Resident Stephen Cornock is known around Nigel House for his quirky sense of humour, and for being up for anything.
“Every now and then he just blurts out silly things to people that come out of nowhere,” said his mother, Dawn Stewart.
She said he likes to be involved in pretty much whatever comes up at the complex-care facility, from board games to bowling and poker. “He gets along with everybody.”
Stewart, speaking on behalf of her son because he has limited ability to talk, said he has progressive multiple sclerosis and possibly suffered a stroke at some point, as well.
Now 44, he was on his own until his early 30s, but when he was diagnosed with MS, his symptoms came on quickly, she said.
Nigel House has been his home for about a year and a half. His mother was his caregiver for a long time, but he eventually needed a place like Nigel House where residents are looked after 24 hours a day.
Those who live at Nigel House are a unique population that can’t live at home, can’t work and require specialized care, said Mandy Parker, vice-president of philanthropy and communications for Nigel House operator Broadmead Care.
They have a range of physical and mental challenges, so recreational therapist Rob Richter said the goal is to ensure their activities make the most of their abilities. “They’re treated with respect and they get a lot of individual attention.”
Now residents are looking forward to expanded options as a bigger, better version of the existing 1970s-era building is constructed on an adjacent site. Work began in 2021 off Vernon Avenue, between Saanich Road and Ravine Way.
The new facility will provide residents such as Stephen Cornock a lot more space and amenities, Parker said.
Right now, he goes to the gym twice a week in an exercise area with limited equipment, but the new building will have a large space dedicated to physical fitness.
It will also offer improved access to the outdoors, connecting residents to pathways that lead to both open and covered patios.
Getting to nearby places like the Lochside Regional Trail and the Uptown shopping centre will be easier, as well.
A $1.5-million campaign is currently underway for furnishings, equipment and other needs at the new Nigel House, a $50-million project that brings together Broadmead Care and B.C. Housing.
“The fundraising is going very nicely,” Parker said. “We’ve seen some great support but we still need more. Every donation helps.”
The plan to replace Nigel House goes back several years. Even back then, the narrow halls, elevators that are too small for wheelchairs and other limitations in the building were already an issue.
Renovation was considered but it was decided that too many major repairs were needed.
When the new building is completed, there will be room for 41 complex-care residents, up from 26 currently, along with 37 assisted-living units and 10 units of affordable housing.
Broadmead Care chief executive Derrick Bernardo has said it will be a “beautiful, sustainable, integrated community.”
To donate to the Nigel House project, go to broadmeadcare.com/nigel-house-donations/.
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