Seniors in the Cowichan Valley are being moved into the new Hamlets in Duncan, located near the intersection of York Road and Beverly Street, in a gradual manner after the residential-care facility opened on March 30.
The idea of the facility, which includes 80 new publicly funded beds and eight private pay long-term care beds, is to provide seniors with 24-hour complex care in a safe, secure, homelike setting.
The facility is owned and operated by H&H Total Care Services Inc, which has been creating senior living communities with “hamlets” in British Columbia and Alberta for more than 25 years.
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“A supportive and caring community that cares for their seniors and vulnerable members is our top priority and near and dear to my heart,” said Mable Elmore, parliamentary secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long Term-Care.
“It’s great to see this neighbourhood-style residence opening up for seniors in Duncan and the Cowichan Valley, and we’re proud to be able to offer even more community-based services to the people who built our province.”
The Hamlets was built using a neighbourhood design.
Resident rooms are grouped into five neighbourhoods of 16-18 beds.
Each neighbourhood features its own spa/bathing area and each room includes an en-suite bathroom that includes a sink, toilet and wheelchair-accessible shower.
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Annual operating costs for this long-term care home are approximately $5.4 million per year, with funding for the new 80 publicly-funded beds provided by the province through Island Health.
“I remember when we were at the ground breaking, so this is excellent news for the Cowichan community,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan.
“I grew up in Duncan, and I’m very familiar with the increasing need for appropriate seniors services and care; something that is only growing with time. Government, together with the community and health authorities, are making great strides in helping support aging through access to long-term care and other crucial supports.”
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Leah Hollins, chairperson of the board at Island Health, said the project is a testament to the power of partnerships.
“Island Health’s collaboration with H&H Total Care Services Inc. has resulted in this beautiful facility that will provide world-class care to Cowichan Valley seniors and complex care clients,” she said.
“It will also reduce pressure on Cowichan District Hospital.”
Andre Van Ryk, CEO/CFO of H&H Total Care Services, added that the company is excited to be partnering with Island Health and look forward to the many Cowichan Valley residents joining a care-home community that has been built, designed and will be operated to reflect the culture and people to whom it will serve.
