LUMBY - Representatives from inSite Housing, Hospitality & Health Services Inc. (inSite) were joined by Interior Health, municipal officials, community members and health-care partners for a grand opening celebration at Monashee Mews, a new residential care facility in Lumby.

“Monashee Mews is a wonderful addition to Lumby,” said Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster. “I’ve heard from several community members whose loved ones are living at Monashee Mews and they couldn’t be happier to have them so close to home.”

Monashee Mews is a 46-bed residential care facility owned and operated by inSite. Interior Health contracts with inSite for all 46 beds.

“On Monday we celebrated the opening of Mt. Ida Mews, a new residential care facility in Salmon Arm,” said Norman Embree, Interior Health Board Chair. “Together with Monashee Mews, there are 117 newly built beds available for North Okanagan and Shuswap residents. These beds demonstrate our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, safe care in the most appropriate settings.”

Monashee Mews was built and decorated to be as home-like as possible and is located in the heart of the community.  Programs are designed around the needs of specific resident populations, including a care program for physically frail seniors, dementia care for seniors in the mild to moderate stages of dementia, and a dedicated 10-bed unit for adults with acquired brain Injuries.

During Tuesday’s event, inSite representatives, led by inSite Board Director Robin Oldring, planted a tree to commemorate both the grand opening of Monashee Mews and inSite’s 10th anniversary.

“We are very proud of Monashee Mews,” said Carole Holmes, inSite President and CEO. “In ten years of supporting, operating, and building complex care homes, never has a community welcomed us as warmly as Lumby. It is so rewarding to be able to provide care to area citizens, as well as jobs and other economic stimulus to such a supportive, welcoming community.”

In addition to construction related jobs, Monashee Mews provides more than 50 full and part time jobs in a range of specialties making inSite one of the largest employers in Lumby.

“Together with the completion of floors six and seven of the Polson Tower at Vernon Jubilee Hospital, Monashee Mews is another support to help relieve pressures at the hospital,” added Foster.

Monashee Mews opened to residents on April 29, 2013.

News from © iNFOnews, 2013