Submitted
Executive director Michael Aikins announced last week that Glacier View Lodge in Courtenay will begin with site preparations for the expansion of the new Adult Day Program Centre in November.
Building will commence as soon as the building permit is approved by the City of Courtenay.
The expansion of the lodge, a 1,600-square foot addition, will alleviate pressures on the current building.
“We are excited to be able to finally create a dedicated space that can become ‘home away from home’ for community seniors,” says Liz Friis, director of resident lifestyle and community programs.
“This will allow us to have the capacity for growth and provide much more versatility for our current residents.”
The Adult Day Program is one of the health programs offered through the Vancouver Island Health Authority for seniors who are experiencing challenges to their health or memory.
Those who attend programs at Glacier View Lodge have the opportunity to participate in a social and stimulating day, and can take advantage of other services at the lodge, such as health monitoring, bathing, or even an appointment with a hair stylist.
Friis adds that it’s not just the seniors who will benefit from this expansion. She says the main beneficiaries of the program are the family caregivers who often suffer personally from the physical and emotional demands of caregiving and could benefit from a regular day off to connect to family, friends or participate in their regular activities.
“The Adult Day Program is a lifeline for many families in the Valley – ensuring they have some free time without worry about their loved ones,” said Bob Scales, chair of the Glacier View Lodge board of directors.
“Most caregivers cannot find time to care for themselves,” adds Friis. “It is a sad reality that the stress of care-giving impacts their health, as well.
“The impact of health issues for caregivers then doubles the impact on our health-care system, which affects our entire community.”
When the senior attends the day program once or twice a week, the caregiver can have a day off to go to work without worry, look after the house, pay bills, go shopping, attend a social activity or simply catch up on much-needed sleep.
The ground-breaking later this month, once permits are received, is the culmination of more than two years of planning by the lodge’s board and administration.
Over the past year, the fundraising committee at Glacier View Lodge has hosted a series of events to raise awareness about the need for expanded services for Valley seniors and to raise the additional funds needed to complete the project.
They still need $150,000 from community support.
If you can help, please visit our website donor page at www.glacierviewlodge.ca or visit the lodge. The lodge has offered the Adult Day Program for community seniors for 31 years.