SENIOR CITIZEN HOUSING 

IMPLEMENTING A CONTINUUM OF CARE ENVIRONMENT 

By 

DANA S. MAREK 

.M.Sc, The T e c h n i c a l U n i v e r s i t y of Warsaw, 1967 

A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF 

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF 

MASTER OF ADVANCED STUDIES IN ARCHITECTURE 

THE FACULTY OF 

(School of 

i n 

GRADUATE STUDIES 

A r c h i t e c t u r e ) 

We accept t h i s t h e s i s as conforming 

to the r e q u i r e d standard 

THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA 

September 1989 

© Dana Susanne Marek, 1989 



In presenting this thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirements for an advanced 

degree at the University of British C o l u m b i a , I agree that the Library shall make it 

freely available for reference and study. I further agree that permission for extensive 

copying of this thesis for scholarly purposes may be granted by the head of my 

department or by his or her representatives. It is u n d e r s t o o d that c o p y i n g or 

publication of this thesis for financial gain shall not be allowed without my written 

permission. 

Department of S c h o o l o f A r c h i t e c t u r e 

The University of British C o l u m b i a 
Vancouver, Canada 

Date O c t o b e r , 1 9 8 9 

DE-6 (2/88) 



i i 

A b s t r a c t 

In the l a s t twenty f i v e years the h e a l t h of i n d i v i d u a l s 

worldwide has changed. L i f e expectancy has s u b s t a n t i a l l y 

i n c r e a s e d and the p r o p o r t i o n of o l d e r c i t i z e n s i s growing 

c o n s t a n t l y . T h i s growing p o p u l a t i o n of e l d e r l y people w i l l 

dominate the housing market i n the coming y e a r s . An i n c r e a s e d 

demand f o r housing and h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s f o r the e l d e r l y 

c a l l s not o n l y f o r much g r e a t e r supply than we have ever 

experienced, but a l s o f o r new approaches, one of which i s 

based on the g r a d u a t i o n of care. 

P r o v i n c i a l and l o c a l governments are l o o k i n g f o r innova-

t i v e o p t i o n s and design s o l u t i o n s which c o u l d meet the needs 

and e x p e c t a t i o n s of a new wave of s e n i o r s a t the end of t h i s 

century. 

I t i s the i n t e n t i o n of t h i s t h e s i s to i d e n t i f y and d e f i n e 

what are the u n d e r l y i n g p r i n c i p l e s i n p l a n n i n g housing and 

s e r v i c e s f o r the contemporary e l d e r l y . 

The T h e s i s has been developed as a r e s e a r c h c y c l e based on 

a three-phase methodology of a n a l y s i s - s y n t h e s i s - e v a l u a t i o n . 

A n a l y s i s commences with comprehensive r e s e a r c h i n t o e x i s t i n g 

f a c i l i t i e s and i n t r o d u c e s the n o t i o n of m u l t i - l e v e l care of 

the e l d e r l y . I t i n v e s t i g a t e s the r e a l meaning of the q u a l i t y 

environment w i t h i n the e l d e r l y f a c i l i t y i n terms of a c o n t i n u -

um of h i s / h e r l i f e s t y l e . S y n t h e s i s d e f i n e s the phenomenon of 

the continuum of care environment i n the f u l l s c a l e f a c i l i t y 

program f o r the proposed Continuum of Care Complex (CCC) i n 

West P o i n t Grey i n Vancouver, B.C. E v a l u a t i o n i n v e s t i g a t e s 



i i i 

the f e a s i b i l i t y of the program implementation on a t e s t s i t e . 

A b a s i c premise of the t h e s i s i s t h a t a m u l t i - l e v e l care 

f a c i l i t y i s a v i a b l e way of a c h i e v i n g an environment, which 

may f u l f i l l a comprehensive a r r a y of needs of the e l d e r l y . I t 

should i n c l u d e housing a l t e r n a t i v e s f o r the e l d e r l y , both i n 

terms of tenure and s u p p o r t i v e s e r v i c e s , but above a l l should 

provide a s p e c i f i c ambiance equal to a home-like environment. 

The t h e s i s has been s t r u c t u r e d as a h y p o t h e t i c a l model of a 

programming system based on the p r i n c i p l e of the continuum of 

care. T h i s model i n c l u d e s f o u r major f u n c t i o n a l components of 

the proposed complex: r e s i d e n t i a l , long-term care, community 

s e r v i c e s and outdoor a c t i v i t y spaces t h a t b l e n d i n g t o g e t h e r 

c r e a t e a q u a l i t y environment. T h i s model has been developed 

i n the r e a l s i t u a t i o n of the P o i n t Grey Community on the 

p r i n c i p l e of an a c t i v e i n t e r a c t i o n . Subsequently t h i s model 

has been t e s t e d on a s e l e c t e d s i t e i n terms of i d e n t i f i c a t i o n 

of o p p o r t u n i t i e s and c o n s t r a i n t s which may a f f e c t s u c c e s s f u l 

program implementation. 

The t h e s i s concludes t h a t a h y p o t h e t i c a l model of the 

Continuum of Care Complex can be s u c c e s s f u l l y implemented on 

the s e l e c t e d t e s t s i t e of the P o i n t Grey Community. "Continu-

um of Care" environment f o r the e l d e r l y developed i n the model 

may s a t i s f y a broad range of needs f o r the e l d e r l y : p h y s i c a l , 

p h y s i o l o g i c a l and s o c i o p s y c h o l o g i c a l . 



i v 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

A b s t r a c t i i - i i i 

Table of Contents i v - x i i 

L i s t of F i g u r e s x i i i - xv 

L i s t of Tables x v i - x v i i 

Acknowledgements x v i i i 

I n t r o d u c t i o n 1 - 1 3 

1. The O r i g i n of my T h e s i s 1 

2. Problem Statement: B r i t i s h Columbia 

Background 1 - 3 

3. D e f i n i t i o n of Continuum of Care 3 - 4 

4. I n t e n t i o n s of the T h e s i s 4 - 6 

5. Research Questions 6 - 7 

6. O b j e c t i v e s of the T h e s i s 7 - 8 

7. Methodology 8 - 1 2 

8. Layout of the T h e s i s 12 - 13 

Chapter 1 - The Continuum of Care Concept 14 - 42 

Chapter Summary 14 

1.1 L i t e r a t u r e and P r o j e c t s review: 

Concepts of M u l t i - L e v e l e l d e r l y housing. 14 - 17 

1.1.1 Greater Vancouver Regional D i s t r i c t 

Area and B r i t i s h Columbia. 17 - 27 

1.1.2 Canada 27 - 28 



V 

1.1.3 Europe 28 - 29 

1.1.4 The United S t a t e s of America 29 - 34 

1.1.5 C o n c l u s i o n 34 

1.2 Review of the C u r r e n t P o l i c i e s 

of the E l d e r l y Housing 35 - 39 

1.2.1 F i n d i n g s , Problem Statement and Summary 40 - 41 

1.3. The CCC i n P o i n t Grey as One of the 

Options and Innovative Approaches to 

S o l v i n g the E l d e r l y Housing Problem. 41 - 42 

1.4 R a t i o n a l e of the T h e s i s 42 

Chapter 2 - Supply and Demand: A n a l y s i s of the 

E l d e r l y Housing Options and S e r v i c e s  

i n Vancouver and West P o i n t Grey Area. 43 - 63 

Chapter Summary 43 

2.1. The Contemporary E l d e r l y : T h e i r Means 

and E x p e c t a t i o n s 43 - 48 

2.1.1 Current Trends 43 - 45 

2.1.2 Features C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of S e n i o r 

C i t i z e n s - the Future C l i e n t s of the 

Continuum of Care Complex (C.C.C.) 4 5 - 4 8 

2.2 The E l d e r l y i n Vancouver 48 - 55 

2.2.1 E l d e r l y P o p u l a t i o n : the People and 

T h e i r Houses 48 - 53 

2.2.2 Reluctance to Move Versus A t t r a c t i v n e s s 

of a New Place 53 - 54 



2. 2. 3 C i t y ' s Housing P o l i c i e s and Market Forces 55 

2. 3 The e l d e r l y i n P o i n t Grey 55 - 62 

2. 3. 1 Vancouver West S i t e : Trends and P r e f e r e n c e s 55 - 58 
2. 3. 2 The E x i s t i n g S e n i o r Housing i n P o i n t Grey 58 - 59 
2. 3. 3 The E x i s t i n g Long Term Care F a c i l i t i e s 59 

2. 3. 4 A Need f o r Long Term Care F a c i l i t i e s 59 - 60 
2. 3. 5 A Need f o r S e n i o r Centre 61 

2. 3. 6 P o i n t Grey: D e s t i n a t i o n f o r the E l d e r l y 61 - 62 
2. 4 The S i t e of the Continuum of Care Complex 

a t 4th Ave & Highbury S t r e e t . 63 

Chapter 3 - The CCC F a c i l i t y O b j e c t i v e s 64 98 

Chapter Summary 64 

I n t r o d u c t i o n 64 - 65 
3. 1 L i v i n g Environment O b j e c t i v e s (L.E.O.) 65 - 73 

L.E.O. #1 - Q u a l i t y Environment 65 - 70 
#2 - S a f e t y and S e c u r i t y 70 - 71 
#3 - V a r i e t y of Environments 71 - 73 

3. 2 R e s i d e n t s ' O b j e c t i v e s (R.O.) 73 - 82 
R.O. #1 - R e s i d e n t i a l Tenure Choice 74 - 77 

#2 - H e a l t h Care Needs 77 - 79 
#3 - S o c i a l Needs 80 - 81 

3. 3 F a c i l i t y Management O b j e c t i v e s (F.M.O.) 81 - 86 
F.M.O. #1 - Autonomy and U s e f u l n e s s of 

Residents 82 - 83 
#2 - Independence 83 



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#3 - P e r s o n a l i z a t i o n and C o n t r o l 84 

