Olive Devaud Residence, built in 1966, was not designed to meet the complex needs of today’s residential care clients.
Halls are narrow, rooms are small and bathrooms do not accommodate wheelchairs well—all factors which make providing care for residents more challenging for staff.
The facility has seen increases in residents facing mobility challenges and living with moderate to severe dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The 48-year-old facility has endured upgrades, like the addition of the Sunshine Centre—16 rooms set aside for seniors with dementia—but a replacement facility has been needed for some time.
Willingdon Creek Village, which is costing Powell River taxpayers $26.5 million, would not have been possible without funding from Powell River Regional Hospital Board.
The new facility features six stand-alone neighbourhoods. All have 17 single-occupancy rooms with private bathrooms, thermostats and overhead lifts. Neighbourhoods also include quiet and loud lounges, an exterior courtyard and spa room.
The entire facility has a secure perimeter so residents can have greater outdoor access without concerns of wandering. A panic alert system, state-of-the-art nurse call system and customizable access control will further ensure residents’ safety.
Located next to Powell River General Hospital, the village is connected by a tunnel which allows the facility to use hospital laundry and kitchen services.
It is designed to allow staff to offer residential care best practices and new programs to enhance care for residents.
A special care unit for residents with advanced dementia and challenging behaviours will allow some seniors, who otherwise may have had to go to Vancouver for care, the ability to stay in their community, closer to their family and friends. The 17-bed secure unit will be located in its own area within the facility and have higher staffing levels and specialized programs geared to the needs of clients.
The number of beds in operation will initially remain at 85, the same as Olive Devaud, but the new facility has been built to accommodate a future 17 beds which will be added later as addition operating funding increases.
Seniors deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Willingdon Creek Village will help staff provide the best care for residents and peace of mind for their families.
