Interior Health awards contract to Golden Life for new residential care beds in Cranbrook

Interior Health currently has 5,650 residential care beds, providing support for clients with complex care needs.

“These beds will help ensure seniors and others in our area who have complex care needs live out their days in a comfortable, home-like environment.” says Bill Bennett. — Image courtesy Interior Health

After a thorough procurement process, Interior Health has awarded a contract for the development of 30 residential care beds in Cranbrook to Golden Life Management.

“The addition of these 30 beds supports those residents in our community who require 24-hour care,” said East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett. “These beds will help ensure seniors and others in our area who have complex care needs live out their days in a comfortable, home-like environment.”

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.

“Golden Life exists to support seniors to live their best lives and we are honoured to progress that mission by expanding our partnership with Interior Health Authority,” said Golden Life Chief Executive Officer, Endre Lillejord. “The new Village will complement our existing site and through consultation with local stakeholders we are proud to say our new residential design, programs and services will enhance the ability of our compassionate staff to support each resident to live their highest quality of life.”

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.