BERWICK ON THE PARK

Berwick on the Park’s Brio care unit to close

Oct 10, 2019 | 4:34 AM

KAMLOOPS — Berwick on the Park’s Brio supportive living unit will close next year.

In a letter to the more than 20 residents in the unit and the families of residents, Berwick Retirement Communities says it has experienced a tremendous number of challenges operating a private-pay care model over the last 18 months.

Director of operations for Berwick Retirement Communities, Kelly Lazaro, says Berwick isn’t the only care facility being impacted by a tough labour market.

“I think this is an industry issue that we are all facing,” Lazaro says. “I think the smaller organizations where you don’t have larger staffing complements here hit a little bit harder, but I think it’s very much an issue everywhere. I know that there are different locations where we’ve looked at sponsoring even different programs, and there are spots that are available that people are just simply not going into this industry. And it’s very, very concerning for us.”

Residents and families will have opportunities over the next week to meet with Berwick staff for more information about a transition plan.

Berwick has just given Interior Health its one year notice of closing the Brio unit, and Lazaro says staffing changes aren’t expected until the New Year.

“The announcement went out yesterday when the health authority, the residents and the families were all informed. So what I can tell you about that it’s an extremely difficult decision, not one that we took lightly in any way,” Lazaro says. “We’ve always taken pride in ensuring that our Brio care residents receive the high standard of care, but what we’ve found is that due to the chronic staffing challenges of the current labour market, we are unable to maintain kind of something sustainable standards of practice as we move forward.”

According to the Berwick Retirement Communities website: “Our Brio Care Suites offer a supportive caring option when residents care needs are greater and around the clock. Our team of licensed nurses and professional care aids provide 24/7 support and care to each resident. Our Brio Care Suites can also be a great temporary solution when you are recovering from a surgery and need a little extra support on your road to recovery.”