SUNRIDGE PLACE CELEBRATES ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

DUNCAN – A year has passed since Sunridge Place, a $38.7 million facility with 160 residential care beds and 50 assisted living units opened its doors to provide a home-like environment for people in the Cowichan Valley.

With both residential care beds and assisted living units in one facility, seniors can age in one place, staying in the same location even as their care needs change over time.

“Our provincial government is proud to fund housing with support services so that seniors can continue to live independently in the communities they helped build,” said Rich Coleman, Minister of Housing and Social Development. “Congratulations to staff and residents for building a vibrant community at Sunridge Place.”

The Province, through BC Housing, is providing a housing and hospitality subsidy of $242,550 annually for 15 of the 50 assisted living units funded through the Independent Living BC (ILBC) program. ILBC is an innovative housing-for-health program that meets the needs of lower-income seniors and people with disabilities by providing a middle option between home support and residential care. Assisted living units are self-contained apartments where residents receive meals, light housekeeping, laundered linens, recreational and social activities, 24-hour emergency response and optional personal needs such as bathing.

Vancouver Island Health Authority is providing approximately $9.75 million annually to fund all 160 residential care beds and rent and hospitality services for 35 of the assisted living units. The residential care component of the new facility will offer private rooms and provide 24/7 health care services for individuals with complex care needs.

“This facility, as well as others that have opened in the past year on Vancouver Island will provide seniors with more choices and opportunities to retain their independence, “said VIHA Board Chair Jac Kreut. “

The facility is owned and operated jointly by Jones Development and the Ahmon Group.

“Sunridge Place provides high quality long-term care to seniors and ensures the comforts of home in this bright and spacious new facility,” said Michael Ahmon, CEO of the Ahmon Group. “Our residents receive full meal services, health care, exercise and social activities, and the are able to access other amenities located nearby.”

“Cowichan Valley Seniors are offered multi-level care that will allow them to continue to enjoy their lifestyle, including health care, exercise, quiet walks and lovely landscaped courtyards,” said Norm Jones, President of Jones Development.

In 2008 the provincial government met its commitment to provide 5,000 net-new residential care beds, assisted living units, supportive housing and home support. The Province has opened 5,896 additional new beds and units across B.C., since 2001. In total, 12,435 new and replacement beds and units have been opened, replacing many that were old and unsuitable.

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Media contacts:

Rhonda Nguyen
BC Housing
604-439-4740

Anya Nimmon
VIHA Communications
250-740-6980

Annette Condon
Executive Director, Sunridge Place
250-748-8048