Special guests gather at an event announcing new care homes in Smithers and Quesnel.
August 20, 2024
Providence Living today announced it is expanding its innovative seniors care model with two new long-term care homes in Smithers and Quesnel. These new long-term care villages, developed in partnership with Northern Health and the BC Ministry of Health, will bring over 400 new publicly funded beds to Northern BC, offering seniors greater access to high-quality, compassionate care closer to home. These developments, along with the Prince George announcement made in November, mean that Providence Living is now set to bring over 700 beds to Northern BC.
Building on a vision of resident-centered care
Providence Living’s new care homes in Smithers and Quesnel will embrace the Home for Us care model, focusing on a personalized, resident-centered approach. This model, which has already shown success at Providence Living at The Views in Comox, reimagines long-term care by prioritizing the social and relational needs of residents. Each home will be organized into small households, each housing 12 residents in private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, creating a comfortable and home-like environment.
Mark Blandford, President and CEO of Providence Living, emphasizes the transformative nature of these new projects: “These new homes in Smithers and Quesnel represent our commitment to creating communities where seniors can live with dignity, purpose, and joy. By focusing on individual needs and fostering strong social connections, we are setting a new standard for long-term care.”
Enhanced amenities for a well-lived day
Both long-term care homes will feature amenities designed to support a vibrant and fulfilling life for residents. These are expected to include indoor and outdoor spaces for social and recreational activities, communal dining areas, and facilities for cooking fresh meals onsite. The design will also incorporate quiet rooms and private spaces so residents have places for reflection and relaxation.
In addition to the residential areas, the homes will offer specialized services such as adult day programs to support older adults living independently in the community. These programs will provide social connections, engaging activities, and essential health services, helping seniors maintain their independence while receiving the care they need.
Speakers at the Providence Living announcement included (L-R): Scott McCarten VP, Capital Development, Providence Living; Adrian Dix, Minister of Health; and Chief Timberwolf, Mabel Forsythe, Wet’suwet’en.
A commitment to northern communities
The new Smithers care home will bring 216 beds to the community, while the Quesnel home will add 288 beds. These projects address the growing demand for long-term care in Northern BC, ensuring that seniors can remain close to their families and communities as they age. The homes are expected to open in the late 2020s. Construction will begin over the next few years.
“The investment in the new long-term care homes in Smithers and Quesnel represents our government’s ongoing commitment to improving access to high-quality, compassionate care for seniors in British Columbia, says Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “This action represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing demand for long-term care and our government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen health care in rural and remote communities.”
