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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