This article originally appeared in The Daily Scan.
In a historic moment for seniors care in Canada, Providence Living at The Views, the nation’s first public, long-term care home based on the concepts of a dementia village, welcomed its inaugural residents on July 8. The state-of-the-art care home village in Comox, British Columbia, represents a significant step forward in providing compassionate, person-centred care for seniors with and without dementia.
Natividad “Naty” Parinas, mother of Eddie Parinas, a contestant from the ninth season of The Amazing Race Canada, was the first resident to make the journey from the previous existing long-term care home, The Views at St. Joseph’s, to the new care home village. Accompanied by her son and daughter-in-law, Allie Sellers, who was also a contestant on the show, Parinas was greeted with a poignant ribbon-cutting ceremony at the main entrance of Providence Living at The Views. Mark Blandford, president & CEO of Providence Living, and Kathy MacNeil, CEO of Island Health, personally portered Parinas to her new home.
The move-in day was a heartwarming display of community support and meticulous planning, as nearly 90 volunteers and staff members came together to ensure a smooth transition for the 156 residents. Remarkably, the entire move was completed in less than six hours, with Parinas leading the way as the first resident to settle into the new care home village.
A partnership between Providence Living, the province and Island Health with funding also from St. Paul’s Foundation and Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation, Providence Living at The Views marks a departure from the traditional institutional model of long-term care, focusing instead on creating a warm, home-like environment that prioritizes autonomy, social engagement, and first-class medical care.
“Today, we celebrate a new era in seniors’ care in Canada,” said Mark Blandford. “Providence Living at The Views embodies our commitment to redefining long-term care by putting the well-being and dignity of our residents at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to offer a public care home village that is accessible to all, regardless of financial means.”
The successful move-in day was a testament to the dedication and collaboration of the staff, volunteers, and community partners. From the careful coordination of transportation to the attention to detail in ensuring residents’ comfort and safety, every aspect of the move was meticulously planned and executed.
As Canada’s aging population continues to grow, the need for innovative, person-centred long-term care solutions has become increasingly pressing. Providence Living at The Views serves as a model for the future of seniors’ care, demonstrating that exceptional care can be provided in a public setting, making it accessible to all who need it.
Providence Living at The Views is ready to change the culture of long-term care. Together, we are working toward a future where communities around the world will be empowered to provide care that puts residents first.