Island Health signs working agreement to turn former Comox hospital into a 'dementia village'

Island Health has signed a project development agreement with Providence Living to build and operate a 156-bed dementia village in the Comox Valley.

The new facility will be built on the site of the existing The Views long-term care home and the former St. Joseph's General Hospital, in Comox.

"As a resident of the Comox Valley for the past 30 years, I've seen the increased need for seniors' care, and I've heard from people looking for choices in long term care homes to meet their specific holistic needs," said Ronna Rae Leonard, parliamentary secretary for seniors and MLA for Courtenay-Comox. "This innovative dementia village will help seniors experiencing dementia continue to have a good and dignified quality of life."

The announcement brings to fruition a vision first unveiled by Providence Residential & Community Care Services Society (former name of Providence Living), in January of 2019.

North Island College is also currently using space at the former hospital, for its Health Care Assistant, and Early Childhood Care and Education programs. The Record has also reached out to NIC for comment.

Main features of the dementia village will include:

• Small, self-contained households of 12 residents where each resident will have their own room and bathroom, leading to heightened infection control in a modern space

• A social model of resident-directed care for people with dementia

• Fostering free movement of people with dementia within a home and village setting

• Ensuring resident involvement in everyday activities within the household or the wider, secure village

• Focusing on individualized smaller groupings; cultural bonds, friendships, social activities

• Emphasizing daily life and sense of belonging – involving residents with food preparation, cooking, laundry

• Amenities for residents and community that include community gardens, child daycare, Island Health-funded adult day programs, and a community space, art studio, bistro and chapel

Construction of the dementia village is estimated to cost $52.6 million. Island Health will provide annual operational funding to meet the Province's target of 3.36 direct care hours per resident day.

Providence Living has already begun the redevelopment planning process, with a goal of starting construction in spring or summer 2021.