Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick, along with representatives from Baptist Housing and Interior Health, celebrated the one year anniversary last Friday of the completion of Village at Mill Creek—a seniors’ care residence in the heart of Kelowna.

“Today’s celebration marks a provincial partnership that has enabled us to provide excellent housing and health care services for seniors in our community,” said Letnick.

“These new, modern residences provide our seniors with the opportunity to age in place as their care needs change over time.”

Originally opened as Still Waters Private Hospital in 1962, the building has undergone an extensive transformation to its current structure.

Village at Mill Creek is the umbrella title for three different residences on site: Sutherland, Chandler and Joseph Benjamin.

As a campus of care, Village at Mill Creek is equipped with 58 independent living suites, 96 residential care beds and 38 assisted living units.  

Seventy-nine of the residential care beds in Chandler residence are funded through Interior Health.

Residential care is for seniors who can no longer live independently, and need around-the-clock nursing care in a home-like environment.

The standards include full wheelchair accessibility, appropriate space for clients and caregivers, and the ability to include patient lifts and other support devices.

The province, through B.C. Housing, provides an estimated annual subsidy of $221,160 through the Independent Living B.C. program for the 38 assisted living units at Joseph Benjamin residence.

Independent Living B.C. is an innovative housing-for-health program for seniors and people with disabilities.

ILBC offers a middle option between home care and residential care for those who need some assistance, but do not need 24-hour professional nursing care.

In addition, the province is providing subsidies to ensure the assisted living units remain affordable for residents.

“We strongly believe in the philosophy of aging in place,” said Howard Johnson, CEO of Baptist Housing.

“Providing a campus of care that offers independent living, assisted living, and residential care enables seniors to stay at Village at Mill Creek as their needs change.

“This is particularly meaningful for couples who have varying care needs.”

The three residences at Village at Mill Creek offer shared living areas including the hair salon, general store, wellness centre, library and a well appointed Towne Hall and bistro that host a wide variety of social activities.

“We’re so pleased to partner with Baptist Housing to provide Kelowna residents with a place that not only enhances access to multiple levels of care, but also allows seniors to remain in their home community as they age,” said Donna Lommer, Interior Health program administrator for residential and palliative Services.

“This is a beautiful facility, and one that seniors can be proud to call home.”

 “My daughter and I looked at many homes and when I came here, all I could say was, oh my,” said Anne Rust, a resident of The Village at Mill Creek.

“When you walk in here, you get the impression of a hotel.”

The province has opened 6,061 additional new beds and units across B.C. since 2001.