Welcome to Providence Living at The Views

Welcome to Providence Living at The Views

We are excited to welcome residents of The Views at St. Joseph’s to their new home at Providence Living at The Views this summer.

This state-of-the-art long term care village represents an innovative new model of care focused on providing a true home for seniors – a place that recognizes residents as individuals and supports their unique needs, interests, choices and connections.

ABOUT

Providence Living at The Views

Located on the former site of St. Joseph’s General Hospital in Comox, BC, Providence Living at The Views will be home to 156 residents, including seniors with and without dementia as well as younger adults requiring long-term care. Key features of the new building include:

• 13 households each with 12 private resident suites. Every household has its own kitchen, laundry, dining and living areas so residents can enjoy daily activities and routines.
• Private bathrooms in each suite for comfort, privacy and infection control
• A secure central courtyard providing safe outdoor access and therapeutic connection to nature
• Community amenities like a bistro, art studio, grocery store, salon, chapel, and indigenous gathering space to enable interaction between residents and the broader community

By incorporating global best practices with a unique, made-in-BC care model reflects Providence Living’s aspiration to be a leader in the provision of long-term care, housing and other services for seniors in BC, Canada and beyond.

Providence’s new model of care and villages will be public and accessible to all, no matter one’s financial situation.

For more information on Providence Living at the Views, please visit here.

ABOUT

Providence Living at The Views

Located on the former site of St. Joseph’s General Hospital in Comox, BC, Providence Living at The Views will be home to 156 residents, including seniors with and without dementia as well as younger adults requiring long-term care. Key features of the new building include:

13 households each with 12 private resident suites. Every household has its own kitchen, laundry, dining and living areas so residents can enjoy daily activities and routines.
Private bathrooms in each suite for comfort, privacy and infection control
A secure central courtyard providing safe outdoor access and therapeutic connection to nature
Community amenities like a bistro, art studio, grocery store, salon, chapel, and indigenous gathering space to enable interaction between residents and the broader community

By incorporating global best practices with a unique, made-in-BC care model reflects Providence Living’s aspiration to be a leader in the provision of long-term care, housing and other services for seniors in BC, Canada and beyond.

Providence’s new model of care and villages will be public and accessible to all, no matter one’s financial situation.

For more information on Providence Living at the Views, please visit here.

About Providence Living at The Views

Located on the former site of St. Joseph’s General Hospital in Comox, BC, Providence Living at The Views will be home to 156 residents, including seniors with and without dementia as well as younger adults requiring long-term care. Key features of the new building include:

• 13 households each with 12 private resident suites. Every household has its own kitchen, laundry, dining and living areas so residents can enjoy daily activities and routines.
• Private bathrooms in each suite for comfort, privacy and infection control
• A secure central courtyard providing safe outdoor access and therapeutic connection to nature
• Community amenities like a bistro, art studio, grocery store, salon, chapel, and indigenous gathering space to enable interaction between residents and the broader community

By incorporating global best practices with a unique, made-in-BC care model reflects Providence Living’s aspiration to be a leader in the provision of long-term care, housing and other services for seniors in BC, Canada and beyond.

Providence’s new model of care and villages will be public and accessible to all, no matter one’s financial situation.

For more information on Providence Living at the Views, please visit here.

UNIQUE TO BC

Our Innovative Care Model

Providence Living at The Views is based on a unique made-in-BC care model called Home for Us or H4U. Jointly created by Providence Living and Providence Health Care, this model puts residents’ needs and preferences at the center. Its three guiding principles are:

EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS MATTER MOST

People won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.

RESIDENTS DIRECT
EACH MOMENT

Time is not measured by a clock, but by moments.

HOME IS NOT A PLACE,
IT IS A FEELING

Home feels friendly, relaxing, secure and familiar.

The H4U care model is different from traditional seniors’ care philosophies because caring with this approach means recognizing that aging adults are more likely to thrive when they are supported to maintain their independence, social connections, and their desired and purposeful personal routines.

In fact, studies show that maintaining a sense of independence and purpose plays a vital role in active, healthy aging. When people know they have a say in making decisions about their day and can direct their own routines, feel connected in meaningful and mutually fulfilling relationships, and see the care home as their home rather than the staff’s workplace, they feel more in control of their future.

Within this new model of care residents will have access to medication management, physical therapy, and tailored care plans developed with the resident and their family by a team that assesses their unique physical, emotional, and cognitive health needs.

At the same time, they will be supported to maintain strong family and community connections, and empowered to enjoy autonomous, meaningful lives.

