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Part of my Seniors Real Estate Series

  

As a designated Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES), I know that heath care concerns are at the top of the list when older adults consider making a move.

 

But as a Comox Valley Realtor, I also know that moving to this part of Vancouver Island means your health – and that of your loved ones – will be well cared for.

 

As part of my ongoing series of articles on Seniors Real Estate, I've gathered some information on many of the local health resources and services available in the Comox Valley. With our new hospital and plenty of practitioner and wellness options, you can rest assured that relocating to the Comox Valley benefits everyone’s health.

 

The new Comox Valley hospital

In consultation with local and provincial governments, the new 153-bed hospital is in East Courtenay near the Valley’s main population base. Located near the North Island College and a future fire hall, it is on major arterial roads and is easily accessed. Construction is slated to be complete in September 2017. Click here to take a virtual tour of the construction and site.

 

With a price tag of more than $330 million, the new hospital will continue to offer all the services currently available in the region and promises to introduce new, specialized services. This will also improve Island Health’s ability to recruit and retain physicians and other health care professionals. 

 

St. Joseph’s General Hospital is the current regional hospital; it and the Hospice Society will continue with their partnership for the development of a Hospice/Palliative Unit on the St. Joseph’s site.

 

 

Finding a family physician in the Comox Valley

While finding a family doctor can be a challenge in some Vancouver Island communities, this is not typically the case in the Comox Valley. Often your own physician, family friends and relatives will make suggestions, but if you don’t have any recommendations, visit the BC Doctor Directory for contact information.

 

For listings and contact data for local dentists and eye doctors, visit BC Dental Association and Optometry BC websites.

 

Island Health

The publicly funded body that provides health care and support services to Island residents is Island Health, formerly known as the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA). With more than 18,000 healthcare professionals, 1,900 physicians, and over 150 care centres, their motto is “Excellent health and care for everyone, everywhere, every time.”

 

Through a network of hospitals, clinics, centres, health units and residential facilities, Island health provides a wide range of services, including tests and treatments; ongoing care and wellness; end of life care; Aboriginal and First Nations; children and youth; and seniors. For a comprehensive list of their services, click here.

  

Other Comox Valley Health resources

The Comox Valley Nursing Centre is also a great local health resource. A service of VIHA’s Primary Care portfolio, the Nursing Centre provides care in the following areas, chronic disease management; health promotion; provision of health information, including a lending library and web access; and community development and community empowerment. They can be reached by calling (250) 331-8502.

 

Home and Community Care provides a range of health care and support services to eligible clients living in the community. In-home and community-based services offer support for improving health and quality of life, and helping people remain independent and in their own home for as long as possible. They can also offer advice on options for residential care and assisted living. Get in touch with the Comox Valley office at (250) 331-8522.

 

Comox Valley Senior Peer Counseling – Seniors Supporting Seniors can be contacted at (250) 871-5940.

 

The Comox Valley Diabetes Education Centre can be reached at (250) 339-1568.

 

Know that whatever your health concerns may be, there are professionals in the Comox Valley who are willing and able to support you and your family.

 

For more information on any part of living in and moving to the Comox Valley, please contact me, visit my website or go to my Facebook page.

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Plus a look at the Comox Valley real estate market

One of the questions I commonly get asked is, “How’s the Vancouver Island real estate market these days?”

 

In my 25 years as a Comox Valley Realtor I can honestly say that the past few years have been some of the best for both Vancouver Island and the Comox Valley specifically, and the future continues to look positive.

 

But don’t just take my word for it, let’s look at some numbers from the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB).

 

Home prices have gone up across Vancouver Island

Demand for housing on the Island and throughout BC is being driven by a provincial economy that is outperforming much of the rest of the country, which has had a net positive effect on the housing market.

 

Across Vancouver Island, benchmark prices for houses, condos and apartments are up from 2016. In fact, according to VIREB, the benchmark price of a single-family home in the Comox Valley in January 2017 was $400,000, up 20 per cent from that period the previous year!

 

Inventory continues to be a challenge for Comox Valley Realtors

The past year has seen a decrease in the number of units for sale in the Comox Valley, and stats for Vancouver Island show a reduction of available properties of more than 35 per cent.

 

What does this mean for you?

If you’re a buyer, you need to act right away when you find the right home and be prepared for the possibility of multiple offers. The buying process may take a little longer because the inventory is low. Essentially, be patient but also be prepared to act quickly.

 

If you’re a seller, the ball is in your court because it’s a seller’s market. So act now – because real estate is cyclical and this won’t last forever! My new seller’s guide offers great tips on how to sell your home fast and get what it's really worth; click here to download it.

