Nanaimo's Dufferin Place Extended Care Facility is keeping up with its clients' changing needs. The 150-bed extended care facility is permanent or temporary home to individuals needing various levels of care.
When it was built in 1987, few Dufferin residents were able to take part in recreational activities, and no space was allotted for such. But it has evolved, and Dufferin Place is now designated a "complex care facility." A large percentage of its residents are in "transitional care" - meaning they will soon return home. Many would like to participate in recreational activities, but space is a problem.
Crafts, games, dancing, sing-a-longs - even church services - take place in cordoned off space in the facility's dining area, or in hallways. This arrangement is cumbersome for participants and non-participants alike, so a separate activity area is being constructed.
"The activity program has recently been completely reorganized," says Joan Roberts, Dufferin's Site Manager. "Residents are thrilled with the additional activities they can take part in; however, most of these have to take place in the dining area and hallways, which is inconvenient and detrimental to the program."
The renovation will provide recreational space that benefits residents and staff alike, allowing Dufferin Place to better fulfill its evolving mission. "The new space will contribute greatly to the quality of life at Dufferin," says Ms. Roberts. The Foundation has agreed to raise $149,000 for the $290,000 project.
For more information, please call our office at 250-755-7690; toll free 248-2332 in Parksville/Qualicum.
