During the second week of Advent, as we reflect on the theme of 'No Room at the Inn' in our local communities, we turn our focus to another group in need of our support: those requiring long-term care.
Providence Living at The Views represents a bold and compassionate step forward in how we care for those in need. Situated on the scenic northeast corner of the former St. Joseph’s General Hospital site in Comox, BC, this innovative facility is Canada’s first public, non-profit long-term care village, inspired by the dementia village concept. It opened in the summer of 2024 and serves frail seniors with and without dementia, as well as younger adults who need long-term care.
A Vision for Community Integration
This initiative is a beacon of innovation, community integration, and a reimagined approach to long-term care. Providence Living at The Views is not just a place to live—it is a community where every resident is valued and respected. It offers residents the opportunity to live a fulfilling life, supported by a unique, made-in-BC care model. This model combines global best practices with Providence Living’s leadership in redefining long-term care, housing, and services for seniors.
The village aims to nourish opportunities for authentic experiences and emotional connections. With a daycare on-site, this facility encourages intergenerational relationships, bringing people of all ages together. The broad range of amenities available—such as a bistro, art studio, coffee shop, grocery store, gardens, chapel, and Indigenous gathering space—will not only benefit residents but also invite members of the local community to engage with the village, creating a thriving, meaningful connection to the broader area.
A Shift from Traditional Care Models
Providence Living at The Views is located on the northeast corner of the former St. Joseph’s General Hospital site in Comox, BC. It serves as a perfect example of a major shift in long-term care philosophy. Rather than focusing solely on institutional care, this innovative village focuses on meeting the personal needs and preferences of residents. Aging adults are more likely to thrive when they maintain their independence and cherished routines, a core belief of Providence Living’s approach to long-term care.
The facility’s commitment to person-centred care is grounded in the healing ministry of Christ. As a Catholic healthcare community, Providence Living seeks to meet the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of those served through compassionate care, teaching, and research.
Building a More Compassionate Future
At Providence Living, individuality, joy, and spontaneity are encouraged, allowing residents to live fulfilling and meaningful lives. By challenging conventions and listening to the real experts—the people living in care communities and their families—Providence Living continues to advance its mission of innovating seniors' care. This approach promises to transform the experience of aging, making it more compassionate and community-oriented.
Exciting news follows this opening of Providence Living at The Views in Comox: the Diocese of Prince George has donated 16 acres of land to support the development of a new 200-bed long-term care home in partnership with Providence Living and Northern Health. Providence Living will oversee the construction and operation of this state-of-the-art facility, marking a significant step in addressing the growing demand for senior care in the region.
But that’s not all—this initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance senior care across Northern BC. Smithers and Quesnel are also set to benefit from a collaborative project involving Providence Living, Northern Health, and the Ministry of Health, which aims to deliver more than 400 new publicly funded long-term care beds by 2030.
These care homes in Quesnel and Smithers will offer more than just residential spaces—they’ll include specialized services designed to support older adults living independently in the community. Programs such as adult day services will foster social connections, provide stimulating activities, and offer crucial health support, empowering seniors to maintain their independence while accessing the care they need.
Local Communities: A Call to Action
As we reflect on these advancements, we must also turn our attention to our own communities. How can we make use of underutilized spaces to create new long-term care facilities? How can we support those in our communities who are fearful of their future care needs? How can we bring peace and security to both caregivers and those needing care?
These are important questions that we must consider as we explore ways to address the long-term care needs in our local areas. Together, we can create spaces that provide comfort, security, and community for those who need it most.
Building a Future of Care
In the second week of Advent, we light the second purple candle, which symbolizes peace and invites us to reflect on how we can prepare the way for Christ in our communities. Just as Mary and Joseph sought shelter in their time of need, many of our elders face a similar longing for comfort, community, and stability during their later years. They, too, are in search of a place to feel at home and at peace.
Let us consider how our own communities can respond to the needs of those who require compassionate care. How can we ensure that our elders and their caregivers find peace, stability, and connection in their later years?
Stay tuned in the coming weeks of Advent as we continue to explore new ways to bring purpose, shelter, and hope to those in need.
