NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPENS FOR KAMLOOPS SENIORS

KAMLOOPS – Local seniors now have access to more affordable housing options thanks to annual provincial funding of $171,600 for 10 new subsidized assisted living apartments at the Hamlets at Westsyde, which officially opened today.

“Our government is committed to promoting seniors’ independence through affordable housing options with appropriate supports,” said Kevin Krueger, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson. “The assisted living apartments at the Hamlets will enrich the lives of Kamloops seniors by providing apartment-style living close to family and friends.”

The Province is providing an ongoing rent supplement housing subsidy for the 10 assisted living apartments under the Independent Living BC program.

“The Hamlets at Westsyde is a great example of what our government wants to achieve – more independent housing options for seniors and people with disabilities,” said Claude Richmond, MLA for Kamloops. “Minister Krueger and I have been strong advocates for this development because our seniors deserve to have more choice in where they live.”

The Hamlets at Westsyde provides a campus of care model that offers assisted living and complex care all in one location. Campuses of care embrace the philosophy that seniors should be able to age in one place.

“The opening of these assisted living apartments marks the completion of a development that offers different housing options for seniors under one roof,” said Kamloops Mayor Terry Lake. “I am thrilled that Kamloops seniors now have a campus of care that will give them the choice to remain in their community.”

Interior Health is providing funding for personal care services for the 10 apartments and is also a funding partner for the residential care portion of the Hamlets at Westsyde that opened in September 2007.

“For cities like Kamloops, with a growing seniors population, enhancing access to multiple levels of care options is a top priority,” said Interior Health board chair Norman Embree. “This modern facility has significantly increased our care capacity and is enabling safe, affordable living for our seniors, with the right supports in place.”

The new assisted living units provide residents with personal care, hot meals, housekeeping, laundry services, recreational opportunities and a 24-hour response system. The residential care component of the facility offers private rooms and provides health care services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. H&H Total Care Services manages and operates the development.

“Through the support of our partners, we are able to provide the highest standard of resident-centered care that promotes dignity and self-reliance,” said H&H CEO Hank VanRyk. “The Hamlets at Westsyde assisted living embodies our mission by providing varying levels of care under one roof, allowing residents to remain in their community as they age.”

The Province has exceeded its commitment in providing more than 4,000 affordable assisted living apartments for B.C. seniors and persons with disabilities. Budget 2008 increased the amount the Province invests in affordable housing and shelters to more than $400 million a year, more than three times as much as in 2001.

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Contact:

Rachel Nelken

BC Housing

778 452-2719

604 505-8428 (cell)

Hendrik VanRyk

H&H Total Care Services

604 597-7931

604 787-4292 (cell)

Erin Toews

Interior Health

250 314-2100 ext. 3741

250 574-1523 (cell)

Jeff Putnam

City of Kamloops

250 828-3700

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