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Huge Nanaimo facility brings new era of dementia care

Apr 5, 2017 | 5:31 PM

NANAIMO — Construction is complete on a massive complex care facility in Nanaimo specializing in care for people with dementia.

Janeane Coutu, chair of Nanaimo Travellers Lodge Society, told NanaimoNewsNOW the 130-bed, $30 million Eden Gardens on Northfield Rd. will be accepting residents shortly.

“We took possession of the keys this week, the building is ours and we’re set to move in,” Coutu said. “The furniture will be arriving throughout the month and April 28 is moving day for all of our residents and staff.”

She said 90 residents are slated to move in on April 28, followed by the remaining 40 in the second or third week of May.

The transition to the 107,000 sq/ft complex will be a big upgrade from to the society’s current 90 bed, 35-year-old Nelson Rd. facility, according to Coutu.

“We are definitely going to make an impact on the ability to take care of our elders, especially those with dementia. We’re going to elevate our level of care with this new facility and the changes we’ve made to the care model.”

Coutu said great consideration was taken into how Eden Gardens was configured. It has two floors dedicated for living space and a basement which includes a coffee shop and salon.

“We have a community of 11 beds and private bathrooms for residents in each community, where they have their own dining room, their own living room, quiet space kitchen.”

Coutu said programs will include music, art classes and gardening, which mimics day-to-day living.

She noted monthly rental rates in the subsidized facility are linked to income levels and typically range from $300 to $3,500 a month.

200 staff will work at the facility, including 24-hour-a-day nursing, kitchen and maintenance staff, as well as an on-site management team.

On Tuesday, the BC government announced $500,000 to fund programming at Eden Gardens.

Coutu added Island Health will fund operating costs to the tune of $10.4 million.

 

Ian.holmes@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @reporterholmes