#4 - F r i e n d l y P h y s i c a l Environment 84 - 85 

#5 - C e n t r a l i z a t i o n of Supportive S e r v i c e s 85 - 86 

3.4 Community O b j e c t i v e s (CO.) 86 - 92 

C O . #1 - Care f o r the L o c a l E l d e r l y . 86 - 88 

#2 - Access to Neighbourhood Resources. 88 - 89 

#3 - L i f e S u s t a i n i n g Resources 89 

#4 - Community Network 89 - 91 

#5 - L i f e E n r i c h i n g Resources 91 - 92 

*6 - Business I n t e g r a t i o n 92 
Neighbourhood Development O b j e c t i v e s (N.D.O.) 92 - 98 

N.D.O.#l - C h a r a c t e r and L i v a b i l i t y 92 - 93 
#2 - C o m p a t i b i l i t y 93 
#3 - S t r e e t s c a p e 93 - 94 

#4 - Views 94 - 95 
#5 - Minimize Noise Impact 95 
#6 - P r i v a c y 95 - 96 
#7 - Secure Environment 96 
#8 - V a r i e t y of Open Spaces 96 - 97 
#9 - Landscaping 97 

3.6 C o n c l u s i o n 97 - 98 

Chapter 4 - The CCC F a c i l i t y Components 99 - 123 

Chapter Summary 99 

I n t r o d u c t i o n 99 - 100 



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4. 0 S i z e of the F a c i l i t y 100 - 101 
4. 1 Housing - Independent L i v i n g 101 - 103 
4. 1. 1 BCHMC Housing - N o n - P r o f i t Rental Housing 103 - 105 
4. 1. 2 Co-Operative Housing 105 - 106 
4. 1. 3 S t r a t a - T i t l e Housing (Condominiums) 106 - 107 
4. 1. 4 S e r v i c e s i n the Independent L i v i n g Housing 107 - 108 
4. 2 Housing f o r Persons R e q u i r i n g Long Term 

Care 108 - 109 
4. 2. 1 Intermediate Care F a c i l i t y 109 - 111 
4. 2. 2 Extended Care F a c i l i t y 111 - 112 
4. 2. 3 The Number of Long Term Care Beds 112 - 114 
4. 3 The Core Centre 114 

4. 3. 1 Core Centre Component I - L i f e E n r i c h i n g 

Resources - C u l t u r a l Centre 115 - 116 
4. 3. 2 Core Centre Component I I - L i f e S u s t a i n i n g 

Resources - H e a l t h Centre 117 - 118 
4. 3. 3 Core Centre Component I I I - S o c i a l 

I n t e r a c t i o n and Business I n t e g r a t i o n . 118 

4. 3. 4 Core Centre Component IV - Supporting 

and Maintenance Components. 118 

4. 4 Outdoor Spaces 118 - 121 
4. 4. 1 Outdoor Space Components 119 - 121 
4.5 C o n c l u s i o n 122 - 123 

Chapter 5 - General Program Requirements 124 - 229 

Chapter Summary 124 



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5.1 R e s i d e n t i a l Housing - Independent 

L i v i n g C l u s t e r 124 

5.1.1 F u n c t i o n a l Components 124 - 127 

5.1.2 Housing P a t t e r n and C r i t i c a l Issues 128 - 132 

5.1.2.1 Shape (Layout) of the C l u s t e r 128 - 129 

5.1.2.2 C l u s t e r I d e n t i t y 129 - 132 

5.1.2.3 R e l a t i o n s h i p with the Core Centre 132 

5.1.3 D w e l l i n g U n i t s 133 - 134 

5.1.3.1 F u n c t i o n a l Components 133 

5.1.3.2 Category of Users and T h e i r Needs 134 

5.1.4 P r i v a t e Outdoor Space - Independent 

L i v i n g Housing 134 - 139 

5.1.4.1 I n t r o d u c t i o n 134 - 135 

5.1.4.2 Elements of P r i v a t e Space 135 - 137 

5.1.4.3 Issues i n Designing P r i v a t e 

Outdoor Spaces 137 - 139 

5.2 Dependent L i v i n g - Intermediate 

Care F a c i l i t y 140 - 151 

5.2.1 F u n c t i o n a l Components 140 - 142 

5.2.2 L i v i n g U n i t s - P a t t e r n and C r i t i c a l Issues 143 - 151 

Issue #1 - Sense of r e s i d e n c y 143 - 146 

Issue #2 - F l e x i b i l i t y 146 

Issue #3 - L i n k with the Core Centre -

Wayfinding w i t h i n the 

CCC F a c i l i t y 147 - 151 

5.3 Dependent L i v i n g - Extended Care F a c i l i t y 152 - 164 



5.3.1 F u n c t i o n a l Components 152 

5.3.2 L i v i n g U n i t s P a t t e r n and C r i t i c a l Issues 152 - 156 

Issue #1 - C l u s t e r Approach 152 - 153 

Issue #2 - R e s i d e n t i a l Character 153 - 154 

Issue #3 - Home l i k e Environment 154 - 155 

Issue #4 - P a t i e n t L i v i n g U n i t -

P r i v a c y Issue 155 - 156 

5.3.3 P r i v a t e Outdoor Spaces i n the Dependent 

L i v i n g - Long Term Care F a c i l i t y 156 - 164 

5.4 Core Centre 165 - 166 

5.4.1 Main Concourse 167 - 171 

5.4.2 Food F a i r - D i n i n g 172 - 176 

5.4.3 Food S e r v i c e s F a c i l i t y 177 - 181 

5.4.4 R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Centre 182 - 186 

5.4.5 A r t s and C r a f t s 187 - 190 

5.4.6 Auditorium and S p e c i a l Programs 191 - 193 

5.4.7 A d m i n i s t r a t i o n 194 - 197 

5.4.8 C l i n i c 198 - 201 

5.4.9 Pharmacy 202 - 205 

5.4.10 L i b r a r y 206 - 208 

5.4.11 S t a f f Support F a c i l i t i e s 209 - 211 

5.4.12 Laundry S e r v i c e s 212 - 213 

5.4.13 P l a n t S e r v i c e s 214 - 215 

5.4.14 B u i l d i n g S e r v i c e s 216 - 217 

5.4.15 M a t e r i a l S e r v i c e s 218 - 220 

5.5 F a c i l i t y Common Outdoor Space 221 - 227 



5.6 Parking and Road Network w i t h i n F a c i l i t y 228 229 

Chapter 6 - F e a s i b i l i t y of Program Implementation 

on the S e l e c t e d S i t e : T h e s i s C o n c l u s i o n . 230 _ 273 

Chapter Summary 230 

E v a l u a t i o n i #1: S i t e L o c a t i o n and S i z e 230 - 236 
6.1.1 R a t i o n a l e 230 - 233 
6.1.2 L o c a t i o n 233 - 235 
6.1.3 O p p o r t u n i t i e s 235 

6.1.4 C o n s t r a i n t s 236 

6.1.5 C o n c l u s i o n 236 

E v a l u a t i o n i #2: Land Use Context 237 - 240 

6.2.1 O p p o r t u n i t i e s 237 

6.2.2 C o n s t r a i n t s 237 - 239 
6.2.3 C o n c l u s i o n 240 

E v a l u a t i o n #3: P u b l i c T r a n s p o r t a t i o n , V e h i c u l a r 

and P e d e s t r i a n Access. 240 - 246 
6.3.1 O p p o r t u n i t i e s 240 - 241 
6.3.2 C o n s t r a i n t s 241 - 245 
6.3.3 C o n c l u s i o n 245 - 246 
E v a l u a t i o n #4: S i t e P h y s i c a l C h a r a c t e r i s t i c 246 - 251 
6.4.1 O p p o r t u n i t i e s : S i t e N a t u r a l Resources 246 - 250 
6.4.2 C o n s t r a i n t s 250 

6.4.3 C o n c l u s i o n 250 - 251 
E v a l u a t i o n #5: Space C h a r a c t e r and Views 251 - 254 
6.5.1 O p p o r t u n i t i e s 251 - 253 



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6.5.2 C o n s t r a i n t s 253 

6.5.3 C o n c l u s i o n 253 - 255 

E v a l u a t i o n #6: Housing P a t t e r n s 255 

6.6.1 R a t i o n a l e 255 

6.6.2 P a t t e r n No.l 256 - 261 

6.6.3 P a t t e r n No.2 261 

6.6.4 P a t t e r n No.3 262 

6.6.5 P a t t e r n No.4 262 

6.6.6 C o n c l u s i o n 263 - 272 

F i n d i n g s and T h e s i s C o n c l u s i o n 273 - 283 

References 284 - 288 

Appendices 289 - 310 



LIST OF FIGURES 

F i g . 1- 1 H o l l y b u r n House - Main F l o o r 21 

F i g . 1- 2 South G r a n v i l l e Park - T y p i c a l F l o o r Lodge 21 

F i g . 1- 3 St. M i c h a e l ' s Centre - Main F l o o r 24 

F i g . 1- 4 Parkwood Manor - Main F l o o r 24 

F i g . 1- 5 A b b e y f i e l d Concept - Main F l o o r 26 

F i g . 1- 6 Arbutus Ridge V i l l a g e - S i t e P l a n 26 

F i g . 1- 7 H a u s j a r v i Health Care F a c i l i t y - S i t e 
Plan and R e s i d e n t i a l C l u s t e r Layout 30 

F i g . 1- 8 Motion P i c t u r e and T e l e v i s i o n Country 
House and H o s p i t a l - E x i s t i n g S i t e P l a n 
and Proposed S i t e Development 32 

F i g . 1- 9 Regent P o i n t - S i t e Plan 33 

F i g . 2- 1 1981 - S i n g l e Family Households with 
Member Age 65+ 50 

F i g . 2- 2 1991 - S i n g l e Family Households with 
Member Age 65+ 51 

F i g . 2- 3 2001 S i n g l e Family Households with 
Member Age 65+ 52 

F i g . 2- 4 P r o j e c t i o n of S e n i o r Housing Needed 
by 2001 to Accommodate E l d e r l y Homeowners 53 

