programs, as well as social work and psychology services. The people supported by Connect Parksville will also receive personal care, medication management, life-skills training, and opportunities for cultural and social activities.
Construction began in January 2025, with Connect Parksville estimated to open in March 2026.
A backgrounder follows.