Courtesy of the Interior Health Authority:
After a thorough procurement process, Interior Health has awarded a contract for the development of 70 residential care beds in Williams Lake to inSite Housing, Hospitality & Health Services Inc.
“I am pleased to see this project progressing. It is another step in our ongoing work to enhance medical care and provide appropriate housing for seniors in our area,” said Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett. “Residential care facilities give seniors and their families options that support changing healthcare needs, allowing individuals to age in place.”
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, including these 70 beds in Williams Lake.
“This is great news for our communities’ seniors,” says Cariboo-North MLA Coralee Oakes. “Appropriate health care and housing for this vulnerable population is absolutely vital. We look forward to seeing the next steps in the process as inSite begins its design process.”
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.
In addition to the 70 publicly funded beds inSite’s new care home will include two private-pay beds.
“inSite is thrilled to have been selected by Interior Health to build and operate a new residence to provide care and housing for 72 seniors from Williams Lake and the surrounding areas. The location, design and service offerings will enhance the quality of life for all residents while providing in excess of 80 regular and casual positions for care and hospitality staff,” said inSite President Johann Burger.
The residents’ new homes will be located on 4th Avenue in the downtown core of Williams Lake. Construction is expected to begin July 2017. The new facility is expected to open in summer 2018
Interior Health currently has 5,750 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.
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