OUR JOURNEY TO THE FUTURE -- New Build Updates
SEPTEMBER 2023
New Facility Mock Up room is ready and residents have been touring!!! They have been so excited to see just how much room they will have in their new private rooms. Our hearts are full. Families are welcomed to tour as well!!!
JUNE 2023
From our Project Manager:
Significant progress has been achieved in the initial stages of our upcoming Long-Term Care Replacement Facility. In order to honor and preserve the First Nations heritage associated with our lands, we have collaborated with an Archaeological team to conduct a thorough assessment of the property for any artifacts or culturally significant materials. We have conducted interviews with various design teams, and we are pleased to welcome William Nycum & Associates Limited as our Design Team for the project. Additionally, we have engaged Bird Construction Group as our Construction Manager.
A comprehensive functional program has been developed and approved by NS Seniors and Long-Term Care, outlining the specific characteristics, services, scope, functions, and space requirements of the facility in great detail. This program serves as a solid foundation for the subsequent design and approval processes. Furthermore, a conceptual design has been completed and has obtained approval from NS Seniors and Long-Term Care.
We are diligently progressing through the Facility Development Approval Process according to the established schedule and in adherence to the standards set forth by Seniors and Long-Term Care. Our aim is to ensure the successful realization of this project.
From our Design Team:
The design team, Nycum + Associates architects, along with their team of consulting engineers and planners recognizes the importance of creating a facility that not only meets the needs of Dykeland Lodge but also integrates with the surrounding community. They have been analyzing the site and interpreting the Long-Term Care standards established by the Province of Nova Scotia and collecting the specific requirements of Dykeland Lodge to promote the best possible outcome for residents, families, staff, and the community at large.
A major focus during the initial stages of the project is establishing how Dykeland Lodge can be a good neighbor. This involves a comprehensive study and analysis of the existing site and current conditions, taking into consideration setbacks, buffers, watercourses, water flows, and the overall sense of community within the beautiful landscape.
Another focus is working closely with the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care, adhering to their 11-stage approval process. This collaboration is vital in meeting the rigorous requirements set out by the province’s mandate for high-quality facilities that will endure for generations. The goal is to create a facility that is sustainable and easy to operate while providing a home like living environment. Throughout the entire process, the project team is dedicated to maintaining open lines of communication and collaboration with all stakeholders. This is the best way to build a sense of community and enhance the quality of life for residents and staff alike.
OCTOBER 2022 — Visit to Denmark
In late fall of 2022, our Senior Leadership team had the incredible opportunity to attend a Danish Eldercare Tour, consisting of educational conferences and meetings with Architects and Designers, in Copenhagen, Denmark. The Tour was arranged by the Danish Trade Council, Royal Danish Consulate of Canada and was attended by a number of colleagues from Nova Scotia. This experience provided our team with state-of-the-art design and care philosophies to carry forward into our new Long Term Care Facility.
The Danish approach to elderly care has long been viewed as the best in the world. The Danish perspective is one of dignified elderly care. The focus is on meeting the challenge of an increasing number of elderly people while providing world leading care and engagement for their citizens. Many of the strategies used highlight design efficiencies and enhanced engagement models of care. Elderly citizens are empowered to stay in their own home for as long as possible and in Denmark Municipalities are responsible for the comprehensive services to support elderly citizens. Preventive home visits focusing on early detection of illness to avoid hospitalization stays has been key. This model has built an overwhelming feeling of inclusive community for all ages.
Once citizens are ready for Long Term Care, they do so having come through a process that protects their dignity and independence. The bond formed between our Danish colleagues and Nova Scotia will be long lasting, as we can continue to learn from one another.
Here are a few quotes for our Senior Leadership team. “Focus is on allowing their citizens to live a fulfilled and meaningful life. Their technologies are Bulit around the needs of the citizens first” Michelle MacDonald, Director of Care “I was most impressed with the manufacturing technology tours. The tours showcased all the safety requirements and how the technology keeps the user safe” Ed Sherman, Director of Infrastructure.
“In Denmark resident choice was protected above all else. Choice and risk were an important part of their philosophy’s success.” Carlene Cole-Beaver, Director of Food Services and Dietician. “The knowledge exchange with Danish elder care campaigns was remarkable. Having this opportunity to ensure as an organization that we continue to review all leading care modules was of paramount importance. Copenhagen was a start, but as an organization we will continue to explore new technologies and elder care strategies” Krista Beeler, CEO.
What did we see and what topics were covered?
- Tour of Nation of Health Center
- Elder Care in Denmark-Quality, Dignity and Innovations
- DigiRehab: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence software for better outcomes for seniors
- Tour of Municipality Care Center Kertemide
- Tour of Long-Term Care Facility Breelteparken
- Tour of Long-Term Care Facility Kloslengarden Nursing Home
- Tour of Nordic Wellness Innovation Technologies
- Education Session innovation devices in a Living Lab
- Future of Elder Care Nation of Health Center Elder Care seminars of Rehab technologies Danish Elder Care tour group from Nova Scotia and Ontario visiting the Municipality
- Health Center in Kerteminde Canadian Frailty Statistics
- Breelteparken Nursing Home showcasing the efficient space design and natural light brought into the facility.
AUGUST 2022
Late August of 2020, Dykeland Lodge, in collaboration with Bird Construction completed an innovative design model for a comprehensive Long Term Care Community, in West Hants Municipality. This community design has taken into consideration current LTC concerns, sustainability, Danish design trends and of course, follows the LTC New Build Requirements released in May 2020. Our team has worked with the Engineers, Architects, Designers, Ministers and Municipalities to ensure that this model can be easily manipulated from a 128-bed facility to a 70-bed facility. Our hope was to share this model with the Long-Term Care Sector as a possible solution for so many of our current issues.
Dykeland Lodge Development Committee has secured 23 acres of land on College Road and is currently moving forward with rezoning. The community design will incorporate such features as independent living options, Affordable Housing, Assisted living, Disability living, Commercial space in future phases for physician offices, community center, retail, café and of course the main Long Term Care building. Dykeland Lodge being a 50-year-old building with numerous costly infrastructure needs is approaching its expiration date.
As we move forward with next steps, such as Funding, we are well on our way to a new Long Term Care Facility and beautiful new community design. I would like to thank our Director of Infrastructure, Ed Sherman, the Development Committee and Bird Construction for the countless hours of work put into this project. More exciting news in the coming months!
JANUARY 2022
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FEBRUARY 2021
Land Transfer Will Help Create Affordable Accessible Housing in Windsor
Seniors and people with disabilities are looking for more options for affordable and accessible housing in the Windsor area. That’s why the province has transferred more than 9.3 hectares (23 acres) of unused land to Dykeland Lodge.
Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Chuck Porter announced today, Feb. 1, that the vacant property on College Road has been sold for $1 to the lodge to support its proposal to build a new facility that includes community housing.
“We know that finding affordable housing has become difficult and that’s especially true for vulnerable Nova Scotians,” said Mr. Porter. “There is no one organization or answer that can fully address this situation. By making this land available, we are supporting Dykeland Lodge as they pursue new opportunities to increase affordable and accessible housing.”
Dykeland Lodge is a government-funded not-for-profit long-term care facility that is home to 111 seniors receiving ongoing long-term care.
The land is valued at just over $60,000 and had no other proposed uses.