F i g . 2- 5 Number of C l i e n t s R e c e i v i n g Long Term 
Care Home Support or F a c i l i t y S e r v i c e s by 
L e v e l of Care (December 1986) 60 

F i g . 2- 6 Number of C l i e n t s W a i t l i s t e d f o r Long 
Term Care Placement by l e v e l of Care 
(December 1986) 60 

F i g . 4- 1 Access and C o n t r o l Model of the CCC F a c i l i t y 123 

F i g . 5- 1 Common Space i n the C l u s t e r as a Garden 130 

F i g . 5- 2 Common Space i n the C l u s t e r with Shared 
Walkway 130 



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F i g . 5- 3 C l u s t e r I d e n t i t y R e i n f o r c e d by a C e n t r a l 
S i t t i n g Area and Shared Storage Shed 131 

F i g . 5- 4 P e d e s t r i a n C i r c u l a t i o n Developed as a 
"Feeder" System. 131 

F i g . 5- 5 Independent L i v i n g Outdoor Spaces 136 

F i g . 5- 6 Long-Term Care F a c i l i t y Access Model 145 

F i g . 5- 7 Intermediate Care F a c i l i t y 149 

F i g . 5- 8 Intermediate Care C l u s t e r Type 1 150 

F i g . 5- 9 Intermediate Care C l u s t e r Support 151 

F i g . 5- 10 P r i v a t e Outdoor Spaces i n Nursing Home 158 

F i g . 5- 11 Extended Care F a c i l i t y 162 

F i g . 5- 12 Extended Care C l u s t e r Type 1 163 

F i g . 5- 13 Extended Care C l u s t e r Support 164 

F i g . 5- 14 Core Centre 166 

F i g . 5- 15 Main Concourse 171 

F i g . 5- 16 Food S e r v i c e s 181 

F i g . 5- 17 R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Centre 186 

F i g . 5- 18 A r t s and C r a f t s 190 

F i g . 5- 19 Auditorium and S p e c i a l Programs 193 

F i g . 5- 20 A d m i n i s t r a t i o n S u i t e 197 

F i g . 5- 21 C l i n i c 201 

F i g . 5- 22 Pharmacy 205 

F i g . 5- 23 L i b r a r y 208 

F i g . 5- 24 Outdoor Common Space 227 

F i g . 6-•1 L o c a t i o n and S i z e 234 

F i g . 6-2 Land Use Context 238 

F i g . 6-•3 P u b l i c T r a n s p o r t a t i o n and V e h i c u l a r Access 242 



XV 

F i g . 6-4 P e d e s t r i a n Access 243 

F i g . 6-5 S i t e Topography 247 

F i g . 6-6 V e g e t a t i o n and Landscaping 248 

F i g . 6-7 P u b l i c and P r i v a t e Views 252 

F i g . 6-8 P a t t e r n 1 257 

F i g . 6-9 P a t t e r n 2 258 

F i g . 6-10 P a t t e r n 3 259 

F i g . 6-11 P a t t e r n 4 260 



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LIST OF TABLES 

Table 2-1 P r o j e c t i o n s of the E l d e r l y Home owners 
and the P o t e n t i a l Movers i n Vancouver: 
(1981 census) 53 

Table 4- 1 Housing Choices i n the CCC F a c i l i t y 102 - 103 

Table 5- 1 Housing Type #1: Rental Housing Space 
Program 126 

Table 5- 2 Housing Type #2: Co-op Housing, 
50 D w e l l i n g U n i t s Space Program 127 

Table 5- 3 Housing Type #3: S t r a t a T i t l e , 
50 D w e l l i n g U n i t s Space Program 127 

Table 5- 4 Intermediate Care C l u s t e r Space Program 142 

Table 5- 5 Extended Care C l u s t e r Space Program 160 - 161 

Table 5- 6 Main Concourse Space Program 170 

Table 5- 7 Food F a i r Space Program 176 

Table 5- 8 Food S e r v i c e s F a c i l i t y Space Program 180 

Table 5- 9 R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Centre Space Program 185 

Table 5- 10 A r t s and C r a f t s Space Program 189 

Table 5- 11 Auditorium and S p e c i a l Programs 
Space Program 192 

Table 5- 12 A d m i n i s t r a t i o n Space Program 196 

Table 5- 13 C l i n i c Space Program 200 

Table 5- 14 Pharmacy and Dispensary Space Program 204 

Table 5- 15 L i b r a r y Space Program 207 

Table 5- 16 S t a f f Support F a c i l i t i e s Space Program 211 

Table 5- 17 Laundry S e r v i c e s Space Program 213 

Table 5- 18 P l a n t S e r v i c e s Space Program 215 

Table 5- 19 B u i l d i n g S e r v i c e s Space Program 217 



x v i i 

Table 5-20 M a t e r i a l S e r v i c e s Space Program 220 

Table 5-21 F a c i l i t y Common Outdoor Area 

Space Program 226 

Table 5-22 P a r k i n g Area Program 229 

Table 6-1 Use of Resources, T r a v e l Time 
and D i s t a n c e to Resources 231 



x v i i i 

Acknowledgements 

I would l i k e to express my g r a t i t u d e to P r o f e s s o r J o e l Shack f o r 

h i s s u p e r v i s i o n and encouragement. 

My s i n c e r e thanks are to P r o f e s s o r G l o r i a Gutman and A r c h i t e c t 

C h a r l o t t e Murray f o r t h e i r c o n s t r u c t i v e c r i t i c i s m and comments. 

Furthermore, many thanks to P r o f e s s o r Rose Murakami f o r her 

p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n the d i s c u s s i o n of the t h e s i s . 

I would l i k e a l s o to thank A r c h i t e c t E m i l Marek, Ph.D., my 

husband, and M i c h a e l , my son, f o r t h e i r advice and a s s i s t a n c e . 

F i n a l l y , I am very g r a t e f u l to Canada Mortgage and Housing 

C o r p o r a t i o n f o r the s c h o l a r s h i p which has made t h i s t h e s i s 

p o s s i b l e . 



1 

INTRODUCTION 

1. THE ORIGIN OF MY THESIS 

My p e r s o n a l i n t e r e s t i n f a c i l i t i e s f o r the e l d e r l y began i n 

1970 when I was i n v o l v e d i n a number of p r o j e c t s as an a r c h i t e c t 

i n Poland. While working on an Intermediate Care F a c i l i t y I 

began to f e e l t h a t the e n t i r e programming and design process i s 

missing something. I r e a l i z e d t h a t d e s i g n i n g f o r the e l d e r l y i s 

a unique problem because the needs of those people change almost 

on a day-to-day b a s i s . Designing a b u i l d i n g which responds to a 

s p e c i f i c program aimed at a s p e c i f i c group of e l d e r l y seems not 

to be an e f f e c t i v e approach to the needs of the e l d e r l y . I came 

to understand t h a t the e n t i r e programming and design process 

should not be c o n s i d e r e d a t r a d i t i o n a l a r c h i t e c t u r a l three dimen-

s i o n a l problem but r a t h e r needs a f o u r dimensional approach. 

The f o u r t h dimension i s TIME -- the p r i n c i p a l f a c t o r i n under-

standing the needs of e l d e r l y people. T h i s i d e a puts the whole 

p r o j e c t d e l i v e r y system i n a new p e r s p e c t i v e . 

2. PROBLEM STATEMENT: BRITISH COLUMBIA BACKGROUND 

In the l a s t seventy f i v e years worldwide l i f e expectancy has 

s u b s t a n t i a l l y i n c r e a s e d and the p r o p o r t i o n of o l d e r c i t i z e n s has 

grown and i s growing c o n s t a n t l y . By the end of t h i s century, i n 

Canada and p a r t i c u l a r l y i n B r i t i s h Columbia the growing popula-

t i o n aged 65 years and over w i l l c r e a t e c h a l l e n g e s i n the way of 

h e a l t h c a r e , housing and p s y c h o - s o c i a l supports. T h i s s i t u a t i o n 

c a l l s f o r p l a n n i n g f o r housing and h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s f o r the 

e l d e r l y not o n l y i n much g r e a t e r s c a l e than we have ever e x p e r i -



2 

enced, but a l s o f o r a new approach based on the g r a d u a t i o n of 

care. 

Therefore the Problem, which I am i n v e s t i g a t i n g i n t h i s 

t h e s i s c o u l d be summarized b r i e f l y as f o l l o w s : "What are the 

u n d e r l y i n g p r i n c i p l e s i n p l a n n i n g housing and s e r v i c e s f o r the 

contemporary e l d e r l y ? " 

Since the number of o l d e r persons age 75 and over c o n t i n u e s 

to expand, housing with s u p p o r t i v e s e r v i c e s on s i t e (medical and 

p e r s o n a l care) w i l l be i n great demand. New housing forms t h a t 

provide f r e e c h o i c e , maximize independence, s t i m u l a t e the c r e a -

t i v e and s e l f - e x p r e s s i v e needs of i n d i v i d u a l s and optimize con-

t r o l over the environment are s t r o n g l y needed. The n o t i o n of 

graduation of care organized and d e l i v e r e d i n one s e t t i n g seems 

to be the a l t e r n a t i v e approach i n p l a n n i n g f o r the e l d e r l y . 

That n o t i o n has been s t r o n g l y endorsed by The Canadian Medical 

A s s o c i a t i o n (1987, p.22). 

