On behalf of our members, BC Care Providers would like to take a moment to acknowledge the women and men who fought for the many freedoms which Canadians enjoy today.
Over 1.8 million Canadians enlisted in the First and Second World Wars. Over the duration of the wars approximately 1 million men and women lost their lives and many of those who were fortunate enough to return home did so wounded, either physically or psychologically.
BCCPA connected with Ava Turner, Executive Director and Maria Asperin, Director of Facilities and Support Services at George Derby Care Centre, to speak about their work with veterans.
“George Derby specializes in supporting B.C. veterans. The original George Derby Centre was built over 50 years ago as a rehabilitation centre for young disabled veterans returning from the war with the goal of promoting their return to community living,” says Turner.
“In 1988, the new George Derby Centre opened as a 300-bed Intermediate Care home providing residential care to former veterans of the Armed Forces deemed eligible for admission by Veterans Affairs Canada,” she continues.
George Derby now supports 92 veterans, from both WW2 and the Korean War. As our population has aged, as too have our veterans; in 2016 61,300 Canadian WWII veterans were still alive, with the average age of 92 years.[1]
“We try to acknowledge their contributions on a daily basis, not just on Remembrance Day, we should always remember to give back to them for what they have done for us,” says Asperin.
When asked what is different about supporting veterans, Turner and Asperin spoke to the importance of insuring that care is individualized and that there were the appropriate staff and services available to guide veterans through any traumatic experiences which may emerge in a care setting.
Remembrance Day celebrations began at George Derby on November 5th and will continue through to Sunday, where a bagpiper will begin to play at 6 a.m., as to mark the 100th year since the ending of WWI. Residents will be joined by staff, volunteers and dignitaries for a moment of silence, followed by refreshments and entertainment.
“We even have and a pub event to mark the important occasion!” says Turner.
BCCPA thanks Canadian veterans for their service to our country and acknowledges the important work that our members do to ensure they receive the dignified care which they deserve.
[1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/remembrance-day-veterans-1.3840743
