Westbank First Nation thanks Pine Acres Home (PAH) staff and partners
January 19, 2022 - Westbank First Nation (WFN) announced the planned closure of Pine Acres Home (PAH) in October 2021 due to the result of increased COVID-19 requirements for long-term care facilities, shortages of staff, and the changing landscape of long-term care models across the country. As of December 23, 2021, all residents were successfully transitioned to their new residences and the facility was closed.
“Pine Acres Home was targeted to close January 2022, however thanks to the efforts of our Pine Acres team and Interior Health, all residents were safely transitioned to their homes ahead of schedule and before Christmas”, says WFN Chief Christopher Derickson. “For almost 40 years, we have provided quality care to our Elders and seniors from other communities, and we look forward to working with our Members to identify how we can continue to do so in the future, in new and innovative ways.”
Westbank First Nation Council, Members and community extended their deepest appreciation to the PAH staff who dedicated themselves to providing exceptional care to the residents throughout the years. "Your hard work, commitment and care is what truly made the facility a Home. Limlemt to each and every person who worked at PAH over the past 40 years," continued Chief Derickson.
WFN further raised its hands to Interior Health for assisting in the smooth and comfortable transitions of all PAH residents to their new homes. The health and well-being of residents remained of utmost importance throughout the entire process. Limlemt!
About Pine Acres Home (PAH):
In 1983, WFN opened Pine Acres Home (PAH), an intermediate care facility that provided quality care for community Elders within an Indigenous environment. While originally designed to provide residence to aging residents, PAH evolved to provide complex care including dementia care. There were 63 beds for residential care and the facility was distinguished for its approach and commitment to Indigenous cultural and spiritual beliefs. Working closely with the Interior Health Authority (IHA) and Indigenous Services Canada, forty beds were funded through IHA and priority placement was given to Indigenous residents for the remaining twenty beds. The facility provided 24-hour professional nursing care that consisted of Licensed Practical Nurses, Health Care Workers, and an Activity Department supported by volunteers. Registered Nurses in Administration provided clinical leadership and education. There were no active cases of COVID-19 prior to the closure. For more information, see WFN's October 20, 2021, Media Release: Closure of Pine Acres.