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NORTH VANCOUVER – The B.C. NDP is committing $4 million in funding for a respite centre in North Vancouver.

The North Shore Family Respite Centre project is part of the North Shore Neighbourhood House redevelopment, and in 2023 the NDP government put $11 million to phase one of the project.

“Looking after a loved senior is incredible work that so many caregivers in North Vancouver provide. Caring for seniors means caring for their caregivers as well. A Family Respite Centre will allow seniors who are cared for at home to spend a day, a week, or more, at the centre while their caregivers recharge,” BC NDP North Vancouver-Seymour candidate Susie Chant said in a statement.  

“The North Shore FRC will enable the caregivers of seniors diagnosed primarily with dementia and other chronic illnesses to get the periods of rest they require to continue to care for their loved ones at home,” Health and Home Care Foundation of BC chief development officer Inge Schamborzki added.

“The alternative, too frequently, is a visit to the ER followed by admission into an acute care hospital bed while waiting for a long-term care bed to become available. Seniors universally would undoubtedly much prefer to remain living in their homes as long as possible.”

The Family Respite Centre will be owned and operated by Care BC. It is anticipated to be complete in fall 2025, a BC NDP release said.