To enable the massive shift Providence envisions, the H4U long-term care model will be easily scalable and adaptable to serve diverse populations across the province and around the country.

STAFFING

Within the Home for Us Care Model

The changes required to implement the H4U care model at Providence Living at The Views’ 156-bed long-term care home include an increase in staffing ratios to ensure adequate care in each 12-bed household.

These changes require an increase in hours of care per resident day (HPRD) to close to 4.0 HPRD from the currently funded 3.36 HPRD.

New job descriptions have been created, approved by unions and the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC), and are currently being tested in Comox at The Views at St. Joseph’s. As organizations committed to quality, research, and innovation, Providence has partnered with researchers to evaluate the impacts of the model on several outcomes. Providence clinical excellence teams have also created specific training and onboarding materials to support education and staff development. Three new staffing roles are being piloted within the H4U care model.

  1. Recreation and Leisure Aide staff will ensure day-to-day matters in a household run smoothly, support and provide guidance to as to what will bring residents enjoyment as part of their daily activities, and liaise with and support the community center with clubs and classes.
  2. Household Care Aides will be resident care providers.
  3. Multi-service workers will integrate housekeeping and food services.

Multi-service workers are key to the change, but equally so is the creation of new roles and adapted job descriptions for nurses.

Launched nearly two years ago at The Views, the MV2 pilot household served to test and refine the new care model. Additionally, MV2 functions as practical training platforms for staff in adopting this innovative care approach, with ongoing input from residents, families, and staff shaping the evolution of care practices.

The three above mentioned new staffing roles (Recreation and Leisure Aide staff, Household Care Aides and Multi-service workers) have also been piloted within the H4U care model on MV2.

For more information on Providence Living at the Views, please visit here.

The changes required to implement the H4U care model at Providence Living at The Views’ 156-bed long-term care home include an increase in staffing ratios to ensure adequate care in each 12-bed household.

These changes require an increase in hours of care per resident day (HPRD) to close to 4.0 HPRD from the currently funded 3.36 HPRD.

New job descriptions have been created, approved by unions and the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC), and are currently being tested in Comox at The Views at St. Joseph’s. As organizations committed to quality, research, and innovation, Providence has partnered with researchers to evaluate the impacts of the model on several outcomes. Providence clinical excellence teams have also created specific training and onboarding materials to support education and staff development. Three new staffing roles are being piloted within the H4U care model.

  1. Recreation and Leisure Aide staff will ensure day-to-day matters in a household run smoothly, support and provide guidance to as to what will bring residents enjoyment as part of their daily activities, and liaise with and support the community center with clubs and classes.
  2. Household Care Aides will be resident care providers.
  3.  Multi-service workers will integrate housekeeping and food services.

Multi-service workers are key to the change, but equally so is the creation of new roles and adapted job descriptions for nurses.

Launched nearly two years ago at The Views, the MV2 pilot household served to test and refine the new care model. Additionally, MV2 functions as practical training platforms for staff in adopting this innovative care approach, with ongoing input from residents, families, and staff shaping the evolution of care practices.

The three above mentioned new staffing roles (Recreation and Leisure Aide staff, Household Care Aides and Multi-service workers) have also been piloted within the H4U care model on MV2.

For more information on Providence Living at the Views, please visit here.

innovative design

New seniors care village layout: Main street features

1. Bistro
2. Community Hall
3. Wellness Centre
4. Art Studio
5. Grocery Store
6. Salon
7. Multipurpose Room
8. Medical Room
9. Main Street Plaza

FYI

What to expect on move-in day…

We are excited to welcome residents of The Views at St. Joseph’s to their new home at Providence Living at The Views this summer. This state-of-the-art long term care village represents an innovative new model of care focused on providing a true home for seniors – a place that recognizes residents as individuals and supports their unique needs, interests, choices and connections.

  • Residents will receive 4-5 labeled boxes at least 1 week prior to the move. Family and friends are welcome to help pack.
  • Seasonal/extra items that won’t fit can be stored at home by family if possible. The new rooms have limited storage.
  • Packed boxes will be delivered directly to residents’ new rooms on move-in day.
  • Family can come help unpack the day after the move if desired, or staff and volunteers will assist.

  • Residents may bring up to 2 additional pieces of furniture for their room, within certain size limits.
  • TVs should be 37-55″ and wall-mountable. Let us know if you’re bringing a TV so the wall-mount can be installed.
  • Mini-fridges up to 3.5 cubic feet are allowed as one of the furniture items.
  • Family/residents are responsible for cleaning and maintaining personal belongings.

