Special guests gather at an event announcing new care homes in Smithers and Quesnel.
Providence Living is advancing its commitment to innovative seniors care with the announcement today of two new long-term care homes in Smithers and Quesnel. These new long-term care villages, developed in partnership with Northern Health and the Ministry of Health, will bring over 400 new publicly funded beds to Northern BC, offering seniors greater access to high-quality, compassionate care closer to home. These developments, along with the Prince George announcement made in November, means that Providence Living is now set to bring over 700 beds to Northern BC.
Building on a vision of resident-centered care
Providence Living’s new care homes in Smithers and Quesnel will embrace the Home for Us care model, focusing on a personalized, resident-centered approach. This model, which has already shown success at Providence Living at The Views in Comox, reimagines long-term care by prioritizing the social and relational needs of residents. Each home is expected to be organized into small households, each housing 12 residents in private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, creating a comfortable and home-like environment.
Mark Blandford, President and CEO of Providence Living, emphasized the transformative nature of these new projects, saying, “These new homes in Smithers and Quesnel represent our commitment to creating communities where seniors can live with dignity, purpose, and joy. By focusing on individual needs and fostering strong social connections, we are setting a new standard for long-term care.”
Speakers at the Providence Living announcement included (L-R): Scott McCarten, Vice President, Capital Projects & Business Development, Providence Living; Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of Health and Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs; and Chief Timberwolf, Mabel Forsythe, Wet’suwet’en.
Enhanced amenities for a well-lived day
Both long-term care homes will feature amenities designed to support a vibrant and fulfilling life for residents. These are expected to include indoor and outdoor spaces for social and recreational activities, communal dining areas, and facilities for cooking fresh meals on-site. The design will also incorporates quiet rooms and private spaces, ensuring that residents have places for reflection and relaxation.
In addition to the residential areas, the homes will offer specialized services such as adult day programs to support older adults living independently in the community. These programs will provide social connections, engaging activities, and essential health services, helping seniors maintain their independence while receiving the care they need.
A commitment to northern communities
The new care home in Smithers will bring 216 beds to the community, while the Quesnel home will add 288 beds. These projects address the growing demand for long-term care in Northern BC, ensuring that seniors can remain close to their families and communities as they age. The homes are expected to open in the late 2020s, with construction beginning over the next few years.
“The investment in the new long-term care homes in Smithers and Quesnel represents our government’s ongoing commitment to improving access to high-quality, compassionate care for seniors in British Columbia, said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. This action represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing demand for long-term care and our government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen health care in rural and remote communities.”
Looking ahead
As Providence Living moves forward with these new projects, it remains committed to its mission of transforming the experience of long-term care. By prioritizing the needs and well-being of residents, these new homes in Smithers and Quesnel will set a new benchmark for seniors care in British Columbia.
The expansion into Northern BC underscores Providence Living’s dedication to ensuring that seniors across the province have access to high-quality care that honors their dignity and enhances their quality of life.
