Interior Health has awarded a contract for the development of 60 residential care beds in Salmon Arm to inSite Housing, Hospitality & Health Services Inc.
“These new residential care beds are a vital investment to serve seniors and others who require this high level of care,” said Shuswap MLA Greg Kyllo. “These beds will provide a comfortable, home-like environment to support residents.”
InSite plans to expand its existing residential care facility in Salmon Arm, Mount Ida Mews, to accommodate 60 additional beds.
Interior Health issued a series of Request for Proposals (RFPs) in September 2016 for the design, construction and operation of 243 new residential care beds in communities across Interior Health.
The RFPs called for building environments that are homelike and not institutional-feeling; safe for residents and staff; innovatively designed and flexible in function; operationally efficient; environmentally responsible in design, construction and operations; and include dementia-friendly elements.
“Our population is aging and becoming more medically complex. Conditions such as dementia are on the rise,” said Interior Health Board Chair John O’Fee.
“The addition of 243 beds across Interior Health will benefit seniors and others who need around-the-clock care.”
The RFP sought proposals from operators with experience in residential care project development and operation and seniors care, with consideration of First Nations engagement and cultural safety.
Consultation with the local community, including First Nations communities, is required throughout design development and upon completion during operations. The successful proponents must develop a care model that supports the needs of residents, and includes residents and their families in care delivery planning. The care model will also include collaboration with local family physicians.
“We are honoured to have been awarded this contract giving inSite the opportunity to provide care and housing for an additional 60 seniors from Salmon Arm and the surrounding communities, adding to the 72 residents currently living at Mount Ida Mews. We look forward to continuing to build on the strong relationship we have with Interior Health,” said Johann Burger, inSite President.
The new beds are expected to open in summer 2018.
Interior Health currently has 5,650 residential care beds, providing 24/7 care and support for individuals with complex care needs who are no longer able to live at home independently or with supports. This includes frail and elderly individuals with chronic conditions, such as those with dementia, whose needs may change over time.
Interior Health’s plan for residential care services supports the Ministry of Health’s strategic direction, which focuses on a more integrated system of primary and community care that better meets the needs of patients, including seniors with frailty and complex medical conditions.
Interior Health is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and providing a wide range of quality health-care services to more than 740,000 people living across B.C.’s vast interior. For more information, visit www.interiorhealth.ca, follow us on Twitter @Interior_Health, or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InteriorHealth.