Press release
Vancouver Coastal Health signs agreement for a new residential care centre in Sechelt
Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Coastal Health has signed a contract with the Trellis Group to build and operate a new 128-bed residential care centre in Sechelt. The Silverstone Care Centre will result in an increase of 20 residential care beds on the Sunshine Coast, providing care for more seniors in their own community. It is scheduled to open in August 2018.
As well as offering residential care beds in a contemporary setting, Silverstone will also double the current number of VCH hospice beds to four and house the community’s existing Adult Day program in a purpose built space. The 20-bed increase includes five additional special care beds, which will provide the safety and security required for residents with advanced dementia and challenging behaviours. This expansion will also shorten the wait time for Sunshine Coast residents transitioning to residential care.
Silverstone Care Centre will replace Totem Lodge and Shorncliffe, two older facilities where washrooms, hallways and common spaces are small. At Totem Lodge, many residents are sharing rooms, sinks and toilets. Once the new centre opens, Totem Lodge and Shorncliffe may be repurposed for other, more appropriate health care services.
“Silverstone Care Centre will provide residents the dignity they deserve,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “The new care home will improve residents’ quality of life, increase socialization and create a sense of personal belonging.”
Silverstone Care Centre will consist of several small “houses” within a single building. Each house provides care for 16 residents, complete with their own dining room and lounge. Every resident will have their own private room and washroom. Private rooms assist in decreasing aggression and agitation for cognitively compromised residents and those with dementia.
“This model of small homes is known as ‘home and neighbourhood design’ and is considered a best practice in residential care. It enhances residents’ privacy and care, while at the same time promoting companionship,” says Mike Nader, Chief Operating Officer, VCH-Coastal Community of Care.
Vancouver Coastal Health is committed to replacing older care homes that no longer fully meet the needs of seniors in residential care. Current plans call for about 600 beds across VCH, and an additional 300 beds are planned for the Lower Mainland over the next several years.
VCH is responsible for the delivery of $3.4 billion in community, hospital and residential care to more than one million people in communities including Richmond, Vancouver, the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky corridor, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola.
