The Veterans Health Centre is a partnership between Broadmead Care and Veterans Affairs Canada. The Centre provides health, social, and recreational services for veterans living in the community.
The purpose of the Veterans Health Centre is to support veterans who live in their own homes, as long as possible, and as safely as possible, by offering a range of health, social, and leisure services. The Program promotes a social atmosphere conducive to developing a renewed interest in life, and a sense of dignity and self-worth, and provides support, education, respite, and counselling to veterans, families, and other care partners. When necessary or appropriate, we help provide a smooth transition for the veteran and care partners to a long term care home.
Anyone may refer a veteran to programs at the Veterans Health Centre by calling (250) 658-3270. Eligibility for all programs is confirmed by Veterans Affairs Canada prior to an intake appointment being scheduled.
If you are an eligible veteran, the first step to receive a geriatric assessment is to have your family doctor call (250) 658-3270 or fax (250) 658-0841 to make a referral for you.
A Day in the Life of Veterans Health Centre Group Health Programs
Group health programs at the Veterans Health Centre provide a wide range of group health, recreational, and social programs for eligible veterans. These programs are offered in small groups (8 – 14 veterans) seven days a week, and include:
- Health monitoring by health professionals
- Nutritious meals and snacks
- Exercise programs for the body and mind
- Bus outings
- Socialization with other veterans and residents of the Veterans Memorial Lodge
- Gardening and barbecues in the interior courtyard
- Creative arts instruction
- Music and singing
Bathing Program
The Veterans Health Centre offers private, therapeutic baths for eligible veterans who have difficulty bathing at home. Provided by a trained healthcare worker in a fully equipped tub room, these baths are a safe, enjoyable way to maintain independence and dignity.
Bathing appointments are scheduled from Tuesday through Saturday, from 11 am – 2 pm.
Cost
The Veterans Health Centre program is fully funded by Veterans Affairs Canada.
Monthly Caregiver Support Group
The Veterans Health Centre offers a monthly caregiver support group which provides an opportunity for family caregivers to connect and share in a caring and supportive space.
Education on topics of interest to the group is incorporated into the support group. Examples of topics explored include self-care, dementia care strategies, navigating Community Health Services, advance care planning, and the transition to long term care.
The support group is facilitated by a registered, masters prepared social worker.
Overnight Respite
Eligible veterans who are registered with the Veterans Health Centre programs may participate in the overnight respite program, which is designed to provide a comfortable place for veterans to stay during a planned period of respite for their family or caregivers. Broadmead Care, through the Veterans Health Centre, has four private rooms at the Veterans Memorial Lodge that can be booked in advance for a respite.
Each respite care room is a single furnished room with a two-piece ensuite bathroom.