A new long-term care facility will be constructed in Cranbrook, replacing the existing F.W. Green Memorial Home.
B.C. government officials said the facility will have 148 beds, more than twice as many as the current building.
“As people age, they want to be able to receive high-quality health-care services, including long-term care,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “That’s why we are building a new care community that will provide more long-term care beds and community services in Cranbrook. Seniors and their loved ones will have peace of mind knowing they will be supported with the care they need, close to home.”
B.C. government officials said Interior Health, in partnership with the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District and community partners, will commission the construction of the four-story complex.
“The new building will replace the 60-bed Dr. F.W. Green Memorial Home, which is approximately 70 years old. The new facility will add an additional 88 long-term care (LTC) beds, for a total of 148 beds,” said B.C. Government staff.
Officials said the project is set to start soon with procurement, followed by construction in 2025.
“The Kootenay East Regional Hospital District has been a strong supporter of this project for many years and has committed $63 million to help make it a reality,” said David Wilks, Kootenay East Regional Hospital District chair. “Not only will it create additional, much-needed access to long-term care in our region, it will also provide quality care in an environment that supports quality of life for residents, which is critically important.”
Phase 1 will open in 2027, allowing all existing residents to relocate to the new facility. After that, Phase 2 is expected to accept new residents in 2029.
“The expansion and upgrade to the Dr. F.W. Green Memorial Home will provide a new and modern building for our seniors in the Cranbrook area,” said Susan Brown, president and CEO of Interior Health. “As well, our staff will benefit from modern technologies and improved workflow in the new building.”
B.C. government officials said the building will use a new care-community model, which builds on lessons learned amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The care home will be designed as ‘households’ accommodating 12 to 18 residents. Each resident will have a single-bed room with a dedicated washroom,” said B.C. government staff. “The ‘households’ will include the social and recreational spaces found in a typical home-like environment, such as a living room, dining room, activity space and access to the outdoors.”
The facility will also have a number of communal spaces and services for residents, visitors, family and staff.
“[This will include] activity rooms, a hair salon, sacred space and a 25-space adult day program for people living more independently in the community,” said the provincial government. “As well, a childcare space will be constructed with capacity for 37 children.”
“LTC communities provide care and supervision for people with complex care needs, who can no longer live safely and independently at home, through a range of services delivered by well-trained, compassionate and caring staff,” said B.C. government staff.
Susan Blake, Dr. F.W. Green Memorial Home community integrated care coordinator is happy to hear the announcement.
“With a new, modern site, the benefits for our residents and our staff will be great. The home-like environment will go a long way in better supporting residents, particularly when it comes to memory care,” said Blake. “We’re all looking forward to the new long-term care home that will increase our occupancy and have a positive impact on our wider community.”
The $156.5-million facility will be funded by the B.C. government through Interior Health and the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District.
Interior Health will operate the facility, once it opens.