Nigel House Fall 2023

The New Nigel House

Next Steps: an investment in inclusivity

Steve Twelve years ago, Steve (L) was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. He lived with his mom, Dawn (R) in Courtenay, but when he needed more assistance than Dawn was able to provide, he moved to Nigel House in Victoria. “We all have to feel loved, cherished, and cared for. We all need things to look forward to.

Steve has this, and more, at Nigel House. Thank you so much.”

2 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

TIMES COLONIST

Luka’s Story “Nobody’s living a full life unless we all are. So thank you so much. You’re doing us a world of good. And honestly, it makes us happy, and gives me faith in humanity. ”

Luka

Nigel House Resident

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t 25, Luka Garvin is the youngest resident at Nigel House, a unique facility in Saanich that provides a home-like setting for those needing complex care.

She uses a wheelchair because her cerebral palsy limits her mobility, but is able to get out and about and is a frequent visitor to the Victoria Disability Resource Centre.

“I’ve been doing the most physical therapy I’ve done in 20 years there,” Garvin said.

Getting to know the other residents during her five months at the Broadmead Care Society complex has been a wonderful experience, she said. There are 26 residents of various ages, the oldest being 74.

“It’s quite lovely here,” Garvin said. “There’s loads of

community and they interact with each other.”

The staff adds to the special atmosphere, she said. “They always try to make you feel safe and warm and cared for.”

Garvin said she appreciates what Nigel House gives her and the support from the wider community that keeps it going.

She wishes the same good fortune for others.

“Nobody’s living a full life unless we all are,” Garvin said.

She is thankful that a bigger, better Nigel House is being built next to the existing building, and feels lucky it will be there in the future “especially given the housing crisis that’s going on right now.”

The new Nigel House will be six storeys rather than the current two and will accommodate 41 people needing the type of care it provides. There will also be 37 independent living units and 10

affordable-housing units.

The Broadmead Care Society is projecting residents will be able to move in by April 2025.

Along with the larger building there will be plenty of new equipment to benefit residents. In Garvin’s case, the addition of overhead lifts will make it easier to transfer from her wheelchair to her bed.

There will also be bigger elevators and bathrooms, as well as wider hallways, to improve the surroundings for wheelchair users like her.

Garvin wanted to share her story and her gratitude for the care she receives to help support ongoing fundraising efforts for the Nigel House project.

“I’m more than happy to talk about it,” she said.

She did so with openness and low-key humour.

“My closest friends would describe me as sardonic,”

Garvin said. “But I would say I have a pretty positive outlook overall.”

Favourite activities include writing — poetry, articles and more — and she started on a writing degree at the University of Victoria by taking online courses during COVID. “I took a couple of years off because I had back surgery and there were complications,” she said. “But hopefully I’ll get back to it sooner rather than later.”

Garvin said on any given day you might also find her sitting outside, watching the birds and “pondering the universe.”

The previous $3-million New Home for Nigel House campaign has already reached its goal. Another $1.4 million is now being raised for the equipment, furnishings and other components that will complete the new surroundings.

For more information or to donate, go to givetonigelhouse.com.

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Next Steps: building a safe haven

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | 3

We remain fully committed to supporting the amazing people who live at Nigel House.

Construction for their new home is swiftly progressing, and it’s truly incredible to witness.

KELLY (R) HAS BEEN THE FACE OF THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE NEW HOME FOR NIGEL HOUSE. SADLY, SHE PASSED BEFORE BEING ABLE TO ENJOY HER NEW HOME. HELP US FUND IMPORTANT FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT SO PEOPLE LIKE KELLY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE IN AN ENVIRONMENT THAT MEETS THEIR NEEDS, AND BRINGS WELLBEING AND HAPPINESS TO THEIR DAILY LIVES.

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uilding a new home for younger adults with disabilities is akin to building a marina or safe harbour from the sea.

Just as a marina provides shelter, support, and a sense of security for boats in the midst of a stormy sea, the new Nigel House will offer a welcoming and protective environment in the midst of life’s challenges.