F a c i l i t i e s designed f o r use by e l d e r l y people can be charac-

t e r i z e d by t h e i r s p e c i f i c s u p p o r t i v e l i v i n g and s o c i a l e n v i r o n -

ments, and by d e l i v e r y of p e r s o n a l , s o c i a l and h e a l t h care s e r -

v i c e s . The s e r v i c e s t h a t e l d e r l y people need can range from 

very low - i n a f u l l y independent person's p r i v a t e home to the 

high l e v e l of s e r v i c e s provided i n a n u r s i n g home. In B r i t i s h 

Columbia, the p r o v i n c i a l government c u r r e n t l y uses the f o l l o w i n g 

terminology (see Appx # 0-1) to d e s c r i b e the range: 

1. those e l d e r l y capable of Independent L i v i n g (IL) 

2. those r e q u i r i n g P e r s o n a l Care (PC) 



3 

3. those r e q u i r i n g Intermediate Care (3 l e v e l s : IC1, IC2, IC3) 

4. those r e q u i r i n g Extended Care (EC) 

In the l a s t f o u r decades, the g u i d i n g p h i l o s o p h y i n d e v e l o p i n g 

housing f o r the e l d e r l y has undergone a r a d i c a l change. At the 

time when most "homes f o r the aged" where b u i l t , such f a c i l i t i e s 

were c o n s i d e r e d more i n s t i t u t i o n a l than r e s i d e n t i a l b u i l d i n g s . 

The c r i t i c s of the i n s t i t u t i o n a l model proposed t h a t the b e s t 

s o l u t i o n was to keep the e l d e r l y i n t h e i r own homes, but the 

problem could not be s o l v e d because of the p r o h i b i t i v e c o s t s i n 

the p r o v i s i o n of s o c i a l and h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s to p r i v a t e 

homes. As noted above, i n B r i t i s h Columbia there are f i v e 

l e v e l s of care f o r the e l d e r l y : Personal Care, Intermediate Care 

(3 l e v e l s ) and Extended Care. However, there i s no p r a c t i c a l 

example of a comprehensive f a c i l i t y i n B r i t i s h Columbia which 

has implemented space f l e x i b i l i t y and program a d a p t a b i l i t y (as 

t r a n s i t i o n between the "go-go" e l d e r l y and "slow-go" e l d e r l y ) 

t h a t would p r o v i d e graduation of care f o r a l l l e v e l s i n one 

p l a c e . 

3. DEFINITION OF CONTINUUM OF CARE 

A Continuum of Care f o r the e l d e r l y p r o v i d e s a l l l e v e l s of 

care i n one l o c a t i o n . A Continuum of Care f a c i l i t y can p r o v i d e 

a continuum of housing and care from independent l i v i n g to 

n u r s i n g care at the Extended Care l e v e l . The r a t i o n a l e behind 

the Continuum of Care idea i s to develop a new program f o r the 

e l d e r l y f a c i l i t y which might f u l f i l l e l d e r l y ' s d i v e r s e and 



4 

changing needs. Groups of people with s i m i l a r needs and r e q u i r e -

ments w i l l be accommodated i n c l o s e p r o x i m i t y to one area w i t h i n 

p a r t i c u l a r components of a "Continuum of Care Complex" (CCC) 

which w i l l o f f e r a r e l a t i v e l y f i x e d range of s e r v i c e s . How-

ever, they w i l l a l s o have access to a g r e a t e r v a r i e t y of s e r -

v i c e s i n the whole Complex. A "Continuum of Care Complex" might 

a l s o provide a d d i t i o n a l s e r v i c e s f o r the e l d e r l y t h a t l i v e i n 

the neighbourhood. 

4. INTENTIONS OF THE THESIS 

In t h i s T h e s i s ["Senior C i t i z e n Housing, Implementing a Con-

tinuum of Care Environment"], I propose an a l t e r n a t i v e approach 

to p l a n n i n g housing and s e r v i c e s f o r the e l d e r l y . The t h e s i s has 

been developed as a h y p o t h e t i c a l model of a planning/programming 

system based on the p r i n c i p l e of the continuum of care, with the 

v a r i o u s elements b l e n d i n g together. T h i s h y p o t h e t i c a l model i n 

terms of a f a c i l i t y program has been developed i n the r e a l s i t u a -

t i o n of the P o i n t Grey Community on the s e l e c t e d t e s t s i t e . 

T h i s t h e s i s i s an " a r c h i t e c t u r a l i n v e s t i g a t i o n " which f o c u s -

es on " f a c i l i t y programming" f o r an i n n o v a t i v e approach to a 

Continuum of Care f a c i l i t y . F a c i l i t y programming i s f i r m l y 

e s t a b l i s h e d today as an important and necessary i n g r e d i e n t of 

the design process. According to Palmer (1981), programming i s 

an a n a l y t i c a l aspect of design. Programming, as an i n f o r m a t i o n -

p r o c e s s i n g system, i n v o l v e s a d i s c i p l i n e d methodology of data 

c o l l e c t i o n , a n a l y s i s , o r g a n i z a t i o n , communication and evalua 



5 

t i o n . The t h e s i s i s based on the f o l l o w i n g c y c l e : a n a l y s i s -

s y n t h e s i s - e v a l u a t i o n : 

1. ANALYSIS of the data d i s c o v e r e d i n the process of the 

a r c h i t e c t u r a l i n v e s t i g a t i o n . 

2. SYNTHESIS of the f i n d i n g s i n the form of a CCC f a c i l i t y 

program. 

3. EVALUATION of the p o s s i b i l i t y of the program development on 

the s e l e c t e d t e s t s i t e . 

T h i s T h e s i s w i l l t r y to d e f i n e a "continuum of c a r e " 

environment f o r the e l d e r l y i n terms of a program of housing as 

w e l l as p e r s o n a l , s o c i a l and h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s on one s i t e . 

Generic r e s u l t s w i l l be b a s i c f u n c t i o n a l components (such as 

Extended Care), but s p e c i f i c w i l l be the a p p l i c a t i o n of compo-

nents to a t e s t s i t e as an e v a l u a t i v e process c o n s i s t i n g of 

i n n o v a t i v e approach i n addressing the needs of the e l d e r l y a t 

a l l d i f f e r e n t l e v e l s of care and a l s o the way such a f a c i l i t y 

should respond to i t s s i t e and neighbourhood. 

In my t h e s i s I w i l l d e f i n e a "Continuum of Care" environment 

which may s a t i s f y a broad range of needs f o r the e l d e r l y : phy-

s i c a l , p h y s i o l o g i c a l and p s y c h o l o g i c a l . On the b a s i s of the 

p u b l i s h e d r e s e a r c h and my p r i v a t e o b s e r v a t i o n s I w i l l s e t up a 

Program which w i l l address t h i s p a r t i c u l a r environment and 

i d e n t i f y the design v a r i a b l e s which may improve q u a l i t y of l i f e 

f o r the e l d e r l y . 

My r e s e a r c h study w i l l be a p p l i e d on a s i t e i n P o i n t Grey, 

Vancouver, B r i t i s h Columbia. The F e d e r a l N a t i o n a l Defence Lands 



6 

s i t e has a unique s e t t i n g i n Vancouver c l o s e to J e r i c h o Beach 

and UBC. The s u b j e c t s i t e may serve as a p l a c e f o r f u t u r e 

development of housing as w e l l as a f a c i l i t y f o r s e n i o r s . The 

Planning Department recommends t h a t F l o o r Space R a t i o be 1.0 to 

1.45 and a l s o t h a t new development be compatible with the 

surrounding area of m u l t i - f a m i l y and s i n g l e f a m i l y housing. 

However, there are no o f f i c i a l g u i d e l i n e s r e g a r d i n g the s c a l e 

and scope of proposed development. T h i s t h e s i s w i l l be the 

f i r s t attempt i n proposing a s e n i o r c i t i z e n s ' housing develop-

ment on t h i s s i t e . 

5. RESEARCH QUESTIONS 

Group I -- In terms of d e f i n i n g the e l d e r l y f a c i l i t y as a 

c o n t i n u a t i o n of the e l d e r l y person's l i f e s t y l e : 

1. What o p p o r t u n i t i e s and c o n s t r a i n t s r e s u l t from moving an 

e l d e r l y person from h i s / h e r home to t h i s proposed CCC 

f a c i l i t y ? 

2. How has the g u i d i n g p h i l o s o p h y i n d e v e l o p i n g housing f o r the 

e l d e r l y changed i n the l a s t four decades? 

Group I I -- In terms of d e f i n i n g the phenomenon of the 

"continuum of care environment": 

1. How can the CCC f u l f i l l the needs and e x p e c t a t i o n s of 

e l d e r l y r e s i d e n t s ? 

2. How can the CCC respond to the needs of the neighbourhood's 

e l d e r l y r e s i d e n t s ? 



7 

3. What are the most important q u a l i t i e s i n c r e a t i o n of the CCC 

environment? 

Group I I I -- In terms of the CCC s i t e development p o t e n t i a l : 

1. What s i t e development o p p o r t u n i t i e s and c o n s t r a i n t s e x i s t on 

the t e s t s i t e ? 

2. How can the outdoor spaces of the CCC respond to the 

p r o g r e s s i v e l e v e l s of care and t h e i r c o r r e s p o n d i n g s e r v i c e s ? 

6. OBJECTIVES OF THE THESIS 

The p r i n c i p l e o b j e c t i v e of my r e s e a r c h study i s to f i n d out 

what can be done: 

1. To c r e a t e an o p p o r t u n i t y f o r l i v i n g i n one p l a c e as long as 

p o s s i b l e . The e l d e r l y should be able to continue to l i v e i n 

the same p l a c e as long as p o s s i b l e and i f a move i s 

necessary because of d e t e r i o r a t i n g h e a l t h c o n d i t i o n s , i t 

should be w i t h i n the same f a c i l i t y . 

2. To c r e a t e a s p e c i a l home-like environment which would f u l -

f i l l a comprehensive a r r a y of e l d e r l y needs such as: eco-

nomics ( a f f o r d a b i l i t y ) , s o c i o - p s y c h o l o g i c a l ( s u p p o r t i v e 

environments, peer groups) and p h y s i c a l (good q u a l i t y ; 

designed and l o c a t e d to accommodate the e l d e r l y with d i f f e r -

ent l e v e l s of dependency). 

