Official Opening Of The Residence In Mission

By September 11, 2014Mission News, News, Valley News

Submitted. Maple Ridge-Mission MLA, Marc Dalton, and Abbotsford-Mission MLA, Simon Gibson, were joined by Fraser Health representatives today to officially celebrate the opening of The Residence in Mission. Located on the site of Mission Memorial Hospital, The Residence welcomed its first residents in April 2014.

“One of the priorities coming out of the Fraser Review was to expand community capacity and build care supports where they are needed the most—at home, close to family, friends and loved ones,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “The Residence is a step toward meeting this goal and the broader vision for health services in B.C., as demonstrated in our strategic direction.”

“The 195 bed Residence is an attractive and valuable addition to the Mission Memorial Hospital site and something of great importance to Missionites,” said Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Marc Dalton. “The opening of The Residence will support seniors and those with complex care needs in a secure, safe and comfortable environment that meets their needs close to family and friends.”

The Residence in Mission is a three-storey, 128,000 sq. ft. residential care facility for citizens with complex care needs and dementia. The state-of-the art facility features 190 private suites and five double occupancy suites for couples. The building was designed to promote caring practices using a person-centered approach within a homelike and non-traditional residential care environment. The facility is laid out in ‘neighbourhoods’ that house 24 to 26 residents, each with its own dining room, lounge, leisure room, and kitchen. The facility’s four secure courtyards and six large secure balconies ensure outdoor access for all residents.

“People with complex care needs and dementia are family at The Residence in Mission,” said Simon Gibson, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission. “Staff and volunteers provide care that is respectful of their independence, while still supporting them when they need help the most.”

“This is home for our residents,” said Lois Dixon, VP Clinical Operations at Fraser Health. “The building was designed with people in mind with the goal of promoting comfort, independence and a sense of belonging. The layout of the building supports communication and teamwork, leisure interests, and diverse spirituality. Fraser Health is grateful to our partners, the Fraser Valley Regional Hospital District and the Mission Healthcare Auxiliary whose support of this facility and financial contributions were fundamental to making it a reality.”

The Residence was built for $32.2 million, with $9.9 million funded by the Province through Fraser Health, the Fraser Valley Regional Hospital District contributed $22 million and the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation, together with Mission Healthcare Auxiliary, contributed $335,000. With the addition of The Residence, Mission Memorial Hospital now has a complete Campus of Care for seniors and along with complex care also offers an adult day program for non-residents, a respite hotel and an assisted living residence. This new campus of care for seniors, co-located with the Community Health Centre and adjacent to Mission Memorial Hospital, provides Mission-area seniors with the best possible care close to home.

“The Fraser Valley Regional Hospital District Board is very pleased to have been a partner in funding this important new facility. We know it will serve the community very well and address the long term needs of an aging population,” said Chuck Stam, Chair of the Fraser Valley Regional Hospital District Board.

“The Mission Healthcare Auxiliary was pleased to help realize The Residence in Mission,” said past-President Cynthia Butcher. “This facility is truly filling a need in the community of Mission.”

The Residence in Mission and the Community Health Centre that opened in the summer of 2013 are the first achievements under the District of Mission’s Community Health Plan, which was developed in 2009 to address the health related needs of Mission-area residents. The two new facilities complete the redevelopment of the site by Fraser Health and its municipal partners – the Fraser Valley Regional Hospital District and the District of Mission. The completion of these projects provides the foundation for Mission to explore new ways of delivering community-based health care services within the community to support positive outcomes for area residents.
Official Opening The Residence

Pictured from left to right: Lois Dixon, VP Clinical Operations, Fraser Health;Simon Gibson,MLA for Abbotsford-Mission;Sharon Gaetz, Fraser Valley Regional Hospital District and Mayor of the City of Chilliwack;Ted Adlem, Mayor of Mission;Wendy Matus, Mission Healthcare Auxiliary;Marc Dalton,MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission;Sharon Sutherland, representative from The Residence in Mission Family Council;Richard Beherrel, resident of The Residence in Mission;Damien George, Mission Friendship Centre
A Dogwood tree was planted in the courtyard of The Residence to mark the occasion, which is the tree behind this group.

Join the discussion One Comment

  • GeorgeFEvens says:

    It is interesting to read the announcement about official opening of the “Residence”. One must wonder why seemingly so secretive and under-reported locally? As well, whiel the current local (Politicians) all seek their share of picture space it always saddens me at the lack of congratulatory thanks to the many individuals from start to finish who contributed (anything) to the eventual completion of the project. From all witnessed accounts, limited as that may be, a lot of peopel deserve a heartfelt thnak you for what you did, so “Thank You”, as an Advocate for Seniors’ you have our collective appreciaiton. One hopes all in need will benefit, as space is available, to enjoy this fine new Residence.
    George F. Evens, Seniors’ Advocate
    Elder Citizen Action Coalition, http://www.thecouncilclaw.ca

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