The chief executive of Broadmead Care says he expects people to come from “far and wide” to see the sustainable, integrated community being created in the Nigel Valley, where a new Nigel House complex-care facility is under construction.
“Many partners have come together with a vision to redevelop the entire nine-acre Nigel Valley to create a world-class neighbourhood of housing, care, services and beautiful green spaces,” Derrick Bernardo said this week.
“We believe it’s going to be something our city will be very proud of. It takes a community to create something this wonderful, and we are grateful for the many people, partners and organizations who have pulled together to make this happen.”
In the new facility, which is under construction next to the existing one and is expected to be ready by next summer, the number of complex-care spaces will increase to 41 from 26.
There will also be 37 independent-living units and 10 affordable-housing units.
The $50-million project is a partnership between Broadmead Care, which owns and operates Nigel House, and B.C. Housing.
As construction of the new Nigel House continues, Broadmead Care is conducting a $1.5-million fundraising campaign to outfit the new digs with furnishings and equipment, including overhead lifts for every bedroom, at a cost of $205,000, and 15 electric beds at $2,800 each.
For one resident, 65-year-old Shirley Dehr, Nigel House has been home for 23 years.
Dehr has a rare genetic condition called Laurence-Moon-Bardet-Biedl syndrome, which is seen in about one person in 100,000. It can affect many parts of the body and cause neurological and vision issues, as well as hindering growth and mobility.
Dehr attended regular school growing up, but her symptoms progressed and she eventually moved into a long-term care facility. A social worker there knew about Nigel House and got Dehr on the waiting list.
She moved in about 16 months later.
Dehr said she enjoys living at Nigel House, where residents receive 24-hour care and can take part in exercise programs and community outings, and has established lasting friendships there over the years.
“It’s a good place to live,” she said.
Despite her vision problems, she said she can still take part in activities like bingo, thanks to Braille bingo cards. Dehr said she doesn’t like it when it’s assumed there is something she can’t manage.
“People say you can’t do this or that, but I can do it in a different way,” she said.
Dehr said she is looking forward to the new Nigel House, since the current facility has limitations like narrow doorways that can be hard to get through with her walker.
She said she is fortunate to have family living in Courtenay, and enjoys visiting and spending time with her nieces and nephews.
Dehr said she is fairly independent with her walker and wheelchair, with the nearby Uptown shopping centre and Hillside Shopping Centre among her favourite destinations.
To donate to the campaign, go to broadmeadcare.com/nigel-house-donations/.