3. To respond to the above o b j e c t i v e s a t the same time as 

p r o v i d i n g a way of l i f e f o r the e l d e r l y which w i l l recognize 

t h e i r i n d i v i d u a l r i g h t s , such as p r i v a c y , s e l f - d e t e r m i n a -

t i o n , i n t e g r a t i o n and a l s o w i l l p r o v i d e the compensatory 



8 

resources of the environment i n terms of a b a r r i e r - f r e e 

design, v a r i e t y of l i v i n g , a t t r a c t i v e i n t e r i o r s e t t i n g and 

landscape design. 

7. METHODOLOGY 

The t h e s i s f o l l o w s a r e s e a r c h method c y c l e of a n a l y s i s , 

s y n t h e s i s and e v a l u a t i o n : 

7.1 ANALYSIS of c o l l e c t e d data: 

A. A n a l y s i s of e x i s t i n g f a c i l i t i e s f o r the e l d e r l y with 

d i f f e r e n t l e v e l s of dependency. 

1. Type of r e s e a r c h : a r c h i t e c t u r a l i n v e s t i g a t i o n and 

design data g a t h e r i n g . 

I have s e l e c t e d e i g h t e x i s t i n g f a c i l i t i e s (see Appx. #0-2) f o r 

the e l d e r l y i n the Vancouver area, one i n H a l i f a x , and three i n 

C a l i f o r n i a , U.S.A. The s e l e c t i o n was based on i n f o r m a t i o n from 

the l i t e r a t u r e (Gutman 1976; Carstens 1985; CMHC Conference 

1988) and p e r s o n a l communications. The p r i n c i p l e c r i t e r i o n i n 

s e l e c t i n g these examples was t h a t they are f a c i l i t i e s which have 

implemented a p o l i c y of graduation of c a r e , o r g a n i z e d and 

d e l i v e r e d i n one s e t t i n g . I was s p e c i f i c a l l y l o o k i n g f o r the 

f u n c t i o n a l components mix and t h e i r c o n t r i b u t i o n to the q u a l i t y 

of the continuum of care environment. 

2. Research methods: Comparative a n a l y s i s of design 

p r i n c i p l e s : 



9 

The purpose of these analyses was to come up with programmatic 

c r i t e r i a and i n t e n t i o n s f o r a F a c i l i t y Program implementing the 

Continuum of Care concept. The Research procedures I was u s i n g : 

2.1 F i n d i n g out how design d e c i s i o n s were made: 

a. A n a l y s i n g the a r c h i t e c t s * plans and r e c o r d s . 

T h i s process provided a b a s i s f o r hypotheses which were 

e x p l o r e d i n the e v a l u a t i o n of the p r o j e c t s . I t c l a r i f i -

ed the goals of both the designer and the c l i e n t i n the 

e a r l y p l a n n i n g stages of the design. A n a l y s i s of the 

d e s i g n e r ' s plans over the p e r i o d of design development 

r e v e a l e d how ideas changed and were e v e n t u a l l y i n c o r p o -

r a t e d i n the f i n a l design. 

b. I n t e r v i e w i n g the A r c h i t e c t s 

T h i s step allowed f u r t h e r e x p l o r a t i o n of the a r c h i -

t e c t ' s design ideas and o b j e c t i v e s , p r o v i d i n g informa-

t i o n about how and why s p e c i f i c d e s i g n d e c i s i o n s were 

made. 

c. P e r s o n a l Observations i n the e x i s t i n g f a c i l i t i e s : 

numerous s i t e v i s i t s , watching the behaviour of 

r e s i d e n t s , i n t e r v i e w i n g r e s i d e n t s and p a t i e n t s , 

i n t e r v i e w i n g management and s t a f f . 

B. ANALYSIS of L i t e r a t u r e : 

1. Type of r e s e a r c h : i n v e s t i g a t i o n and data g a t h e r i n g on 

contemporary models of housing f o r the e l d e r l y . 

2. Research methods: review of the a v a i l a b l e l i t e r a t u r e d e a l i n g 

with the s p e c i f i c i s s u e s d i r e c t l y r e l a t i n g to the CC 

environment: 



10 

a. L i v i n g environment f o r the e l d e r l y . 

b. Psychology of aging process. 

c. S o c i o l o g y i n terms of how the p o s t - i n d u s t r i a l s o c i e t y should 

take care of i t s e l d e r l y people. 

d. Plans and l a y o u t s of new and i n n o v a t i v e design s o l u t i o n s 

implemented i n long-term care f a c i l i t i e s . 

C. INTERVIEWS 

1. Type of r e s e a r c h : 

S t r u c t u r e d i n t e r v i e w s with p r o f e s s i o n a l s i n v o l v e d i n the 

s u b j e c t of my t h e s i s (see Appendix #0-3). 

There i n c l u d e d the f o l l o w i n g : 

A r c h i t e c t s 

Long-Term Care F a c i l i t y A d m i n i s t r a t o r s . 

F a c i l i t y Programmers. 

Health Care A u t h o r i t i e s O f f i c i a l s 

Developers 

Residents 

C i t y H a l l Planners 

2. Research Methods: a l l i n t e r v i e w s have been c a r e f u l l y s t r u c -

t u r e d i n order to o b t a i n maximum i n f o r m a t i o n on v a r i o u s sub-

j e c t s and f u n c t i o n a l component i s s u e s r e l a t i n g to my t h e s i s ; 

i n p a r t i c u l a r I was l o o k i n g f o r s p e c i f i c i n f o r m a t i o n con-

c e r n i n g : 

A r c h i t e c t s : p l a n s , l a y o u t s , environment. 

Developers: market t r e n d s , s e r v i c e p r e f e r e n c e s , f i s c a l 

aspects of p r o j e c t f i n a n c i n g . 



11 

C i t y p l a n n e r s : zoning r e g u l a t i o n s and design g u i d e l i n e s . 

H e a l t h O f f i c i a l s : l o c a l care needs. 

Residents: t h e i r needs. 

D. ANALYSIS of e x i s t i n g L e g i s l a t i o n and Design G u i d e l i n e s (see 

Appendix #0-4). 

1. Type of r e s e a r c h : i n v e s t i g a t i o n and comparative a n a l y s i s of 

the s t a t u t o r y r e g u l a t i o n s r e l a t i n g to the f u n c t i o n a l 

components developed i n t h i s t h e s i s . 

2. Research Methods: i d e n t i f i c a t i o n of e x i s t i n g r e g u l a t i o n s i n 

terms of: 

a. area, space requirements. 

b. s e r v i c e and t e c h n i c a l r e g u l a t i o n . 

c. user needs and demands. 

d. program components 

e. o p e r a t i o n p o l i c y g u i d e l i n e s . 

7.2 SYNTHESIS i n the form of the CCC F a c i l i t y program (Chapter 4 

& 5) . 

1. Type of approach: i n t e r d i s c i p l i n a r y -- a r c h i t e c t u r e , 

gerontology, s o c i o l o g y . 

2. The methods: f u l l programming c y c l e (data o r g a n i z a t i o n and 

data communication) l e a d i n g to the d e f i n i t i o n of components 

of a f a c i l i t y program f o r the CCC F a c i l i t y i n the P o i n t Grey 

Area i n Vancouver. 

7.3 EVALUATION i n the form of the f e a s i b i l i t y of CCC program 

development on the s e l e c t e d t e s t s i t e . 



12 

1. Type of approach: comprehensive s i t e a n a l y s i s i n terms of a 

program implementation on the t e s t s i t e . 

2. The methods: d e f i n i n g development o p p o r t u n i t i e s and con-

s t r a i n t s i n a t e s t s i t e s i t u a t i o n . 

8. LAYOUT OF THE THESIS 

The t h e s i s i s s u b d i v i d e d i n t o an i n t r o d u c t i o n , f i v e chapters 

which develop the argument of t h e s i s and a c o n c l u d i n g chapter 

s i x . The s t r u c t u r e of the t h e s i s f o l l o w s the methodology out-

l i n e d i n p o i n t 7.1 - Research Cycle and Methods. The s i x chap-

t e r s of the t h e s i s are d i v i d e d i n t o a three segment r e s e a r c h 

c y c l e : a n a l y s i s - s y n t h e s i s - e v a l u a t i o n as f o l l o w s : 

ANAYLYSIS: T h i s segment i n c l u d e s chapter one and two. I t g i v e s 

an overview of the e x i s t i n g trends i n contemporary f a c i l i t i e s 

f o r the e l d e r l y with emphasis on the m u l t i l e v e l approach. T h i s 

p a r t p r o v i d e s a l s o a review of new p o l i c i e s i n the p l a n n i n g of 

f u t u r e housing and long-term care f a c i l i t i e s i n the G r e a t e r 

Vancouver R e g i o n a l D i s t r i c t . As w e l l , d i s c u s s i o n of the s o c i a l 

p r o f i l e of the p o t e n t i a l r e s i d e n t s i n the P o i n t Grey Area, 

serves as a background f o r the t h e s i s . 

SYNTHESIS: T h i s segment i n c l u d e s chapter t h r e e , f o u r and f i v e . 

I t s y n t h e s i z e s the f i n d i n g s of the p r e v i o u s segment i n t o a 

comprehensive f a c i l i t y program. 



13 

EVALUATION: the c o n c l u s i o n of my r e s e a r c h study t h e s i s i s 

presented i n chapter s i x . I t c o n t a i n s a comprehensive s i t e 

a n a l y s i s i n the form of a f e a s i b i l i t y study of development i n a 

r e a l s i t u a t i o n . 



14 

CHAPTER 1 - THE CONTINUUM OF CARE CONCEPT 

Chapter Summary: 

Chapter 1 i s the beginning of the t h e s i s a n a l y s i s c y c l e and 

i n t r o d u c e s the n o t i o n of m u l t i - l e v e l of care of the e l d e r l y . On 

the b a s i s of s e l e c t e d examples, three major trends or approaches 

to the e l d e r l y f a c i l i t i e s have been i d e n t i f i e d . A n a l y s i s of the 

l i t e r a t u r e and a c t u a l p r o j e c t s , l e d to s e v e r a l c o n c l u s i o n s about 

m u l t i - l e v e l care f a c i l i t i e s and c h a r a c t e r i s t i c design f e a t u r e s 

c o n t r i b u t i n g to a q u a l i t y environment. Many of those f i n d i n g s 

have been implemented i n the t h e s i s s y n t h e s i s p o r t i o n . Current 

P r o v i n c i a l and GVRD p o l i c i e s and recommendations r e g a r d i n g 

housing f o r the e l d e r l y have been analyzed. These f i n d i n g s 

provided grounds to s t a t e the Problem. The Chapter concludes 

with the proposed Continuum of Care Complex i n a r e a l s i t u a t i o n 

and the t h e s i s R a t i o n a l e . 