People live in Nigel House through no fault of their own: life has dealt them a rough hand. The New Home for Nigel House is vital because it will address the diverse needs of these younger adults with disabilities, which range from birth defects to brain injuries, and include conditions like Multiple Sclerosis and TaySacs

disease. The new Home will offer purpose-built spaces with furniture and equipment suitable for their needs. They’ll be able to live as fully as possible, with wellbeing and happiness.

The new Nigel House will act as a central hub, connecting these remarkable people to essential services and opportunities. Just as a marina offers restful space, important amenities, and opportunities to replenish supplies, this Home will provide access to specialized care, therapies, and a nurturing community. Each person will be supported in the way they need, enabling them to live with a sense of stability and comfort.

Moreover, this Home will foster independence. It will allow people to develop life skills, explore their passions, and build connections with others who understand their unique journeys.

Funding for this project is not just a charitable act; it’s an investment in inclusivity, empowerment, and progress.

Supporting the New Home for Nigel House is an opportunity to protect and assist the lives of those who need it most.

Thanks to donors like you, this safe haven is becoming a reality. Thank you for helping the people who live at Nigel House to find refuge and the strength to face the sometimes unpredictable seas of life.

These young adults live with disabilities. They need help every day. They are eagerly looking forward to the day when the doors of their brand new home swing open. However, before we reach that momentous occasion, we have one final task ahead of us – raising funds for furnishings, fixtures, and equipment.

Let’s come together and make this last journey a successful one!

Frank Leonard and Murray Coell

Co-Chairs New Home for Nigel House Campaign

4 | Saturday, December 9, 2023

Times Colonist

Nancy’s Story

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he 26 residents of the Nigel House complexcare facility require the availability of 24-hour care because of physical or mental challenges stemming from everything from accidents to neurological conditions.

husband, Robert, said in an interview just after the groundbreaking that she would benefit greatly from a new facility — especially because of added common space where she could spend more time with the other residents.

$1.4 million to ensure the new place has all of the equipment and furnishings it needs.

Staff members do their best to meet the residents’ differing needs, but there are constant issues with space and the limitations of the 1970s-vintage Nigel House building.

Now two years later, Nancy is watching the new complex take shape, and said she is grateful for the public support that is helping to make that happen.

Nancy was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease, a rare genetic disorder, soon after the birth of her daughter, Stephanie, who is now seven.

“I’m looking forward to having a new building,” said Nancy, who is one of the younger residents. Others range in age from their 20s to their 70s.

There are fewer than 1,000 cases a year in Canada of TaySachs, a progressive disease marked by a decline in mental and physical abilities linked to nerve damage.

A campaign has raised $3 million for the building project since Nancy arrived at Nigel House. Now the goal is to raise

Nancy moved to Nigel House when it became apparent that home care wasn’t an option, and she couldn’t care for herself.

Just over two years ago, ground was broken on a new Nigel House on an adjacent site, and both staff and residents have been able to see work progressing before their eyes.

One of them is 37-year-old Nancy McFarland, whose

Fundraising is being led by the Broadmead Care Society, which owns and operates Nigel House.

“She needs that sort of full-time care,” said husband Robert, who notes Nancy goes home to see her daughter every week, which keeps her connected to family life.

Robert said he’s looking forward to increased gathering spaces in the new building, including an activity room, where the Telus Future Friendly Fund will ensure residents can enjoy the latest in technology — something that fits right for Nancy and her interest in iPads.

And Since Nancy uses a wheelchair, she will have better manoeuvrability in the new place with its wider hallways and roomier elevators.

The new Nigel House will also have better access to

the outdoors with improved exterior pathways to allow residents to get to both open and covered patios, and take in nearby attractions such as the Lochside Regional Trail and the Uptown shopping centre.

The $51-million new Nigel House is expected to accommodate 41 residents — an increase from the current 26 — as well as 37 independent living spaces and 10 affordable-housing units.

