Seniors in Victoria will soon be able to access the long-term and dementia care they need as they move in to in a brand new long-term care home with 320 publicly funded beds.
Starting on July 10, seniors living with complex health issues and dementia have a brand-new place to call home at The Summit, an $86-million, 320-bed modern long-term care home in Victoria’s Quadra Village neighbourhood.
“As part of our action plan to increase direct-care hours, we are expanding the availability of long-term and dementia care on Vancouver Island with The Summit,” said Health Minister Adrian Dix. “We are delighted that tomorrow is moving day, and that so many seniors are going to benefit from person-centred care in this comfortable, home-like environment. We know that a big part of wellness is that sense of feeling connected to others. The Summit will provide a true sense of community for everyone who lives and works here.”
The B.C. government is investing more than $1 billion over three years to improve care for seniors, including investments in primary care, home health, long-term care and assisted living. This includes investing $240 million over three years to increase staffing levels in long-term care homes, with the goal of achieving the provincial standard of 3.36 hours per resident day on average across all health authorities.
Seniors moving into The Summit will benefit from this commitment, as the long-term care home will be funded at the provincial standard.
Residents at The Summit will have private bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, grouped into “houses” (clusters of 16-24 residents). Private rooms offer a significant benefit for residents as an effective way to help keep them safe from the spread of communicable illnesses, such as influenza and the COVID-19 virus.
The site also includes a hair salon, and a dialysis room to eliminate the need to travel to hospital. Outdoor spaces include patios on every floor, a secure central courtyard on the main floor and a walking path around the property.
“The Summit provides a comfortable and inviting environment for the seniors who will call it home,” said Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake. “The CRHD and Island Health have created a space where seniors living with complex health issues and dementia have the comforts of home combined with the supports they need.”
The Summit is located at 955 Hillside Avenue in Victoria and replaces Oak Bay Lodge and Mt. Tolmie care homes.
“The Summit long-term care home is an important part of our government’s commitment to improving the care experience of seniors throughout British Columbia,” said Ronna-Rae Leonard, parliamentary secretary for seniors and MLA for Courtenay-Comox. “This announcement supports government’s goal to meet 3.36 direct care hours per resident-day, which was set by the Province in 2018. This means that residents who most need it will receive help with bathing, feeding and socializing opportunities, and front-line care providers will get the help they need to provide seniors with compassionate, timely care.”
The Summit was developed through an innovative partnership between Island Health and the Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD) and is Island Health’s first such partnership with a regional district for a long-term care home. Island Health is grateful for the CRHD’s support for the broad continuum of care provided in Island Health hospitals and in community settings and for the CRHD’s increasing support to partner on projects that occur beyond hospital sites.
Construction on The Summit began in 2016 and completed earlier this year. Plans to open the facility in April, 2020 were paused to facilitate the building’s use as a possible field hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the oversight of Island Health’s Chief Medical Health Officer, The Summit is now ready to open.
“This is such a wonderful day for our seniors who are moving into their new home at The Summit,” said Leah Hollins, Island Health board chair.” “It is so meaningful to be able to provide person-centred care in a space that is focused on quality of life and connection. I know that residents and their families will feel at home and well-supported here.”
The Capital Regional Hospital District constructed and owns the building and Island Health is leasing The Summit for 25 years.
“Today is an exciting day for residents and their families as they are welcomed into their new home,” said Denise Blackwell, chair, Capital Regional Hospital District. “We are proud of what we created in support of seniors, knowing they will be cared for in a state-of-the-art facility designed to meet their needs.”
The Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation has committed to raising more than $500,000 for therapy equipment and adaptive tools, visiting area/patio furnishings and ongoing therapy program support, as well as gardens for residents and ongoing funding for the Adult Day Program.
“We are happy to help seniors and their families by providing the specialized equipment, furnishings and program support to enhance the health and care experience at The Summit,” said Lori McLeod, Executive Director. “We look forward to seeing everyone thriving in this beautiful new space.”
About Island Health:
Island Health provides health care and support services to more than 800,000 people on Vancouver Island, the islands in the Salish Sea and the Johnstone Strait, and mainland communities north of Powell River. With more than 22,000 staff and over 2,000 physician partners, 6,000 volunteers, and the dedicated support of foundations and auxiliaries, Island Health delivers a broad range of health services, including: public health services, primary health care, home and community care, mental health and addictions services, acute care in hospitals, and much more across a huge, geographically diverse region.
Capital Regional Hospital District:
A corporation of the CRD, the Capital Regional Hospital District partners with Island Health and community stakeholder agencies to develop and improve healthcare facilities in the region, including replacing buildings that have reached the end of their economic and functional life. Through capital and other community investments, the CRHD supports a healthy, vibrant and livable region for all citizens.
Island Health media inquiries:
Cheryl Bloxham
250-370-8878
Cheryl.Bloxham@islandhealth.ca