1.1 LITERATURE AND PROJECTS REVIEW: CONCEPTS OF MULTI-LEVEL  

ELDERLY HOUSING. 

I n t r o d u c t i o n : Current trends i n m u l t i - l e v e l care of the e l d e r l y 

In recent years, a number of d i r e c t i o n s have been explored 

i n the p l a n n i n g of housing and long-term care f a c i l i t i e s f o r the 

e l d e r l y . In B r i t i s h Columbia, there are a s m a l l number of pro-

j e c t s i n which i n n o v a t i v e approaches to e l d e r l y f a c i l i t i e s are 

employed. The f o l l o w i n g s e l e c t e d examples i n t r o d u c e three 



15 

major trends: the f i r s t combines more than one l e v e l of care i n 

the same f a c i l i t y ; the second p r o v i d e s s u p p o r t i v e l i v i n g and 

congregate housing; and the t h i r d extends the independence of 

the e l d e r l y through a s s o c i a t i o n with peer groups i n a l u x u r i o u s 

and s t i m u l a t i n g environment. 

F i r s t Trend 

F i r s t , there i s a trend to combine two or three l e v e l s of 

care i n one f a c i l i t y . While r e c o g n i t i o n has been growing t h a t 

v a r i o u s forms of a s s i s t a n c e are needed to maintain f r a i l o l d e r 

people i n the community, there i s a l s o a f e a r t h a t too much 

support and a s s i s t a n c e i n the form of long-term care can be inap-

p r o p r i a t e and may l e a d to premature l o s s of f u n c t i o n a l indepen-

dence. However, as people age and become more dependent v a r i o u s 

kinds of support may be needed. To respond to these needs, the 

m u l t i - l e v e l f a c i l i t y p r o v i d e s p r o g r e s s i v e care f o r the e l d e r l y 

r e s i d e n t s as w e l l as d i f f e r e n t mixes of s o c i a l s e r v i c e s . Accord-

i n g to Gutman (1983), there are s e v e r a l advantages i n f a c t , 

because a m u l t i - l e v e l care f a c i l i t y : 

1. may reduce r e l o c a t i o n s t r e e s e f f e c t s . 

2. enables couples to remain i n c l o s e p r o x i m i t y when the h e a l t h 

of one d e t e r i o r a t e s . 

3. f a c i l i t a t e s adjustments i n s e r v i c e l e v e l to meet temporary 

changes i n needs. 

4. enables i n d i v i d u a l s r e h a b i l i t a t e d to a h i g h e r l e v e l of 

f u n c t i o n i n g to remain i n p r o x i m i t y to s t a f f and r e s i d e n t s 

with whom r a p p o r t has been e s t a b l i s h e d . 



16 

5. enables economies of s c a l e (both c a p i t a l and o p e r a t i n g ) i n 

b a s i c and s p e c i a l i z e d s e r v i c e s . 

Second Trend 

S t u d i e s of trends and consumer p r e f e r e n c e s r e v e a l t h a t 

congregate housing i s more d e s i r e d by the consumer today than i t 

was 10 years ago (Gaskie, A r c h i t e c t u r a l Record, 1988). Taking 

the m i d p o s i t i o n between a n u r s i n g home and independent housing, 

congregate housing p r o v i d e s an arrangement l e s s s t r i n g e n t than a 

long-term care f a c i l i t y and more s u p p o r t i v e than c o n v e n t i o n a l 

e l d e r l y housing. U s u a l l y , the congregate home p r o v i d e s an 

around-the-clock nonmedical "watch", minimum one or two prepared 

meals, l i m i t e d p e r s o n a l care and s e v e r a l s o c i a l s e r v i c e s . 

In congregate l i v i n g , each r e s i d e n t has a p r i v a t e i n d i v i d u a l 

u n i t , which u s u a l l y i n c l u d e s a small k i t c h e n , bedroom, bathrom 

and s i t t i n g space; but communal f a c i l i t i e s such as c e n t r a l 

k i t c h e n , d i n i n g room and lounge are shared. There are f i v e 

types of congregate s e t t i n g s : the small apartment, the l a r g e 

apartment, the apartment b u i l d i n g , the congregate house and the 

r e s i d e n t i a l h o t e l congregate (Welch, Parker and Z e i s e l 1984). 

Congregate housing i s u s u a l l y owned and operated by a p u b l i c 

or n o n - p r o f i t agency. Tenants o f t e n accept r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s f o r 

a s s i s t i n g s t a f f i n management and maintenance a c t i v i t i e s . Con-

gregate l i v i n g p r o v i d e s o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r mutual awarness and 

i n f o r m a l s o c i a l support among e l d e r l y r e s i d e n t s and at the same 

time preserves t h e i r independence. 



17 

T h i r d t r e n d 

Retirement v i l l a g e s or l e i s u r e l i f e s t y l e communities provide 

a l t e r n a t i v e l i v i n g accomodation f o r wealthy s e n i o r s capable of 

independent l i v i n g . Because B r i t i s h Columbia and e s p e c i a l l y the 

Lower Mainland, boasts a moderate c l i m a t e , i t i s here t h a t the 

g r e a t e s t number of r e t i r e m e n t communities have been b u i l t . 

These developments promote a l e i s u r l y , c a r e f r e e l i f e s t y l e by 

o f f e r i n g s i n g l e - f a m i l y homes, apartments or townhouses with 

s p e c i a l f e a t u r e s (eg. wheelchair a c c e s s i b l e , l a c k of s t a i r s ) and 

s e v e r a l amenities f o r r e c r e a t i o n . Club houses are p r o v i d e d f o r 

p a r t i e s , b i l l a r d s , cards and other games. Some developments 

have swimming p o o l s , hot tubs, p u t t i n g greens, g o l f courses and 

other. S o p h i s t i c a t e d s e c u r i t y systems with video s u r v e i l l a n c e , 

e l e c t r o n i c a l l y c o n t r o l l e d entry-gates and e l a b o r a t e b u r g l a r 

alarms are common f e a t u r e s i n many r e t i r e m e n t communities. 

Although h e a l t h - c a r e i s u s u a l l y not provided i n the r e t i r e m e n t 

v i l l a g e concept some v i l l a g e s employ a f u l l - t i m e nurse or pro-

vide p e r s o n a l and a s s i s t e d l i v i n g care f o r those who might other-

wise be c o n f i n e d to n u r s i n g homes. The r e t i r e m e n t communities 

allow o l d e r people the extended independence through a s s o c i a t i o n 

with peer groups i n a s t i m u l a t i n g luxury environment. 

1.1.1. GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT AREA AND BRITISH 

COLUMBIA. 

TREND 1 - More than one l e v e l on the same s i t e . 



18 

Example #1: Seton V i l l a i n North Burnaby, B.C. 

Seton V i l l a , a m u l t i l e v e l f a c i l i t y run by a n o n - p r o f i t 

o r g a n i z a t i o n , o f f e r s s e l f - c o n t a i n e d s u i t e s , board-residence and 

p e r s o n a l care i n one n i n t e e n - s t o r e y b u i l d i n g . The b u i l d i n g i s 

d i v i d e d i n t o two p a r t s : the r e s i d e n t i a l p a r t and the common 

f a c i l i t y p a r t . The r e s i d e n t i a l p a r t i s comprised of 77 u n i t s of 

s e l f contained s u i t e s (one bedroom or bachelor) l o c a t e d on the 

12th to 18th f l o o r s , 86 room and board u n i t s on the 6th to 11th 

f l o o r s and 88 p e r s o n a l care beds on the 2nd to 5th f l o o r . The 

common f a c i l i t i e s are l o c a t e d on the main f l o o r of the b u i l d i n g , 

i n the basement and on the top f l o o r . A communal d i n i n g room, 

k i t c h e n , and the a d m i n i s t r a t i o n area are l o c a t e d on the main 

f l o o r . A Health spa component c o n t a i n i n g an e x c e r c i s e p o o l , a 

thermal p o o l , showers and changing rooms as w e l l as an A r t s and 

C r a f t s component are l o c a t e d i n the basement. On the top f l o o r 

of the b u i l d i n g , there i s the lounge, which i s used as a m u l t i -

purpose room f o r d i f f e r e n t a c t i v e and p a s s i v e a c t i v i t i e s . 

Adjacent to the lounge there i s a beauty p a r l o u r / b a r b e r shop. 

The Auditorium component (which can accommodate 200, seated 

t h e a t r e s t y l e ) i s l o c a t e d i n a separate b u i l d i n g , attached to 

main b u i l d i n g by a covered ramp. 

The A d m i n i s t r a t i o n of the f a c i l i t y p r o v i d e s a very warm, 

home l i k e atmosphere with s e v e r a l a t t r a c t i v e s o c i a l programs and 

i n v o l v e s r e s i d e n t s i n management of the f a c i l i t y . Seton V i l l a 

i s a very good example of a f a c i l i t y f o r the e l d e r l y which 

provides a secure environment with a p r o g r e s s i v e care system 

from Independent L i v i n g to Personal Care (some Intermediate Care 



19 

i s a l s o i n f o r m a l l y provided) as w e l l as a s t i m u l a t i n g e n v i r o n -

ment with a v a r i e t y of amenities and s e r v i c e s . However, f o r 

those whose h e a l t h s e v e r l y d e t e r i o r a t e s , i t i s a necessary to 

move to a Intermediate or Extended Care f a c i l i t y . 

