Editor:
I write to pay homage to KinVillage Association.
In my opinion KinVillage is an under recognized jewel in our community.
Most people know KinVillage for its Community Centre catering to seniors or for its long term care facility, however, I would like to draw attention to what for me is Kins greatest service, that being the Day Program for Older Adults.
I am three- and one-half years into being the single care giver to my wife of 53 years who suffers from advanced Alzheimer’s. I find this task to be physically exhausting and mentally depleting. Like most caregivers I aspire to keep my loved one at home for as long as possible, a goal echoed by the Ministry of Health and Health Authorities. The biggest impediment I find to this task is the limited support that the health care system is able to provide.
The only reason, I am able to cope is because of the respite available from the KinVillage Day Program for Older Adults. This program, while supplying me with respite, provides a high level of care and socialization for my wife. Fortunately, the Health Authority provides financial support for the program. Unfortunately, the limited number of patients the program can accept is do to facility size, resulting in ever increasing wait lists.
It has been well documented that our population is aging. Dementia and Alzheimer’s along with physical aging are turning more seniors into caregivers every day. A recent announcement from the Ministry and Fraser Health acknowledged that in their most welcome announcement about the much needed upgrade to Mountain View Manor, projected to break ground in 2025.
KinVillage Association being well ahead of the curve invoked upon a project thre years ago to add additional long-term care beds and equally important a much larger and state of the art facility for the Day Program for Older Adults. Ground has been broken on this project, which will be completed and operational in 2025. When completed, this will greatly enhance service to a greater number of patients and provide crucial respite to a larger number of care givers.
As a community member I urge supporting this not-for-profit entity referred to as KinVillage Association.
Howie McLennan
