When it’s completed, the new Nigel House is expected to have private rooms for all residents, overhead lifts in every bedroom and the ability to use the latest technological advances, such as voice-activated lighting, says the executive director of the facility.
The building, now under construction next to the existing facility near Saanich Municipal Hall, is expected to be finished next summer.
Nicola Murray said residents are looking forward to the new facility, noting the existing one, which was built in the 1970s, is quite dark and full of small spaces that are awkward for wheelchairs.
“The new building, the ceiling height, it’s going to bring in a lot of light, and common areas are all together.”
Murray said Nigel House, which provides care for adults with brain injuries, neurological disorders and genetic disabilities, is “really one of the only organizations on the Island that supports this population.”
Its 26 complex-care residents range in age from 23 to 74, with the average stay 12 years. The new facility will have room for 41 complex-care residents, along with 37 independent-living units and 10 units of affordable housing.
The new building will have a private room for everybody — right now six residents are doubled up — and considerably improved technology and access to therapy, Murray said.
“Having individualized space will mean a lot to them — they’re very excited about that.”
The majority use power wheelchairs and require overhead lifts to get out of bed, but only a small number of the current bedrooms have lifts that are built-in, she said.
Those that are available frequently break down, Murray said.
“My understanding is the new Nigel House will have lifts in every bedroom, and that the tracks will be regressed into the ceiling to ensure a more home-like feeling for our people.”
There will also be more activity areas, instead of a single lounge that serves as a gym, TV room, activity room and conference room. “We kind of put it all in together,” Murray said. “It’s not ideal.”
New technological advances like voice-activated lighting for residents are harder to install than they would be at a new facility, she said.
Air conditioning can also be problematic because the electrical system is so old.
The $50-million replacement project is on schedule, under the close watch of many of the residents during their outings, which take them to the nearby Galloping Goose and Lochside trails and the Uptown shopping centre across Vernon Avenue.
The project is a partnership between Broadmead Care — which owns Nigel House — and B.C. Housing.
There have been fundraising projects along the way for key aspects of the new building, with the latest a $1.5-million campaign for furnishings, fixtures and pieces of equipment.
That includes installing overhead lifts in resident rooms, expected to cost a total of $205,000 — $5,000 per room.
Also needed are 15 electric beds at $2,800 each, and 15 specialty mattresses at $670 each.
Volunteers are being sought, as well, for tasks such as being a companion for residents to help get them to medical sessions and other appointments.
For more information about the Nigel House project, visit broadmeadcare.com/nigel-house-donations/.
