Eden Gardens

Eden Gardens was thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of people living with dementia. People live in neighbourhoods; each one includes dining and activity spaces, creating a familiar and homelike setting that encourages connection and belonging.

Select an item below to learn more.

Accessibility

All areas are wheelchair accessible. Eden Gardens is unable to support motorized scooters or motorized wheelchairs.

Amenities

• 130 private rooms with accessible washrooms
• Secure indoor and outdoor environments
• Therapeutic gardens and walking paths
• Comfortable lounges and neighbourhood-style living areas
• Spaces that promote safety, independence, and social interaction
• Pet-friendly environment that eases depression and loneliness

Neighbourhood

Eden Gardens is located in the Northfield/Bowen area of Nanaimo, within close proximity to amenities including shopping, recreational centre, grocery stores, and coffee shops. Banking and essential services are available nearby including the Bank of Montreal and the Royal Bank of Canada. Public transit is easily accessible, with nearby routes that connect to the broader community.

Pet Policy

There are three cats who live at Eden Gardens. Buttons, Louis, and Harmony live in the B1 neighborhood. Harmony likes to roam the hallways and catch the elevator.

There are also volunteers and family members who bring dogs in for visits. Please note that visiting pets must be leashed at all times, have current vaccinations, and be well mannered. Pets are not allowed in any area where food is prepared or served.

Recreational Opportunities

Eden Gardens offers a variety of recreational and social programs designed to support engagement, creativity, and connection.

Activities may include music, art, gardening, celebrations, and group events tailored to peoples’ interests and abilities.

Everyone at Eden Gardens loves a great party, and we know how to throw them – from
barbecues in the bistro garden and Mad Hatter Tea Parties to Halloween Parades and the Christmas Photo Booth. You’ll often find people enjoying an event with music, children, pets and often great food, even ice cream socials and a weekly happy hour!

Volunteers and families are encouraged to help everyone join in the fun, whether it’s in the bistro, the garden, multi-purpose room, or at an offsite venue such as Westwood Lake. Eden Gardens appreciates the engagement of volunteers and families to be able to have even more people attend. Please feel free to attend any of our events with your loved one, in any neighbourhood.

Safety and Security

• 24-hour on-site staffing including 24-hour nursing care
• 24-hour recorded closed-circuit TV cameras.
• Door are secured with magnetic release buttons/keypads.
• Key codes are required within elevator cars to enable access to service areas by authorized staff and guests.
• Safety handrails are provided throughout all corridors in the building
• Hand sanitizing stations are conveniently located throughout the facility and frequently touched areas are wiped throughout the day to minimize the risk of cross contamination and infectious outbreaks.

Smoking Policy

We value everyone’s health, and as such we support legislation intended to reduce cigarette smoking in all populations. Smoking inside the building is strictly prohibited, as is smoking on the property.

Spiritual Care

Spiritual Care is important, and arrangements can be made for people who wish to connect with their church, faith, or support group.

Eden Gardens offers comfortable private rooms, each with an accessible washroom, within small neighbourhood-style living areas. Shared dining and lounge spaces create opportunities for connection while maintaining a sense of home.

As a publicly funded long term care Home, accommodation costs are set by Island Health in accordance with provincial guidelines and are based on income.

The cost of long term care starts at a minimum rate set by the Ministry of Health and increases according to the resident’s taxable income, to a maximum amount. The cost is set at 80% of the resident’s monthly taxable income, as filed on the resident’s annual tax return to Revenue Canada. The rate is updated annually based on the previous year’s tax return.

Make sure taxes are completed annually. If taxes have not been submitted by Canada Revenue Agency deadlines, the rate will default to the maximum amount. If you have questions about the long term care rate, or concerns about your ability to pay the rate, please speak with your Case Manager at Island Health.

For more information about rates and services, please contact Island Health or speak with a member of the Eden Gardens team.

All admissions are managed by Island Health, through a Case Manager. Please contact Island Health directly at https://www.islandhealth.ca/. For more information, please browse their website, or read/download ‘Preparing for Long-Term Care’ available on the Island Health website.

Caring at home for someone with dementia can be overwhelming. Eden Gardens’ day programs can ease the transition into care, or provide respite for loving caregivers.

Eden Gardens manages two adult day programs that run Monday to Friday: Daybreak and Stepping Stones. These programs serve approximately 160 people with dementia who are living at home, on a monthly basis.

In addition, Eden Gardens runs a Community Bathing program to provides hygiene services for people in the community who are unable to bathe, or who have great difficulty bathing at home.

Case Managers recommend and refer clients to day programs based on client/caregiver need and availability of space within each program.

You can find information about moving your loved one to Eden Gardens on the Broadmead Care Family Handbook page.

Eden Gardens has some small differences from other Broadmead Care Homes:

• There is no Spiritual Care Coordinator on site.
• There is no Social Worker on site.
• There is access to a geriatric psychiatrist, Dr. Jurolowicz, through a referral from Eden Gardens.

People living at Eden Gardens receive 24-hour nursing care and support from an interdisciplinary team. Care services include:

• Nursing and personal care support
• Access to physicians and nurse practitioners
• Pharmacy services
• Rehabilitation services such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy
• Support for complex care needs related to dementia

Care is delivered using a person-centred approach that focuses on maintaining dignity, comfort, and quality of life.

Family and friends are an important part of life at Eden Gardens, and visitors are always welcome.

Visiting is guided by current health and safety protocols to ensure the wellbeing of residents, staff, and guests. Flexible visiting spaces, including outdoor areas and common rooms, are available to support meaningful connections. We love for families to join their loved ones for meals whenever they’d like. A standard guest meal at Eden Gardens is $12.

During flu season, from December to March, visitors who have not had a flu shot will be asked to wear a mask in our Homes to help protect others. For more information, please read Island Health’s Frequently Asked Questions and Influenza Protection Policy.

Provincial policy requires all visitors to be informed: “Violence, foul language and abusive behaviours are not acceptable. Verbal threats or acts of violence will not be tolerated and may result in removal from this facility and/or prosecution.”

Volunteers are the Lifeblood of our Home!

Volunteers play an important role in bringing connection and meaningful moments that help ease feelings of loneliness, helplessness, and boredom. Some volunteers assist residents the people who live here with planned programs such as the bistro/gift shop, crafts, bus rides or one-on-one social visits, walking club. Some come and sing to residents, which is always amazing! Others offer help with gardening, or special events.

Do you have an idea to help bring love, life, and living to Eden Gardens? Talk to us! We are happy to discuss your ideas, talents or projects to enrich the life of the people who live with us.