Example #2: H o l l y b u r n House, West Vancouver, B.C. (see F i g . 1-1) 

I d e a l l y l o c a t e d 2 blocks from the shops at Ambleside, 

opposite a L i b r a r y and next to a S e n i o r s A c t i v i t y Centre, 

H o l l y b u r n House p r o v i d e s accommodation f o r the a f f l u e n t 

e l d e r l y . Run by a p r i v a t e , p r o f i t o r i e n t e d o r g a n i z a t i o n , the 

f a c i l i t y i s designed to provide two l e v e l s of care: r e s i d e n t i a l 

(personal) and Intermediate Care. The b u i l d i n g i s d i v i d e d i n t o 

two f u n c t i o n a l p a r t s . P a r t one i s comprised of 66 s e l f - c o n t a i n -

ed unfurnished apartments (bachelor, one-bedroom, two-bedroom 

s u i t e s ) l o c a t e d i n the second and t h i r d f l o o r s and Reception-

A d m i n i s t r a t i o n area as w e l l as s o c i a l and d i n i n g spaces on the 

Ground F l o o r l e v e l . The south s i d e of the b u i l d i n g has been 

designed as a s o c i a l d i n i n g space with a Conference Room and 

Bar, while the n o r t h s i d e c o n t a i n s C r a f t s , Cards, E x e r c i s e Room, 

small Shop, C l i n i c and Beauty Salon. P a r t two - Care Centre: 

Intermediate L e v e l 1 and 2 i s l o c a t e d on the Ground f l o o r l e v e l 

and comprises 36 f u r n i s h e d s i n g l e u n i t s with s o c i a l and d i n i n g 

space. The k i t c h e n and s t a f f f a c i l i t i e s are l o c a t e d i n the core 

of the main f l o o r and serve these two p a r t s s i m u l t a n e o u s l y . 

Although the f a c i l i t y provides " Q u a l i t y of L i f e " with choice of 

s e r v i c e s , programs and l i v i n g arrangement, there i s s t i l l a 

problem with r e l o c a t i o n s t r e s s f o r those whose h e a l t h c o n d i t i o n s 



20 

r e q u i r e Extended Care. 

N e v e r t h e l e s s , the combination of Independent L i v i n g with an 

Intermediate Care f a c i l i t y p o i n t s out to a new approach to the 

p r o g r e s s i v e care system. The c r e a t e d o p p o r t u n i t y f o r s o c i a l 

i n t e g r a t i o n between two groups of r e s i d e n t s may be s t i m u l a t i n g 

f o r l e s s able e l d e r l y . For independent l i v i n g r e s i d e n t s 

p o t e n t i a l of f u t u r e care i n the Intermediate Care p o r t i o n of the 

f a c i l i t y w i l l assure s e c u r i t y when one's h e a l t h d e t e r i o r a t e s . 

A v a r i e t y of l i v i n g arrangements - s e v e r a l l a y o u t s of one 

and two-bedroom s u i t e s , b e a u t i f u l l y designed outdoor spaces, 

f r i e n d l y management and p r o x i m i t y to community s e r v i c e s may 

c o n t r i b u t e to the w e l l being of r e s i d e n t s . A l l these a t t r i b u t e s 

should be employed i n the CCC f a c i l i t i e s . 

Example #3:South G r a n v i l l e Park Lodge,Vancouver BC(see F i g . 1-2) 

Designed f o r 120 r e s i d e n t s , South G r a n v i l l e Park Lodge 

provides s e r v i c e s f o r 42 r e s i d e n t s at the P e r s o n a l Care l e v e l 

and f o r 78 r e s i d e n t s at Intermediate Care l e v e l s 1, 2 and 3. The 

f a c i l i t y o f f e r s 24-hour n u r s i n g s u p e r v i s i o n , meals i n the common 

d i n i n g room, housekeeping, and s e v e r a l a t t r a c t i v e s o c i a l 

programs. The three s t o r e y b u i l d i n g i s d i v i d e d i n t o two wings. 

On the main f l o o r , there i s the R e c e p t i o n - A d m i n i s t r a t i o n area, 

spacious lounge, d i n i n g room, multipurpose room and s i x 

handicapped u n i t s . The two r e s i d e n t i a l f l o o r s comprise Personal 

or Intermediate Care u n i t s i n each wing with c e n t r a l l y l o c a t e d 

nursing s t a t i o n and s o c i a l area. 



21 

F i g . 1-2 South G r a n v i l l e Park Lodge - T y p i c a l F l o o r 
Source: South G r a n v i l l e Park Lodge 



22 

The long c o r r i d o r s and anonymous entrances to each s l e e p i n g 

u n i t as w e l l as l a c k of b a l c o n i e s as p r i v a t e outdoor spaces 

provide an i n s t i t u t i o n a l c h a r a c t e r to the b u i l d i n g . Although 

the f a c i l i t y p r o v i d e s two l e v e l s of care, i f t h e i r h e a l t h 

d e t e r i o r a t e s , r e s i d e n t s s t i l l are f o r c e d to move once again to 

an Extended Care f a c i l i t y . 

Example #4: St. Michael's Centre, Burnaby, B.C. (see F i g . 1-3). 

The most advanced approach i n terms of a m u l t i - l e v e l care 

f a c i l i t y i n the Vancouver area, was the o r i g i n a l concept of the 

St. Michael's Centre. Run by a n o n - p r o f i t , r e l i g i o u s 

o r g a n i z a t i o n , the o r i g i n a l f a c i l i t y program c a l l e d f o r a 

m u l t i - l e v e l care complex with Day Care and Home Care s e r v i c e s to 

those s e n i o r s l i v i n g i n the neighbourhood; P e r s o n a l and 

Intermediate Care f o r those who can no longer remain independent 

as r e s i d e n t s o u t s i d e the Centre and the Extended Care f o r those 

r e q u i r i n g 24hour a day p r o f e s s i o n a l s u p e r v i s i o n . At the present 

time, the f a c i l i t y i s comprised of 40 Intermediate Care beds and 

40 Extended Care beds with common spaces: D i n i n g Room, small 

A c t i v i t y and Therapy areas, Lounge and a u x i l i a r y spaces. Day 

Care p r e v i o u s l y programmed w i t h i n the f a c i l i t y , i s l o c a t e d 

across the s t r e e t i n a separate b u i l d i n g . There i s a proposal 

f o r f u t u r e expansion of the e x i s t i n g f a c i l i t y to accommodate 80 

a d d i t i o n a l beds at the Extended Care l e v e l . I t seems t h a t the 

i n i t i a l idea of c r e a t i o n of a m u l t i - l e v e l f a c i l i t y with c o n t i n u a -

t i o n of care i s transformed i n t o i n s t i t u t i o n a l approach -- a 



23 

g e r i a t r i c complex with the Intermediate and Extended Care l e v e l s 

only. 

TREND 2 - Congregate housing 

Example #5: Parkwood Manor, Coquitlam, B.C. (see F i g . 1-4) 

Parkwood Manor i s an example of the second t r e n d i n the 

development of e l d e r l y f a c i l i t i e s i n B r i t i s h Columbia. T h i s 

congregate house-hotel type was founded by a p r o f i t o r i e n t e d 

o r g a n i z a t i o n i n the heart of Coquitlam on 5 acres of b e a u t i f u l l y 

landscaped grounds. The Coquitlam Shopping Centre i s only one 

block away. Churches, medical o f f i c e s , a l i b r a r y and other 

community s e r v i c e s are a l s o i n c l o s e p r o x i m i t y to the s i t e . The 

t h r e e - s t o r y b u i l d i n g i s comprised of f o u r r e s i d e n t i a l wings with 

115 one-bedroom and 8 two-bedroom u n i t s and a c e n t r a l p a r t with 

the main s o c i a l space. On the ground f l o o r l e v e l , i n the core 

of the b u i l d i n g , there i s an elegant d i n i n g room o v e r l o o k i n g the 

f r o n t yard, while lounge and s o c i a l a c t i v i t i e s areas overlook a 

formal garden. The f a c i l i t y provides comfortable accommodation, 

convenience, s e c u r i t y and o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n 

among r e s i d e n t s . However, t h i s l u x u r i o u s environment i s aimed 

at r e t i r e d , a c t i v e and a f f l u e n t e l d e r l y people. One i n c l u s i v e 

monthly fee covers r e n t a l of a l l p r i v a t e , spacious apartments, 

u t i l i t i e s , weekly maid and laundry s e r v i c e s , r e g u l a r d i n i n g room 

meal s e r v i c e , use of a l l in-house r e c r e a t i o n a l f a c i l i t i e s , 

parking and 24 hour emergency c a l l and s e c u r i t y . Since the 

f a c i l i t y p r o v i d e s only r e s i d e n t i a l (personal) care, when the 



F i g . 1-4 Parkwood Manor - Main F l o o r 
Source: Waisman Dewar Grout C a r t e r A r c h i t e c t s 



25 

h e a l t h of a r e s i d e n t s d e t e r i o r a t e s they have to move to a h e a l t h 

care f a c i l i t y . That i s the main disadvantage of congregate 

housing. 

Example #6: A b b e y f i e l d , Sidney, B.C. (see F i g . 1-5) 

The A b b e y f i e l d concept i s an example of congregate housing 

f o r a maximum of 9 people who l i v e with a l i v e - i n housekeeper 

(CMHC, NHA 6009). O r i g i n a t e d i n England i n 1956, t h i s concept i s 

u s u a l l y l o c a t e d i n a l a r g e house i n which seven to ten people 

are accommodated, a l l with t h e i r own p r i v a t e spaces. However, 

r e s i d e n t s share a common d i n i n g room, k i t c h e n and l i v i n g room. 