The project is expected to be completed in April 2025.

For more information or to donate, go to givetonigelhouse.com. jbell@timescolonist.com

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Saturday, December 9, 2023 | 5

Quinten’s Story

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uinten Kocoy has multiple sclerosis and was injured in a serious fall in 2017, and is dedicated to working out to improve his strength and mobility.

workouts, the former construction worker makes use of his fighting skills by taking part in a boxing class offered at Nigel House, said recreation therapist Rob Richter.

The 57-year-old Nigel House resident, who often uses a power wheelchair, makes the best use he can of the limited exercise equipment at the complex-care facility run by the Broadmead Care Society — but there is only so much that can be accomplished with just a set of parallel bars and a stationary bike.

“He hits the pads,” Richter said. “He gives ‘er.”

A new complex to replace the aging Nigel House is currently under construction at a site right next door, and will include a fully equipped, purpose-built gym.

It will replace an existing “gym” that is actually part of a catch-all area also used as a television and computer room and a space for folding laundry.

The space’s shortcomings are a prime example of the need for a new building to replace the existing one, which dates back to the 1970s. Even upgrades made in the 1990s at the Saanich facility are past their prime.

Kocoy gets around the gym’s limitations by taking the Nigel House bus to work out twice a week at the Pearkes Recreation Centre, and said he is determined to keep making progress with his physical abilities.

“I’m going to walk out of this place,” he said matter-of-factly.

Kocoy is one of the more independent Nigel House residents, Richter said, and enjoys heading out on his own to nearby Uptown.

“He likes his outings,” he said. “We took him to Rifflandia this year and Ribfest, he was into that.”

Richter said Kocoy’s rehabilitation efforts will get a real boost at the new facility, due for completion in April 2025.

But there will be much more to it than that, he said. “The main thing, I think, for the new facility is hope.”

Right now, a few of the 26 residents have to share rooms, but everyone will be on their own in the new place, Richter said.

“That’s going to be a huge thing for them,” he said. “Just the hope of the future — you can see the building going up now. We can see every day that there’s stuff happening, which is really encouraging for the residents.”

Kocoy said he is excited to have a new destination on the horizon.

“It’s going to be nice,” he said.

Fitness has been a part of his life for a long time, Kocoy said.

“I used to be a boxing champion in Saskatchewan, that’s where I’m from.”

Just like the existing location, there will be round-the-clock care for a group of people with a range of circumstances in their lives that have led to a significant disability.

Along with his regular

Some have had serious

accidents, while others have a birth anomaly or a neurological disease.

Staff is committed to caring for them in a home-like environment.

The future Nigel House will be considerably bigger, with six

storeys instead of the current two and room for a total of 41 residents. There will also be 37 independent living units and 10 affordable-housing units in the $51-million structure.

A previous fundraising campaign for the project has reached its $3-million goal,

and there is now a further effort to raise $1.4 million the furnishings, fixtures and equipment that will make the building as complete and functional as possible.

For more information or to donate, go to givetonigelhouse.com. jbell@timescolonist.com

6 | Saturday, December 9, 2023

Next Steps: furnishings, fixtures, & equipment

Times Colonist

We’ve got the building ... what’s next?

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pecialized furnishings and equipment are fundamental ingredients to create a nurturing environment for young adults with disabilities.

Imagine trying to build a house without a solid foundation, or a car without wheels. In a similar way, funding for furnishings, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) is a critical foundation of homes for young adults with disabilities, like the people who live at Nigel House.

Think of FF&E as critical building blocks inside Nigel House. FF&E includes specialized beds, mobility aids, communication devices, sensory equipment, therapeutic equipment, and other tools that empower young adults with disabilities to live as fully as possible, and as independently as they can.

These essential items aren’t a luxury; they’re a necessity.

Just as a car needs an engine to run smoothly, Nigel House residents require specialized

THE NEW NIGEL HOUSE EXTERIOR (ARTIST’S RENDERING) • STREET LEVEL ACCESS AT FRONT AND REAR • SAFE VEHICLE PICK UP AND DROP OFF AREAS

equipment to navigate the world comfortably and safely.

