To the Squamish People,
Re: Developing Long-Term Elder Care and Assisted Living Care Services for the Squamish Nation community
On behalf of the Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw (Council), I wanted to update you on the Long-term Elder Care Facility and Assisted Living Care Facility that staff continue working hard on.
Background
From 2003 to 2007, the Squamish Nation explored developing a long-term care home for 14 rooms through a feasibility study. It was eventually determined that the Squamish Nation needed revenue to support the annual operations of this type of facility, and the project did not proceed.
From 2020-2022, the Provincial and Federal governments made changes to policy and funding for long-term care facilities, and new opportunities have opened up for government funding for the operations of care facilities.
The Squamish Nation’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan also includes the following strategic objective:
Build Long Term Care Homes, Assisted Living Homes, and Elders Centres for current and future Squamish Elders – Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw 2026, pg 19
In March 2021, Council directed Squamish Nation staff to explore the advisability and feasibility of developing long-term care and assisted living care homes for Squamish Nation Elders. The Planning and Capital Projects Department is working with staff, Elders, and community members to explore what we should build if we choose to build them.
Next Steps
Staff are completing studies for the Squamish Nation on providing Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Care Services for our community. For this work:
Long-term care services mean services that provide 24-hour professional supervision and care in a protective, supportive environment for people who have complex care needs and can no longer be cared for in their own homes or assisted living residences.
Assisted living services to provide housing, hospitality services and personal care services for adults who can live independently and make decisions on their behalf but require a supportive environment due to physical and functional health challenges.
The goal of staff research is learn:
- Previous work completed on these types of facilities and services.
- The types of services to be included at each facility.
- The expected demand by Squamish Nation Members.
- The overall size of the facility.
- Estimated cost to construct and operate.
In the coming year, part of the staff research will also explore ideal locations on Squamish Nation reserves for where to build the facilities to provide Long-Term Care and Assisted Living services. The report will also include a summary of our findings related to the construction and operation of similar facilities by First Nations throughout Canada.
It is important to understand that long-term care facilities are managed by oversight and approval from a Provincial Health Authority.
Expected Milestones
- May 2023 – Staff present Needs Assessment Reports to Council
- May 2023 – Staff start Business Case Study Report
- December 2023 – Staff present Business Case Study Report
- TBD – Develop Project Plan with detailed architectural designs
- TBD – Secure construction & operational funding
- TBD – Start Construction
If you have questions about this work, please get in touch with Bob Sokol, Director, Planning & Capital Projects at Bob_Sokol@squamish.net.
Closing
We wanted to provide this letter to share progress on this important priority for our community. We welcome our community’s participation in the upcoming work. We thank you for reading this project update.
On behalf of the Squamish Nation Council,
Khelsilem
Council Chairperson
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw