Safe, comfortable spaces for seniors open at Hamilton Village Care Centre

RICHMOND is now home to 135 new long-term care spaces for seniors, as Hamilton Village Care Centre carefully welcomes its first few residents this month. First announced in 2016, the three-story, wood-frame residence on the Hamilton Lands in east Richmond is part of a larger 10-year rejuvenation strategy for long-term care across Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH).

“We’re working to balance quality, comfortable care in the community with the urgent need for safety and protection of our most vulnerable residents,” said Health Minister Adrian Dix. “Hamilton Village Care Centre will provide that for Richmond seniors.”

Hamilton Village was designed on the small house model now considered a best practice in long-term care; residents have their own rooms with ensuite washrooms and small dining rooms that offer a more intimate, family-style setting. It promotes a neighbourly feel to the living space, offers flexibility, privacy and a range of social settings for residents. The care centre was built and will be operated by Trellis Seniors Services Ltd., and all 135 beds will be publicly funded.

“The modern, small-house design of Hamilton Village Care Centre will improve the quality of life for its residents,” said Mary Ackenhusen, President and Chief Executive Officer of VCH. “We’re proud to be innovating for an improved resident experience and better outcomes for seniors in our region.”

The expansion of long-term care in Richmond is an important step in meeting the care needs of residents who can no longer live safely at home with support. In accordance with Public Health, and with infection prevention and control measures introduced throughout the province in March, residents have been moving in slowly, no more than two per day, to support safe transitions and admissions.

The new residents are arriving from acute care, from other non-outbreak long-term care facilities, as well as those from the community who have significant safety risks at home. They are initially quarantined for 14 days and continually screened for symptoms of COVID-19.  A staff-to-resident ratio able to provide the provincial target of 3.36 hours-per-resident-day will be maintained as residents move in over the coming weeks, and all staff are trained in infection prevention and control, and outbreak protocols.

VCH says that it’s thanks to preparation and capacity planning that Hamilton Village Care Centre opened ahead of schedule. The planned date for move-in was in mid-May, but its early completion allows for additional capacity throughout VCH. Trellis prioritized completion of the project, and the City of Richmond ensured swift approvals and permits.

“These are extraordinary times for families in Richmond and everywhere,” said Mary McDougall, President of Trellis. “We are happy to help ease some of the worry by providing safe care for seniors.”

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