Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to announce that Aven Cottages – Territorial Dementia Facility will celebrate its official opening on this Friday, February 19, 2010.
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In our A Foundation for Change document, we talk about providing the right services, through the right providers in the right places. This capital project is an example of our government working closely with corporate and community partners and delivering a program that meets the acute dementia care needs of the residents of the Northwest Territories. It is also about building a Health and Social Services system based on best practices.
Operated by Yellowknife Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors, YACCS, the new facility will serve NWT residents as a centre for excellence for dementia care, with a total of 28 beds of which four are for respite care. A day program for five to seven residents will also be part of the program.
Mr. Speaker, the Territorial Admissions Committee is in charge of receiving and assessing the applications from all across the NWT for admission to this facility. The committee has already approved 12 residents.
The programming at this facility will be based on a “carewest supportive pathway delivery model.” This is an industry best practice which means that the residents will receive personal, home-like care in specially designed environments and also provide meaningful lifestyle activities for residents.
Mr. Speaker, this project started with a feasibility study in 2003 and the Department of Health and Social Services has invested $15 million for construction of the facility and will continue to invest in ongoing O and M funding. YACCS is expecting to admit residents to the facility in March of this year, with 38 fully trained people to provide service.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge corporate partners and contractors for this project: YACCS, Diavik Diamond Mines, the City of Yellowknife, NWT Seniors’ Society, Nahanni Construction, Diamond Glass, JSL Mechanical Ltd. and Ryfan Electric Ltd.
There are many individuals and small businesses who have contributed to make this project possible and they will be recognized at the opening celebration. I would like to extend our thanks to everyone who have volunteered their time and donated money towards this project.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to add that this project has had enormous support from this Legislature. I would like to express my special appreciation to former Ministers of Health and Social Services, Honourable J. Michael Miltenberger and Honourable Floyd K. Roland and the many Regular Members of this House over the years for making this facility possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
