Fraser Health announced yesterday it's entering into a partnership with the Delta Hospital Foundation to explore building a unique residential care facility at Delta Hospital.
As an initial step, the partners are moving forward with the development of a business case for a facility that will serve a dual purpose of providing both residential care and home health services.
"Delta is a community with a large seniors' population and we need to find new and innovative ways to keep people healthy and living at home longer," said Rhonda Veldhoen, executive director, Delta Hospital. "This proposed model will provide Delta residents with options for receiving health care services while still living in their own homes, and if they need to eventually transition to residential care, they have a new option in their community," Veldhoen said.
The exact kinds of services and how they will be provided will be identified through the development of the business case for this new model of care.
Business case development examines, in fine detail, project requirements, scope of the capital investment and design options. Business case development is expected to begin in September, with anticipated approval by Fraser Health's board in late 2016.
Veronica Carroll, executive director of the Delta Hospital Foundation, said the organization is happy to fund the business case in partnership with Fraser Health.
"A new model of residential care for Delta Hospital will provide aging residents and their families with the opportunity to stay in the community they love, surrounded by friends, family and the amenities to which they've become accustomed," said Carroll. "It's an opportunity to age in place with the support and services needed right on the doorstep."
The proposed concept will include a residential care facility that will also help keep seniors at home longer by providing other community-based services.
"This unique partnership will help ensure that Delta seniors can stay in their own homes as long as possible and is a reflection of the ministry's desire to examine community-based solutions that best meet the needs of residents," said Health Minister Terry Lake.
"Fraser Health and the Delta Hospital Foundation's partnership will provide Delta residents with the supports they need to stay at home and in their community longer," said Delta North MLA Scott Hamilton. "With our aging population, the facility represents an important investment in our future and the future of the community."