 

Whether you are buying, selling or both, let me help you get what you want. For information on Comox Valley Real Estate, get in touch through my website or visit my Facebook page.

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Part of my Seniors Real Estate Series

 

 

The Comox Valley has tonnes of recreation options for people of all ages.

 

One of the best things about being retired is that you finally have the time to try some new activities or spend more time doing the things you love. And, in fact, studies show that keeping our brains and bodies active goes a long way to ensuring a successful and healthy retirement lifestyle.

 

Living in the Comox Valley makes it easy to ensure you get the physical, mental and social stimulation you need as you enjoy this new phase of your life.

 

In speaking with my clients, the area’s multitude of leisure and recreational options is a big part of why so many people choose to retire in the Comox Valley. Well, that and the weather, the location, the nature, the beauty . . .

 

Here’s a sampling of just some of the many local recreation associations, groups and activities for folks who are 55-plus.

 

 

Comox Valley clubs and hobby groups for seniors

Without a doubt, one of the best places to find out about or take part in events, clubs and general goings-on for retirees in the Comox Valley is through the Evergreen Club.

 

Based out of the Filberg Centre in downtown Courtenay, the club provides leisure activities for those 55 and over. Activities and resources include a computer lab, with training available; special events, such as dinners, dances and presentations; as well as sports & fitness activities, like table tennis, cycling, golf, snooker and more.

 

Evergreen also offers members a chance to take part in musical pursuits, such as recorder and ukulele clubs, choirs, dances and singalongs. Cards and games, a broad range of hobby and craft clubs – cameras, books, stamps, genealogy – not to mention quilting, knitting, painting and other opportunities ensure there’s something for everyone’s tastes!

 

For a nominal annual fee, members have a chance to participate is numerous activities, get discounts on trips and special events, receive a monthly newsletter and more. Contact the Evergreen Club directly at 250-338-1000 or visit their website at www.evergreenclub.ca.

 

D’Esterre House in Comox offers similar recreational pursuits. Located on Beaufort Avenue near the Comox Marina, the club opened in 1975 with ten members and has grown to about 800 current members. With a broad range of clubs and activities including everything from yoga and tai chi to soapstone carving and carpet bowling, it’s no wonder the centre is so popular!

 

Join in the fun and become a member for $30 a year and you’ll get access to a variety of clubs and activities, as well as food services and the chance to guide the direction of the Association as a member of the Board of Directors. Contact them at 250-339-5133 or through their website www.comoxseniors.ca. And make sure to check out their monthly newsletter and activity schedule.

 

 

Volunteering

For some people, retirement means the opportunity to give back to the community and volunteering is the perfect avenue. Not only is volunteering in the Comox Valley a great way to meet people and make a difference, but it provides a means to develop or build upon skills and knowledge.

 

Whether you live in Comox, Courtenay or Cumberland, there are organizations that would love to make the most of your volunteer contributions. Volunteer Comox Valley is a quick and convenient way to see what openings are out there. Be sure to check out their community directory, events calendar, training and educational opportunities and volunteer registry.

  

 

Recreation rules in the Comox Valley

Keeping active keeps you younger – so maybe that’s why recreation rules. Whatever your background or interests, the local recreation centres have got you covered. Simply click on the links in this sentence you’ll get connected to Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland recreation facilities and programs. Find out about all the different ways you can keep involved in community while promoting your own health and well-being.

 

And if you still haven’t found something that suits your own particular interests or skill levels, grab a copy of the Comox Valley Recreation Guide and have a look in the Community Directory on the last couple pages. There you’ll find a comprehensive listing of scores of clubs, organizations, groups and services. While the listing isn’t available online, the recreation guides are available at the all the community recreation facilities.

 

As a Comox Valley Realtor for 25 years, I know that recreation, volunteer and leisure activities are a great way to quickly feel like you’re part of your new community – and our region certainly has plenty of options! Hopefully this resource will help make a move to the Valley easier for you, your family or friends.

 

Buying, selling or considering your options? Please feel free to contact me about any aspects of Comox Valley living. Visit my website to look at other informational blogs or find out more about my experience and qualifications as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist®. Keep up to date with current listings and make sure to check out my Facebook page. And, finally, don't forget to download my new guide, Seller Guidebook – Information for Home Sellers.

 

 

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Leah Reichelt
Cell: 250-338-3888
Office: 250-339-2021
Toll Free: 1-888-829-7205
MLS® property information is provided under copyright© by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board and Victoria Real Estate Board. The information is from sources deemed reliable, but should not be relied upon without independent verification.