Prince George’s Simon Fraser Lodge is one of 88 care homes across to get provincial funding for new safety equipment.
Simon Fraser Lodge is receiving $65,000 of a total of $2.6 million in provincial funding announced by Minister of Health Adrian Dix during an Aug. 10 event in Vancouver. The money is a part of the Seniors Safety and Quality Improvement Program (SSQIP) and will go towards safety equipment.
“All seniors, including seniors in residential care, deserve safe, comfortable environments,” said Dix in a provincial press release.
“And people who work with seniors need the tools to make that happen. Updating equipment in residential care homes throughout our province is one of the actions government is taking to support the health, safety and well-being of seniors and their care teams throughout B.C.”
The B.C. Care Providers Association (BCCPA) manages SSQIP. Applications go through the agency for residential care homes that get public money for new equipment.
Some of the safety equipment requests include bed lifts and slings, mattresses and beds.
“Safe and reliable beds, lifts and slings — each of these things can go a long way in improving the day to day life for seniors with mobility issues,” said Anne Kang, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors in the release.
In addition to bed and mattress purchases, care homes are investing in new shower chairs, tubs, mobility equipment (such as floor and ceiling lifts), lighting and visual aids, sensory rooms, music therapy and ergonomic furniture.
Preventative and urgent response systems are also funded to promote both resident and employee safety. Oversight of SSQIP is provided by representatives from the Ministry of Health, BCCPA, Denominational Health Association and SafeCare B.C.
This article was originally published in Prince George Matters.