They ensure comfort, safety, and a sense of normalcy for residents.

The community generously donated the money needed for the building. Now we have the challenge of raising money for critical furnishings, fixtures, and equipment.

And here’s the silver lining: by recognizing the importance of FF&E, we can actively work towards closing this gap. Support from donors

like you can make a world of difference. Read Luka’s story on page 2 to see how!

When you make a donation to the New Home for Nigel House, you’re investing in the wellbeing and happiness of the people who live and work there. You’ll help ensure they will have the necessary furnishings, fixtures, and equipment to create an environment where they can flourish and lead fulfilling lives.

Here are some of the important furnishings, fixtures, and equipment Nigel House needs.

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Appliances and equipment for the Main Kitchen ($586,000)

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Overhead lifts and motors ($215,000)

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Beds, mattressses, tables, and chairs for resident rooms ($111,500)

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Aquarium for the foyer ($15,000)

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Wheelchair washer ($12,000)

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Tables, chairs, and lights for the recreation room ($4,000)

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Styling chairs, shampoo chair, client chair, and hair dryers, for the Hair Salon ($2,850)

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Fridge for the Medication Room ($1,800)

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Bookshelves for the lounge ($250)

Visit www.broadmead care.com/nh-ffe to see more details and find out how your donation will help!

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Saturday, December 9, 2023 | 7

Alex’s Story

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brain injury sustained in 2008 changed Alex Anderson’s life, but the community he shares at Nigel House keeps him happy and engaged — with a specialized staff always at hand.

The 54-year-old’s injury came from being struck by a vehicle.

He was lived in other places, but said Nigel House —where he has been for four years — is the best one.

Others who call the complexcare facility home have issues ranging from neurological conditions to genetic disorders that make daily support a necessity.

But after decades of service, the venerable Nigel House

building is well past its prime — it’s too small, too cramped and in need of costly repairs.

For some residents, the lack of exercise space limits their rehabilitation routine on-site.

Those in wheelchairs move around in narrow hallways not designed for such use.

Anderson would benefit from a larger activity room where he can enjoy playing cards and games.

Cribbage is his specialty, and trivia isn’t far behind, said activity co-ordinator Roslyn Yelland.

“Alex loves trivia,” she said.

“He’s very good.”

The solution to all of the centre’s shortcomings is taking shape right next door, where a new, purpose-built Nigel

House is going up — complete with an expanded activity room for all to enjoy.

Anderson, typing into a computer to share his thoughts, said he likes to watch the work going on just a short distance away, and to see the progress being made on the place he will eventually move to.

Ground-breaking for the bigger, better Nigel House was in October 2021, and the grand opening is projected for April 2025.

The $51-million replacement will be six storeys as compared to the current two, and will house 41 complex-care residents — up from the 26 there now.

Along with that, there will be

37 independent living units and 10 units of affordable housing.

The public has already shown it recognizes the need for the project by contributing to a successful $3-million fundraising campaign run by the Broadmead Care Society, owner and operator of Nigel House.

Fundraising efforts are continuing with another campaign, this one to generate $1.4 million for equipment and furnishings that will help to make the new Nigel House complete.

Those include therapeutic items, custom-designed beds, communication devices and many other things that will add to residents’ comfort and safety.

Anderson and his friends

could also use a new bus for outings, since the 20-year-old vehicle they have now keeps breaking down, Yelland said.

She said Anderson always enjoys being out and about.

“We go out on walks, we go to the breakwater, we’ve gone to concerts, all sorts of different things.”

The immediate surroundings are good for outings, as well, with the Lochside Regional Trail and other greenspace right there.

Saanich Plaza and the Uptown shopping centre are also close by.

