State-of-the-art facility opens in the Tri-Cities to support people with complex and dementia care needs

PORT COQUITLAM – People needing long-term, specialized care in the Tri-Cities now have access to a new care home. Nicola Lodge is a state-of-the-art facility, offering full long term care with specialized services for residents with dementia or complex needs. 

Each of the three interconnected buildings feature small neighbourhoods designed to promote friendship and wellness in a home-like environment. Residents can read a book from the library while relaxing by the saltwater fish tank, or sit in one of the outdoor courtyards and enjoy an ice cream from the in-house ice cream parlour.

“Nicola Lodge provides more than just dementia care, complex needs and mental health support for residents. It offers a caring, home-like atmosphere where a friendly face is only a neighbourhood away,” said Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA Linda Reimer. “Nicola Lodge contributes to a high level of care and support in the community as part of a commitment to provide over 400 new long term care beds in this region.”

Nicola Lodge has 256 beds, of which 212 long term care beds and 26 mental health beds are publicly funded through Fraser Health. The remaining beds are private pay through Baltic Properties.

“Providing specialized support and expanding long term care services in the community is a priority for us,” said Michael Marchbank, president and CEO, Fraser Health. “Nicola Lodge, which offers a dedicated dementia neighbourhood and support for complex care needs, means people living in the Tri-Cities are able to access the best care possible.”

“This brand new care home for Tri-Cities is an exciting development for us,” said Baltic Properties Ltd. managing partner Will McKay. “Nicola Lodge offers services designed to maximize independence and help residents feel comfortable, secure and cared for in a beautiful and modern new home.

In 2013, the Tri-Cities were identified as one of four communities across the region in need of increased long term care capacity due to rapid growth in the senior’s population. Fraser Health has committed to opening 403 new long term care beds in the Tri-Cities, Surrey and White Rock. Baltic Properties was one of the successful proponents in the Tri-Cities for new long term care beds.

Guided by the Ministry of Health’s strategic priorities, Fraser Health is implementing its “Increasing Quality and Capacity for Care” plan, which aims to improve the quality and appropriateness of care, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and shift the organization towards a community-based system for health. The plan reorganizes Fraser Health resources, realigning funding from acute care and towards expanding community care services and programs and long term care beds.