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New Campus of Care Opens for Surrey Seniors

December 17, 2009

SURREY –The Residence at Morgan Heights, a new campus of care consisting of 40 assisted-living units and 116 residential-care beds, officially opened today providing Surrey seniors with improved access to affordable housing with integrated support services, announced Kevin Falcon, Minister of Health Services and MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale.

“Our government is committed to providing housing solutions that make sense for seniors and their changing care needs,” said Falcon. “The Residence at Morgan Heights offers a range of housing options that will allow seniors to retain their independence and remain in their community, close to family and friends.”

The Residence at Morgan Heights, located at 15955 27th Ave. in Surrey, provides 116 residential-care beds and 40 assisted-living units. The Province is providing an annual subsidy of approximately $676,080 for 36 of the assisted-living units, through the Independent Living BC (ILBC) program; the remaining four assisted-living units are private pay. ILBC is an innovative housing-for-health program for seniors and people with disabilities. Assisted-living units are self-contained apartments where tenants receive a range of hospitality services, including meals, housekeeping, laundry, personal-care services and medication assistance.

The campus of care model offers a range of housing and care options in one location, from independent housing to assisted living and complex care. Campuses of care minimize the transition for seniors when their care needs change. Aging in place allows couples, family members and friends to remain on the same site when their levels of care are different. Fraser Health is providing $533,100 annually toward personal care and hospitality services for the 36 ILBC assisted-living units and $5 million annually to operate 90 residential-care beds. The other 26 residential-care beds are private pay.

“For communities like Surrey with a growing seniors population, enhancing access to multiple levels of care options is a top priority,” said Dr. Nigel Murray, president and CEO of Fraser Heath. “This modern facility has significantly increased our care capacity and is creating safe, affordable living for Surrey seniors, with the right supports in place.”

“The Residence at Morgan Heights will enable seniors in Surrey to maintain various levels of independence while living in community with each other,” said Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts. “Facilities like this help seniors to continue deeply enriching our city through care options that meet their diverse needs.”

The Residence at Morgan Heights is owned and operated by Pinnacle Care Group, a local family-owned and operated company that provides senior home care in Surrey, Burnaby, Langley and White Rock. Pinnacle is dedicated to providing a care model and assisted-living experience that comes from innovation and the highest standards of care for seniors and their families. Pinnacle provided approximately $38 million in capital investment.

“At Pinnacle, we strive to be a leading provider of high-quality housing and complex residential-care services by helping our clients maintain their independence and enhancing their quality of life,” said Jody Shields, manager of business development for Pinnacle Care Group. “Our strong partnership with the Province allows us to continue to deliver a client-centred approach focused on resident and family involvement, and shared decision making.”

In 2008, the provincial government met its commitment to provide 5,000 net-new residential-care beds, assisted-living units, supportive housing and home support. The Province has opened 6,061 net-new additional new beds and units across B.C. since 2001. In total, 12,865 new and replacement beds and units have been opened, replacing many that were old and unsuitable.

In 2009-10, the Province's budget for social housing is approximately $450 million, more than three times as much as in 2001.
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Authorized By Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party.
Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257