Construction begins on Prince George long-term care home

The new long-term care village will be operated by Providence Living in partnership with Northern Health, and will be based off of “Canada’s first public long-term care village based on the concepts of a dementia village that opened in July 2024 in Comox”, which is also operated by Providence Living. Providence, in partnership with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince George, is contributing the land.

“Growing older should always come with the assurance of being cared for in a familiar place, surrounded by community and compassion,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “This new long-term care village is a transformative addition to Prince George where residents will benefit from the expert, person-centered care and support they need to live with dignity as they age.”

The province says that “the new home will provide 200 new beds for seniors, with an eight-bed geriatric psychiatry unit”, also a “new 30-person adult day program will include services that support seniors’ living in the community by providing social interaction, activities and a sense of community, reducing loneliness and isolation.

“This project represents a complete reimagining of what long-term care can and should be,” said Mark Blandford, president and CEO, Providence Living. “We’re creating a community where northern B.C. seniors can live with dignity, joy and purpose through our innovative long-term care village and Home for Us care model.”

The Ministry of Health notes that the new long-term care village will include 16 close-knit ‘households,’ each home to 12 residents and every household will offer private suites with ensuite bathrooms, along with a shared kitchen and gathering spaces that are meant to create a sense of home.”

In addition, the province says:

“The village will feature a community hall, recreation areas, bistro, grocery store, art studio and therapeutic outdoor environments. Dedicated community and Indigenous-centred spaces — such as a sacred gathering space designed in consultation with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation — will foster a welcoming atmosphere for families, celebrations and cultural ceremonies.”

This project will also create 37 licensed community child care spaces, “creat[ing] intergenerational connections in the home, with spaces prioritized for staff.”

“Northern B.C.’s growing senior population highlights the need for modern, expanded long-term care options,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “This new care village is a vital investment that will provide seniors with the comfort, respect and quality care they deserve, while strengthening our health system and creating good local jobs.”

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Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com

by Adam Berls/Cheryl Jahn

Construction begins on Prince George long-term care home

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