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Dementia housing project expands

The first ever licensed Dementia housing project in the province is celebrating its grand re-opening this week after it was expanded
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Brentwood House.

The first ever licensed Dementia housing project in the province is celebrating its grand re-opening this week after it was expanded.

Brentwood House, located at the corner of West Saanich and Stelly’s X Road in Brentwood Bay, provides individuals with early to moderate stages of dementia with a home-like setting that encourages participation in regular daily life activities and actively involves residents in the daily chores.

Beacon Community Services (BCS) partners with Island Health (formerly Vancouver Island Health Authority) to run the facility which officially opened in late 2007. Since that time, an additional licensed Dementia housing project, Sluggett House (also in Brentwood Bay) was opened.

The expansion of Brentwood House adds three additional suites to the home which has been commended for keeping individuals with dementia living more active lives.

“Brentwood House was created because research demonstrated that people with mild to moderate cognitive impairment performed better when they were allowed to participate as much as possible in all daily activities and maintain more independence than a traditional clinically focused care environment might allow,” said a press release from BCS.

“A research study conducted by the University of Victoria validated that residents of Brentwood House scored better on all indicators one year after arriving.”

“We were very proud to partner with Island Health in pioneering this revolutionary model of care for dementia clients,” said Isobel Mackenzie, CEO for Beacon Community Services.

“The philosophy of promoting as much independence as possible is consistent with our values that respect an individual’s dignity and autonomy.”

— With files from BCS