For more information or to donate, go to broadmeadcare.com/ nigel-house-donations. jbell@timescolonist.com

Thank you to our $10,000+ donors Rudi Hoenson Sisters of St. Ann Ralmax Group of Companies JAYMC Fund through the Victoria Foundation Peninsula Co-op Mr. and Mrs. P.A. Woodward Foundation TELUS Friendly Future Foundation Charlton Smith Foundation 100+Women Who Care – Victoria Erb Technical Contractors Ltd. Suburbia Studios Pinch Family Fund through the Victoria Foundation Henry Foundation Drilling VI Rentals Anonymous x 5

Thank you Community Partners BC Housing Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Capital Regional Hospital District Durwest Construction Management Inc. Island Health

8 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

TIMES COLONIST

Wendy’s Story

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fter almost five years at Nigel House, a Saanich facility for people needing complex care, Wendy Hamer can’t imagine living anywhere else.

The 58-year-old has DiGeorge syndrome, a rare, congenital condition that causes such issues as heart defects and learning difficulties, and says Nigel House has truly become her home.

One of her two daughters has the condition, too.

Like the other 25 residents, Hamer pays close to attention to the new, expanded Nigel House being built next door — complete with private rooms and bathrooms for residents, and much more room for dayto-day activities.

She has her own ideas about where she’d like to be in the new building. “I asked for a penthouse,” she said with a laugh.

Hamer said she often sits by a window near the dining room to watch the construction workers in action at the site, located off Vernon Avenue between Saanich Road and Ravine Way. “I know every step they make,” she said.

One thing in particular she is looking forward to in the new place is the communal living room, complete with a fireplace and fish tank, where she can relax and knit.

“I’ve made over 100 tuques in the last few years,” she said.

“It keeps my hands busy.”

The condition that brought her to Nigel House really began to affect her later in life, Hamer said. She had a job and an apartment, but started having seizures and other symptoms.

Nigel House residents, who range in age from 23 to 74,

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Payment by have a wide range of health situations and physical and mental challenges that make specialized care a necessity.

“It’s a unique population in that they can’t live at home, they can’t work, they require support every single day,” said Mandy Parker, vicepresident of philanthropy and communication for the Broadmead Care Society, which runs Nigel House.

Some also need help with feeding or getting out of bed, she said.

The public has already shown a great deal of support for the replacement project, as seen in the completion of the $3million New Home for Nigel House Campaign, said Parker.

“Now we’re raising money for furnishings, fixtures and equipment, and that’s about $1.4 million.”

The existing two-storey Nigel House building will give way to a six-storey complex.

Ground-breaking was in October 2021.

All told, there will be room for 41 people needing complex care, 37 independent living units and 10 units of affordable housing in what Broadmead Care Society chief executive Derrick Bernardo calls a “beautiful, sustainable, integrated community.”

The society has been working toward replacing Nigel House for several years. It was built in the 1970s, and even updates made in the 1990s are now out of date, the society said.

Problems are numerous, such as narrow hallways and small elevators that can’t accommodate wheelchairs, and a lack of personal space.

With major repairs on the horizon, it was decided that renovation was not an option.

The new Nigel House is the first of a three-phase, $250-million development in the Nigel Valley area that will also feature about 440 affordable rental homes and 255 units of market housing.

Overall funding has come from the federal government, B.C. Housing, the Capital Regional District and Island Health.

“We’re looking for occupancy in April of 2025,” Parker said. “The construction is coming along really well. As of a couple of weeks ago they were working on the second floor, so it is coming out of the ground nicely.”

The fact that Hamer and the other residents enjoy watching the building go up shows how much it means to them, she said.

“They’re super-excited about getting into their new home.”

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Signature Cheque payable to Broadmead Care Mail to: Broadmead Care 4579 Chatterton Way Victoria BC V8X 4Y7

Donations can also be made by phone to (250) 658-3274, or on line at our website.

Broadmead Care Society #12929 0383 RR0001 www.givetonigelhouse.com

Thank you for your support!

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Broadmead Care

4579 Chatterton Way, Victoria BC, V8X 4Y7 For donations and inquiries, please call 250.658.3274 www.broadmeadcare.com