  • Telus is the exclusive provider of cable, internet and phone services for resident rooms.
  • Shared cable TV is provided in each household’s common living area.
  • Residents/families can arrange for private cable or internet directly with Telus.

  • Residents will be transported by wheelchair along an indoor pathway from the current building to Providence Living at The Views
  • Regular visiting hours and routines will resume by 4pm that evening in the new location

  • Residents are encouraged to personalize their room with a few photos, mementos and decorations.
  • Each room has a “memory box” outside the door to display personal items.
  • Group programs, clubs and spiritual services will be held in the shared Main Street amenities and courtyard.
  • The Wellness Center provides rehabilitation and exercise equipment to support mobility and function.

just ask…

Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t see your question below…

Location Trackers

Residents will wear discreet locator pendants or bracelets as part of a Real-Time Locating System (RTLS). This allows them to move safely between the household and amenity spaces, while enabling staff to locate them as needed on a digital map. The RTLS also controls access to exit points based on each resident’s care plan.

Staff can identify the last recorded location of any misplaced locator and assist the resident until it is found. The devices do not pose any choking hazard.

Building Layout & Amenities

Four households are grouped together to form a neighborhood. Two households on the same floor make up a duplex. There are 3 main neighborhoods (Woodland View, Sky View, Harbor View) plus one separate 12-bed household (Meadow View).

Residents can enjoy a variety of Main Street amenities including a bistro, art studio, salon, community hall and chapel. Each household also has its own shared kitchen, dining, and living areas. The secure central courtyard offers safe access to the outdoors.

Social programs, clubs, and spiritual services will take place in the Main Street community spaces and courtyard. The Wellness Center provides exercise and therapy equipment.

Preparing for the Move

Residents should pack clothing, toiletries, and any small personal items they wish to have in their room. Televisions, mini-fridges, and up to 2 pieces of furniture are also welcome within size limits. Refer to the “What to Expect on Move-In Day” section above or the Resident Handbook for a full packing list.

To minimize disruption, we ask that families wait to visit until after 4pm on move-in day, when regular routines will resume in the new building. Families are also welcome to come the following day to help residents unpack and settle in.

Please clearly label clothing, eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, and other personal belongings with the resident’s name before move-in day. Clothing labels will be provided.

Dining and Food Services

Residents can enjoy a home-like dining experience, with meals prepared in the household kitchen. A new delivery system will efficiently provide ingredients and supplies. Residents are welcome to participate in cooking and table-setting as they wish.

Family and friends may bring residents their favorite foods or beverages. These should be checked with staff to ensure they comply with any dietary restrictions. Alcohol is allowed but will be stored and served by staff based on the resident’s care plan.

Our dietitians assess each resident’s preferences and dietary needs. They are available to discuss any concerns and make individualized adjustments to meal plans as appropriate.

Absolutely! Guest meals can be purchased so you can dine together in the resident’s household.

Resident Care & Services

The Director of Care leads the clinical team and works closely with the Assistant Director of Care (ADOC) to manage all care systems and processes. The ADOC provides day-to-day supervision of the interdisciplinary staff to ensure residents receive the best possible care based on established best practices and care plans.

Resident-to-staff ratios will be increased to provide more personalized, flexible care within each household. New staff positions are dedicated to supporting residents’ social engagement, daily living, and housekeeping needs. Nurses and care aides will work consistently in the same households as much as possible.

The care team, including RNs, LPNs, care aides, physicians and allied health providers, will work together to assess residents’ needs and develop individualized care plans. The on-site medical center provides a convenient space for appointments, while physicians may also visit residents directly in their households.

Medications are provided by CareRx Pharmacy and can be reviewed with the pharmacist at each resident’s care conferences. All medications, including over-the-counter products, must be stored and administered by staff.

Residents will have more flexibility and choice in their daily schedules, within their abilities. The new model aims to support each resident’s natural routines while ensuring all care needs are met. Calendars will be used to keep track of appointments and activities.

Providence Living is committed to rigorous quality management and continuous improvement. We welcome ongoing feedback from residents, families and staff and will work diligently to resolve any concerns that arise. See the “Policies & Safety” section below for more details on our quality assurance processes.

When a new resident moves in, the interdisciplinary team completes a thorough assessment and works with the resident/family to develop a personalized care plan based on individual needs, preferences, and goals. Care conferences involving the resident, family, and team are held 6 weeks after admission and annually thereafter to review the care plan. The Primary Nurse oversees day-to-day implementation of the plan.

