Providence Living at The Views
Providence Living at The Views
Transforming the future of long-term care
Opening this summer, Providence Living at The Views stands as Canada’s first public, non-profit long-term care village inspired by the dementia village concept. Situated on the scenic northeast corner of the former St. Joseph’s General Hospital site in Comox, BC, it welcomes seniors with and without dementia, as well as younger adults in need of long-term care. This initiative showcases a union of global best practices with a unique, made-in-BC care model, signifying Providence Living’s leadership in redefining long-term care, housing, and services for seniors.
Moving away from traditional task-based care, Providence Living emphasizes the residents’ needs and desires. Our innovative approach aims to ensure residents thrive through maintaining independence, social connections, and engaging in meaningful personal routines. By shifting towards a social relational and resident/family-centred model of care, we aim to support residents in living their best lives within an environment that feels like home, fostering a sense of autonomy, dignity, and community.
The 156-resident village, divided into 13 households with private suites, ensures a personalized, intimate setting. Each household boasts common living areas, promoting daily engagement in household activities, thus mirroring the essence of a true home. Residents can take part in life’s daily pleasures, including making meals and choosing to participate in usual household activities, such as tidying and laundry, which have been shown to help create a sense of belonging and purpose and improve quality of life.
Each suite will have its own bathroom, supporting comfort, privacy, and heightened infection control.
Freedom of movement, engagement and spirit
Providence Living at The Views will offer opportunities for authentic experiences and emotional and social connections, including intergenerational relationships courtesy of a daycare on site.
It will also allow freedom of movement and access to the outdoors. Each household connects to a large, secure interior courtyard, which means residents will be able to safely access the outdoors and maximize opportunities to enjoy the therapeutic qualities of nature.
Beyond these households, the facility features an extensive range of amenities, including a bistro, art studio, coffee shop, grocery store, chapel and gardens.
The village will feature a first of its kind Indigenous sacred gathering space designed by the local First Nation and intended for Indigenous staff, residents and families to honour their traditions.
Autonomy will be further enhanced in the move to flexible routines where the pace and rhythms of the day are determined by the household members – in the same way most individuals drive their own days.
As Providence Living at The Views prepares to welcome its first residents, it stands as a beacon of innovation, community integration, and a reimagined approach to long-term care. This vibrant village not only offers a home but a community where every resident is valued, respected, and provided with the opportunity to live a fulfilling life.
WATCH
The Views Redevelopment Design – Advice from Residents and Families
Providence Living has worked with residents and their families, staff, Indigenous communities, partners and interested groups to gather feedback to create an innovative living environment both in physical design and provision of care.