VANCOUVER – B.C. has passed the 4,000-bed milestone with the opening of the Cedars at Beulah Gardens. Provincial and community partners gathered today to celebrate the opening of the Cedars, a new housing development in East Vancouver, which will provide 89 assisted living units for seniors.

“The Cedars at Beulah Gardens is part of our continued commitment to provide affordable housing and care for seniors in British Columbia,” said Health Minister George Abbott. “We have now surpassed the 4,000-bed milestone in our commitment to open 5,000 new beds by the end of 2008.”

“The City of Vancouver is a proud supporter of this project,” said Mayor Sam Sullivan. “Through reductions on development costs, we are able to ensure that seniors have affordable assisted living homes in their community.”

Created under the Independent Living BC program, the assisted living units at the Cedars are self-contained apartments with a 24-hour response system. Residents receive hospitality services such as housekeeping, meals, laundry services and recreational opportunities. They also receive personal care services such as help with medications. Vancouver Coastal Health funds the personal care and hospitality services for the Independent Living BC units and is funding the onsite Adult Day Centre and Ambulatory Care Clinic.

“Assisted Living meets the needs of many seniors to live their lives as independently as possible, for as long as possible,” said Ida Goodreau, president and CEO of Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH). “With the opening of Cedars at Beulah Gardens, VCH has now opened over 880 assisted living units across our region since 2003, and is well on track to reaching our goal of having almost 1,000 such units available to residents by December.”

Founded in 1951, the Beulah Gardens Home Society will manage and operate the new development. The Cedars at Beulah Gardens offers assisted living homes, as well as an adult day centre for seniors in the community and an ambulatory care clinic for residents and clients in the surrounding neighbourhood.

Programming at the adult day centre provides a therapeutic environment and occupational therapy for individuals, some of whom suffer from dementia. The clinic offers a range of assessment and treatment services including IV therapy, medication management, wound care and chronic disease management.

“The Beulah Garden Homes Society recognizes the need for affordable housing for seniors in Vancouver,” said the society’s CEO, Dr. Paul Pearce. “We have a proud history of providing excellent care to seniors. With the opening of these new units, the society gives family members the peace of mind knowing their loved ones are well cared for and still have their independence.”

These new units are part of the British Columbia government’s commitment to provide 5,000 net-new residential care beds, assisted living units, and supportive housing with home support units by the end of 2008.  To date, 9,599 new and replacement beds and units have been built, including 4,053 net-new beds/units.  In addition, there are 2,401 beds/units under construction.

The Province of British Columbia is committed to providing more than 4,000 affordable assisted living apartments for B.C. seniors and persons with disabilities. To date, more than 4,000 units have been allocated in communities across the province. Budget 2008 increased the amount the Province invests in affordable housing and shelters to more than $380 million a year, more than three times as much as in 2001.

-30-

Michelle Stewart

Communications Director

Ministry of Health

250 812-5571 (cell)

250 952-1887 (media line)