The interdisciplinary care team includes pharmacists, dietitians, rehabilitation professionals (OT, PT, Rehab Assistant), social workers, dental hygienists, and foot care nurses. These services can be accessed through a referral from the resident’s nurse. Residents are also welcome to continue seeing external healthcare providers of their choice.

Recreation & Leisure

The Recreation & Leisure team provides diverse physical, social, creative, spiritual and therapeutic programs 7 days/week, as detailed in the monthly activity calendar. Residents can also enjoy spontaneous activities in their households or one-on-one visits with volunteers.

Families are always welcome to join in programs and special events. The monthly activity calendar identifies opportunities that are especially well-suited for family participation. We also love having family members share their own talents and interests with our community!

While most activities are included in the basic accommodation fees, we suggest families contribute $10/month to the Special Activity Fund to enhance programming with additional supplies, entertainment, outings, etc. This is voluntary but much appreciated.

Residents and families can view the monthly activity calendar on the website, posted in the reception area, or delivered to residents’ rooms. The daily schedule is also displayed in each household. Announcements about special events and program changes are posted on the family bulletin board.

Transportation

Free visitor parking is available on site. Please be sure to sign in at reception so we know who is in the building in case of emergency.

Residents/families are responsible for arranging their own transportation to appointments in the community. This can be done via HandyDART, taxi, or rides from family/friends. Our staff can assist with booking HandyDART when needed.

Residents may be eligible for discounted taxi vouchers or bus passes through the HandyDART program. Check with the reception desk for details on how to sign up.

Staff can assist with car transfers if it is safe to do so without using a mechanical lift. In those cases, families need to have an approved transfer belt in the vehicle and be trained on proper positioning.

Policies & Safety

Visitors are welcome any time. Please sign in at the reception desk and be mindful of other residents’ privacy. Visiting guidelines may change based on public health orders.

Family pets are welcome to visit if they are well-behaved and on a leash. Please avoid dining areas and mealtimes. Review the full pet policy in the handbook.

Each household has its own phone number which can be used to reach residents directly. See the handbook for a list of extensions. An email address is also available for sending messages and photos to residents, which volunteers can assist in delivering.

Smoking is allowed for residents only in designated outdoor areas. Smoking materials will be securely stored by staff. Visitors must smoke off the property.

Please speak with the RN, LPN or Director of Care regarding any concerns. Unresolved issues can be escalated through the health authority’s Patient Care Quality Office, with contact information provided in the handbook.

Keeping residents safe is our top priority. We follow all public health directives and have robust infection control practices. Should an outbreak occur, residents will receive clear communication and directives. Visiting restrictions may be put in place temporarily to contain the spread.

Providence Living at The Views has comprehensive emergency response protocols covering events like fires, earthquakes, and outbreaks. Drills are conducted regularly with staff to maintain a high level of preparation. In an emergency, please follow any instructions from staff to keep yourself and your loved one safe.

Housekeeping & Laundry

Housekeeping is included as part of your accommodation fees. The multi-service worker in each household performs daily tidying and cleaning of resident rooms and shared spaces.

Personal clothing will be washed by staff in the household laundry at no extra charge. Please ensure all items are labeled and can be machine washed and dried. Families may take delicate items home to launder if preferred.

Billing & Expenses

Accommodation fees, set by Island Health, cover room and board, basic care and nursing, recreation, and housekeeping/laundry. Some additional charges may apply for optional services like hair salon, foot care, cable, or transportation. Residents will receive monthly statements outlining any extra expenses incurred.

For convenience, we encourage residents to set up a pre-authorized payment plan to cover monthly fees. Our finance team would be happy to assist with getting this arranged.

During social or medical absences, residents continue to pay the regular accommodation fees to hold their room. Exceptions to this policy would be considered on a case-by-case basis in extenuating circumstances.

Donations & Gifts

Yes, Providence Living is a not-for-profit organization and donations are always welcome. You can speak to reception or the Director of Site Operations about making a one-time or recurring gift. Tax receipts are provided for donations over $10.

Yes, we are registered with Canada Revenue Agency. Our charitable registration number is 129363072 RR0001.

Contacts

Your main contact is the RN or LPN on your loved one’s household. See the handbook for a full staff directory with phone extensions. For move-related inquiries, please email newbuild@providenceliving.ca or call 778-384-2208.

Leave a message with the nurse and the physician will follow up with you directly. You are also welcome to attend your loved one’s care conferences to speak with the doctor in person.

We will continue to provide updates as move-in day approaches. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any additional questions. We look forward to working with residents and families to ensure a smooth transition to this exciting new chapter at Providence Living at The Views!

Family Social Presentations

Family Social Presentation