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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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Ministry of Forests and Range and Minister Responsible for Housing |
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NEW ASSISTED LIVING HOMES BENEFIT CHILLIWACK
SENIORS |
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CHILLIWACK – Seniors in Chilliwack now have better access to housing and
care services with the official opening today of the Waverly Seniors Village, a
66-unit assisted living development.
“Affordable
independent living options for seniors in our communities are of the utmost
importance,” said Chilliwack-Sumas MLA John Les. “Many seniors want to maintain
an independent lifestyle, which includes having a place to call home in their
own community, but also want ready access to personal care when they need it.
This development, and the rent supplements from the Province, will help the
community meet those needs.”
The Waverly Seniors
Village was developed by Retirement Concepts, an established provider of
seniors’ care in British Columbia and Quebec. The development provides a range
of services and care levels, from assisted living to residential care.
Forty of
the 66 assisted living units are subsidized by the provincial government
through the Independent Living BC rent supplement program, which works with the
private sector to offer low-to-moderate-income seniors more choices in how they
receive their care. A rent supplement bridges the gap between the market rent
and what the tenant can afford.
Assisted living units are self-contained apartments with a 24-hour response system. Residents receive personal care services, such as assistance with medications, as well as recreational opportunities, housekeeping, meals, and laundry services. BC Housing provides funding to make sure housing remains affordable to tenants. The Fraser Health Authority funds the personal care services for the Independent Living BC units.
The assisted living
development is adjacent to a 53-bed residential care facility, allowing
Chilliwack seniors the option to age in their own community and home as their
care needs change.
“Building
partnerships is key to providing the housing and care combination seniors need
in Chilliwack,” said Betty Ann Busse, chief operating officer, Fraser East. “It’s important that a variety of options are
developed in the community to support older adults to live independently and
well for as long as possible.”
“The Waverly Seniors
Village provides this community with 66 new homes for its older citizens,” said
Azim Jamal, president of Retirement Concepts. “The development is an innovative
and progressive model of housing and care, and we’re pleased to welcome its new
residents, including low-income seniors.”
The Province of British Columbia, through BC Housing and the Independent Living BC program, is committed to providing 3,500 affordable assisted living apartments across the province, of which 1,176 are in Fraser Health communities. To date, more than 3,200 units, or 90 per cent, have been allocated in communities across the province.
The provincial government will provide a minimum of $34 million annually to subsidize the cost of units built under the Canada-B.C. Affordable Housing Agreement, as part of a larger strategy to provide a range of housing options for British Columbians in greatest need.
Today’s announcement reflects B.C. government’s goal of providing the best system of support in Canada for seniors. The Province’s September Budget Update provided an additional $242 million over three years to improve the lives of seniors, including: renewing the Seniors’ Supplement, to provide a monthly benefit for approximately 40,000 low income seniors; doubling annual funding for the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program; and updating existing seniors’ health facilities and strengthening and modernizing the full range of services for seniors, to help them live as independently as possible.
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This news release is available online at www.bchousing.org/.
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contact: |
Corporate Communications BC Housing 604 439-4757 604 790-2344 (cell)
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Retirement Concepts 604 662-4969 (ext. 12)
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Fraser Health 604 587-4604
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Visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca for online information and services. |
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