Celebrating 57 Valentine's Days Together
-Jodie Ganske, Interior Health
Having never spent a Valentine's Day apart during their 57-year marriage, William and Barbara Haymond were pleased to spend this recent one together in Vernon's new Heritage Square. 'I don't ever remember being apart on Valentine's Day' said William. "Our plan was to go to the ends of the earth together.'
The Haymonds, who married in 1948 in Nanaimo, have lived in various places across the country, but their most recent move occurred last year when they moved into Heritage Square. They decided to transfer here because Heritage Square offers assisted living housing in addition to residential care, a combination that better accommodates the couple's different levels of care. Barbara needs full, 24-hour care, but William is mobile and fairly independent, with only minimum care requirements.
"I really like it here," said William. "And I manage to have the same fun with the staff. We're happy here." "This place is lovely,' said Barbara.
Three years ago Interior Health took stock of its residential care beds for seniors and found that many beds were unsuitable and needed to be either closed or renovated. Also, these beds offered only full, 24-hour care. But many seniors, like William, do not require that level of constant care. While they are not able to stay at home due to needing some extra assistance, they require only minimum care in order to stay healthy and independent.
In fact, a survey of seniors on waitlists for residential care showed 60% did not need the level of care given in residential homes. Seniors say they want to remain independent for as long as possible. Assisted Living offers a solution for those seniors who fall in between not being able to live at home, yet not requiring full, 24-hour care.
Vernon's Bethany Home, which had 37 residential care beds, has been converted and further developed to create Heritage Square, a 75-unit campus of care. There are now 25 assisted living apartments and 50 complex care beds, allowing for couples like the Haymonds to continue to live under one roof. And what about Valentine's Day? "I'll likely get Barbara some flowers, since I haven't found anyone to replace her yet," joked William.
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