Contact
Access to subsidized residential care is coordinated by Health Authority staff. For more information on subsidized residential care, contact the Home Health Office nearest you. Please do not contact the Operator directly regarding subsidized residential care. For information on private residential care, please refer to the Seniors Housing Directory of BC.
Capacity
Publicly Subsidized Units: 30
Private-Pay Units: 1
Building Description
This west coast style building is run by the West Coast Native Health Care Society and has an Assisted Living Residence on site. It is situated one block from a bus route. Retail services including a pharmacy are within 3km.
Our grounds are large and well maintained with lush, green lawns, fruit trees, berries, flowers, benches and pathways throughout the property. The large patio is used for meals and activities. We have a greenhouse for our Resident Horticultural programs.
Building Amenities
The Resident Games Room has a large screen TV/DVD, games and many movies. There is a kitchen where families can eat with residents privately. Residents can bake or cook together as part of an activity. The building has alarms on doors at the end of each wing. There is a call-bell system. The tub has a lift and there is a stretcher to bathe residents. The building has lots of natural light and high ceilings. The cedar finishing is well-maintained.
Neighbourhood/Community Amenities
Tsawaayuus is in a newer residential area. Shopping, pharmacy, hospital, restaurants and hotels are less than five minutes away. Port Alberni Parks and Recreation offers a multitude of activities for city residents. Movies, live performances and special events are scheduled regularly. The Alberni Valley has a natural beauty that everyone enjoys.
Language, Culture or Religious Affiliation
Tsawaayuus is a unique, responsibly managed residential care facility whose mission is to provide holistic, culturally competent care in a family-like environment with an emphasis on Aboriginal people.
In 1985, 5 ladies had a dream of building a safe home for Native Elders, which would also hire native employees to look after the Elders. The ten assisted living apartments are an addition to the original 30 complex care beds opened in 1992.
There are some First Nations people working in each department, First Nations people in management and First Nations people on the Board of Directors. The main cultural group is Nuuchahnulth. There are 14 tribes among the Nuuchahnulth people. Most First Nations residents and staff are of Nuuchahnulth ancestry.
Tsawaayuus hosts Nuuchahnulth language lessons for residents and anyone else who is interested. The number of learners is always increasing. Although some residents are non –verbal, there is no doubt they are happy to hear their own language and words during each lesson.
Accreditation Status
Accreditation is an external peer review process to assess and improve the services health care organizations provide to their patients and clients, based on standards of excellence set by Accreditation Canada. For more information, visit here: http://www.accreditation.ca/en/default.aspx.
Philosophy of Care
At Tsawaayuus we have an underlying respect for who people are. We strive to keep each Resident as well as they can be. We accept each Resident as a unique whole person physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and culturally.
Tsawaayuus plays a role in the community which includes education. We challenge and act against racism.
Each Resident has a family they are important to whether it is the family within Tsawaayuus or their relatives in the community.
The house we maintain for Residents is comfortable and warm. Care provided is supportive and culturally appropriate to the individual. We are relationship focused.
Staff are valued for the skills, knowledge and abilities they bring to Tsawaayuus. They are responsible to know how to provide safe care and maintain a safe environment for Residents. Staff are open to learning and sharing. We are cooperative as a team and we have concern for one another.
Is Accommodation Private or Shared?
Private
Type of Accommodation
There are 30 individual rooms, each with an ensuite bathroom. Each room has a single bed, closet and dresser. Residents may bring some items from home to decorate their rooms. There is individually controlled heat. The building is wheelchair accessible and there are grab-bars in the bathrooms. Each wing of the residence has hand-rails. There is a spacious lounge and dining area. Residents have a recreational program as well as the use of 2 wheel-chair accessible vans. Podiatry services and hair-dressing services are available.
Cost
Residents pay up to 80% of their after tax income which covers the cost of food and accommodation.
Special Recreational Opportunities
Residents are encouraged to participate in group exercises, entertainment, bingo, baking, shopping, and seasonal activities. Occasionally a special trip to watch a play at the Chemainus Theatre will be arranged.
Two buses with wheel-chair lifts are available for outings. Ladies or men’s Luncheons at local restaurants are very popular. Activity department staff provide individual attention to assist residents to maintain their range of motion and mobility.
Families are welcome to participate in special events. Residents are often able to spend time away from the facility to visit relatives overnight. In certain cases we are able to provide a bed for family members to stay overnight in the residents rooms.
Accessibility
Manual/power wheelchair accessible throughout.
Motorized Scooter Policy
Motorized scooters and wheelchairs are permitted.
Pet Policy
No pets.
Smoking Policy
Smoking in designated areas only.
Safety/Security Features
Automatic doors are in the front entrance. Doors are locked at 7:00pm for safety. There is a door-bell at the front entrance. Fire alarms and sprinklers are located throughout. Fire drills are practiced regularly. Most of the grounds are fenced in but not totally secure. There is an overhead ceiling lift in each room to assist residents transferring from bed to bathroom.
Facility-Specific Restrictions
- No alcohol
- Housing for seniors and younger individuals with disabilities