New Burnaby facility fills gap for care of seniors with dementia
Burnaby is now home to the first care facility in the Fraser Health region designed for seniors with dementia who can no longer live on their own but don't require full-time care.
The Rosewood at Harmony Court Care Centre provides care for medically stable and independently mobile people no longer able to live on their own or in an assisted living setting.
The facility, which had its grand opening last week, is operated by AgeCare Communities in partnership with the Fraser Health Authority. It consist of 25 newly renovated private suites. Specially-trained staff provide residents a safe and secure environment, activities, and assistance in maintaining their independence in a community setting.
The Rosewood is the first project in the Fraser Health Authority to follow its alternative care model for dementia, which fills a gap between assisted living and residential (complex) care. The model provides a home for people who can no longer live on their own but don't require 24-hour professional care.
Annual funding for the new program is almost $1.2 million. Fraser Health expects the model will be the blueprint for the development of future sites to meet the housing and care needs of a growing population of seniors with dementia.
“Our government is committed to providing housing solutions that make sense for seniors and their changing care needs," said Health Minister Michael de Jong, in a press release. "This new model of care will allow the growing number of seniors with dementia to remain in their community, close to family and friends.”
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