11 ASSISTED LIVING UNITS FOR SENIORS OPEN IN REVELSTOKE

REVELSTOKE – The $3.8-million Moberly Manor officially opened today, providing 11 new assisted living units for seniors, announced East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett.

“The Province is committed to providing seniors with quality, affordable housing close to family and friends,” said Bennett. “The 11 assisted living units at Moberly Manor have increased housing options for seniors to live independently in Revelstoke.”

The 11 units were built as a wood-frame building and connected to the existing Moberly Manor. The Province provided funding to build the units through Independent Living BC, an innovative housing-for-health program for seniors and people with disabilities. Assisted living homes are self-contained apartments with a 24-hour response system. Residents receive personal care and hospitality services, such as recreational opportunities, assistance with medications, housekeeping, meals and laundry services.

The Province owns and operates Moberly Manor through BC Housing and will provide ongoing property management. Interior Health will provide funding for personal care services to ensure that the health care needs of the tenants are met.

“Funding support services for people in assisted living makes good sense from a health perspective,” said Interior Health board chair Norman Embree. “It means that seniors can remain independent as long as possible, which keeps them connected to their communities and helps them maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

The City of Revelstoke provided the land for this project.

“Revelstoke seniors need more options to live independently as they age,” said acting Mayor Matt Singh, City of Revelstoke. “By adding assisted living, we are taking one more step to ensure that Revelstoke remains an affordable and livable city at any age or care level.”

These units are part of the Provincial commitment to provide 5,000 net-new residential care beds, assisted living units, and supportive housing with home support units by the end of 2008.

The Province of British Columbia is committed to providing more than 4,000 affordable assisted living apartments for B.C. seniors and persons with disabilities. To date, more than 3,900 have been allocated in communities across the province. Through the provincial housing strategy, Housing Matters BC, the Province is investing more than $400 million in shelters and affordable housing this year, three times as much as in 2001.

-30-
BACKGROUNDER
MOBERLY MANOR

Moberly Manor at 711 West 1st Street in Revelstoke is a one-storey wood-frame construction linked to the existing development. Moberly Manor consists of 11 one-bedroom assisted living units for seniors funded under Independent Living BC.

Residents receive a full spectrum of quality services including two meals per day, flat laundry, general housekeeping, personal care services, a 24-hour response service, and social and recreational opportunities.

The units are spacious one-bedroom suites and are wheelchair accessible to accommodate aging in place and persons with disabilities. The combined development also includes a dining room, lounge, amenity room, and a library with an Internet area.

Residents pay 70 per cent of their after-tax income for their units and services.

PARTNERS AND FUNDING:

The total capital cost of this project is $3,841,725:

Operational Funding:

-30-

Media contacts:
Rhonda Nguyen
BC Housing
604-439-4740
604-374-8301 (cell)

Erin Toews
Interior Health - Thompson Cariboo Shuswap Health Service Area
250-314-2100 (local 3741)

Ross McPhee
City of Revelstoke
250-837-2911