To a s s i s t a l l r e s i d e n t s , there i s a l i v e - i n housekeeper who 

attends to the d a i l y running of the house, the shopping, and 

prepares and serves meals. The f i r s t Canadian prototype was 

opened i n September 1987 i n Sidney, B.C. Although t h i s concept 

c r e a t e s a c l o s e - c i r c l e atmosphere, s u p p o r t i v e l i v i n g and an 

o p p o r t u n i t y f o r s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n s , n e v e r t h e l e s s there i s a 

l a c k of s e c u r i t y , when one's h e a l t h s e v e r e l y d e t e r i o r a t e s , 

n e c e s s i t a t i n g a move to an i n s t i t u t i o n . 

TREND 3 - Retirement V i l l a g e s 

Example #7: Arbutus Ridge V i l l a g e , Vancouver I s l a n d , B.C. (see 

f i g . 1-6) 

Arbutus Ridge V i l l a g e i s an example of a l u x u r y r e t i r e m e n t 

complex aimed a t s e l f - s u f f i c i e n t , a c t i v e and wealthy s e n i o r s . 

T h i s p r o j e c t has adopted an E n g l i s h - c o u n t r y v i l l a g e theme. 



26 

F i g . 1-5 A b b e y f i e l d Concept - Main F l o o r 
Source: Murray, C h a r l o t t e . Supportive Housing f o r S e n i o r s : the 

Elements and Issues f o r a Canadian Model. 1989, p. 44. 

F i g . 1-6 Arbutus Ridge V i l l a g e - S i t e Plan 
Source: Canadian Retirement C o r p o r a t i o n Brochure 



27 

Located on 218 acre of w a t e r f r o n t land, the v i l l a g e w i l l be 

comprised, when completed, of 676 s i n g l e f a m i l y detached and 

attached homes and the c e n t r e . The c e n t r e e i g h t b u i l d i n g s 

i n c l u d e such amenities as c r a f t and t e a c h i n g room, heated 

swimming p o o l , J a c u z z i , h e a l t h c l u b , post o f f i c e , banquet and 

k i t c h e n f a c i l i t y as w e l l as commercial a m e n i t i e s , such as bank, 

small grocery shop and beauty shop. The v i l l a g e f e a t u r e s 

s e v e r a l outdoor a c t i v i t i e s : t e n n i s , horseshoes, walking 

pathways, s h u f f l e b o a r d , year round f i s h i n g and nine-hole g o l f 

course, which p r o v i d e s a l s o a l u x u r i o u s p a r k - l i k e s e t t i n g f o r 

a l l r e s i d e n t s . Arbutus Ridge V i l l a g e o f f e r s a s t i m u l a t i n g 

environment f o r e l d e r l y r e s i d e n t s . They have a choice of s o c i a l 

and r e c r e a t i o n a l a c t i v i t i e s ; s e c u r i t y and peace of mind by 

p r o v i d i n g emergency s i g n a l system and the "community f e e l i n g " . 

In s p i t e of advantages, the v i l l a g e does not p r o v i d e s e c u r i t y i n 

terms of h e a l t h care. I t can be obtained, however, by 

purchasing "home care" s e r v i c e s and medical care i n adjacent 

communities: M i l l Bay or Duncan. N e v e r t h e l e s s , there w i l l be 

s t i l l a problem f o r more f r a i l e l d e r l y , who r e q u i r e h e a l t h care 

beyond what can be provided at home. 

1.1.2. OTHER PARTS OF CANADA 

Example #8: Northwoodcare Complex, H a l i f a x , N.S. 

Founded i n 1960 by Edward L. Roach, P r e s i d e n t of H a l i f a x 

Senior C i t i z e n s Housing C o r p o r a t i o n , Northwood Care Inc. i s a 

n o n - p r o f i t o r g a n i z a t i o n which has developed a " s h e l t e r " , "care" 



28 

and "reachout" f a c i l i t y . Some 859 r e s i d e n t s of Northwood enjoy a 

v a r i e t y of l i v i n g accommodations from independent l i v i n g to 

i n s t i t u t i o n a l care, i n a d d i t i o n to the p r o v i s i o n of " h e a l t h 

maintenance", " h e a l t h promotion", " i l l n e s s p r e v e n t i o n " , and 

other " l i f e - e n r i c h m e n t " programs through Northwood's M u l t i -

purpose Centre. 

The Centre has been developed i n phases. The f i r s t phase 

s t a r t e d i n 1966 with a 73-unit s e l f - c o n t a i n e d apartment b u i l d i n g 

f o r the e l d e r l y . Than, i n 1969 a t e n - s t o r e y high r i s e was b u i l t 

with p r o g r e s s i v e l e v e l s of care: 146 s e l f - c o n t a i n e d apartments, 

84 " s u p e r v i s o r y " care beds and 195 " p e r s o n a l " care beds. In the 

next phase the complex was i n c r e a s e d by a n i n e - s t o r y , 297 bed 

"nursing" home which i n c o r p o r a t e d , on the main f l o o r , a " M u l t i -

purpose Centre". In 1978, the complex i n t r o d u c e d the f i r s t 

A d u l t Day Care program i n Nova S c o t i a . In the f o l l o w i n g years 

other f a c i l i t i e s and s e r v i c e s were i n t r o d u c e d such as a C h i l d 

Care Centre, Home Support S e r v i c e and R e s p i t e care. Northwood 

Centre has c r e a t e d , over a twenty f i v e year span, a model of 

e x c e l l e n c e t h a t has stood the t e s t of time (Rogers 1987). 

Today, the Northwood Care Complex has implemented a l l the 

necessary program components to ensure a comprehensive care 

system f o r i t s r e s i d e n t s . The f a c i l i t y o f f e r s a s t i m u l a t i n g 

environment i n the Multipurpose c e n t r e . 

1.1.3 EUROPE 

There are other concepts of Care f o r the aging t h a t could be 



29 

implemented even w i t h i n the e x i s t i n g n u r s i n g homes or other 

types of f a c i l i t i e s . For example, the B r i t i s h have a system of 

day and n i g h t care f a c i l i t i e s f o r the aging. I f a person has 

nowhere to go d u r i n g the day (or l i v e s with someone who works) 

and needs care, these f a c i l i t i e s may provide care d u r i n g the day 

(or n i g h t ) . S i m i l a r l y i n Sweden, F i n l a n d , Denmark and a l s o i n 

the E a s t e r n European c o u n t r i e s , the t r e n d i s to provide a f u l l 

spectrum of s e r v i c e s i n the r e s i d e n t i a l s e t t i n g (Hogland, 1985). 

A l l those f a c i l i t i e s t r y to meet a v a r i e t y of needs of the 

e l d e r l y . 

Example #9: H a u s j a r v i , F i n l a n d (see F i g . 1-7) 

In F i n l a n d , there was r e c e n t l y an a r c h i t e c t u r a l c o m p e t i t i o n 

f o r "more human h e a l t h f a c i l i t i e s " i n H a u s j a r v i , a t y p i c a l r u r a l 

m u n i c i p a l i t y . The f i r s t p r i z e winner has proposed a primary 

h e a l t h c e n t r e , an extended care ward of 30 beds, an old-age home 

designed f o r about 45 r e s i d e n t s and a community c e n t r e f o r other 

e l d e r l y people l i v i n g i n the neighbourhood ( K o t i l a i n e n , 1987). 

1.1.4. THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

Example #10: Motion P i c t u r e and T e l e v i s i o n Country House and  

H o s p i t a l , Woodland H i l l s , CA (see F i g . 1-8). 

Residents of a M u l t i l e v e l Care F a c i l i t y - Motion P i c t u r e and 

T e l e v i s i o n Country House and H o s p i t a l i n Woodland H i l l s i n 

C a l i f o r n i a are sponsoring t h e i r own community. A l l r e s i d e n t s 



30 

A 

F i g . 1-7 H a u s j a r v i Health Care F a c i l i t y : A - S i t e Plan, B - Re-
s i d e n t i a l C l u s t e r Layout 

Source: H a u s j a r v i Health Centre and Old People's Home Design 
Competition. A r k k i t e h t u u r i k i l p a i l u j a . 1987, 2,pp.17-18. 



31 

have worked i n the motion p i c t u r e and t e l e v i s i o n i n d u s t r y and 

have c o n t r i b u t e d to a fund over a p e r i o d of years to guarantee 

t h e i r l i f e care. Founded i n 1942, the Motion P i c t u r e and 

T e l e v i s i o n Fund p r o v i d e s h e a l t h care and housing f o r r e t i r i n g 

members of the entertainment i n d u s t r y . On a f o r t y - o n e acre 

country s i t e the MPTF operates three somewhat d i s t i n c t communi-

t i e s : f i r s t , a lodge f o r the Intermediate Care r e s i d e n t s ; 

second, semiattached country-type cottages f o r semi to f u l l y 

independent l i v i n g and t h i r d , a modern acute care f a c i l i t y . The 

n a t u r a l c h a r a c t e r of the s i t e i s preserved by a landscape and 

waterway system which enhances the e a r l y C a l i f o r n i a v e r n a c u l a r 

a r c h i t e c t u r e . The c u r r e n t p r o j e c t designed by Bobrow, Thomas 

and A s s o c i a t e s , an a r c h i t e c t u r a l f i r m i n Los Angeles, i n c l u d e s 

expansion of the acute care h o s p i t a l , and a d d i t i o n of a s k i l l e d 

nursing f a c i l i t y , and cottages f o r semi-independent l i v i n g . 

A l s o planned are a new a d m i n i s t r a t i o n b u i l d i n g and the outpa-

t i e n t c l i n i c . With these a d d i t i o n s , the MPTF w i l l be able to 

provide comprehensive care f o r n e a r l y 500 r e s i d e n t s . 

Example #11: Regent P o i n t , Pasadena, CA (see Fig.1-9) 

Regent P o i n t , i s a r e t i r e m e n t community owned and operated 

by the Southern C a l i f o r n i a P r e s b y t e r i a n Homes. Designed by 

Neptun & Thomas A s s o c i a t e s i n Pasadena, the f a c i l i t y has 370 

u n i t s : 136 semi-attached l o w - r i s e u n i t s f o r independent l i v i n g , 

234 p e r s o n a l care u n i t s i n a four s t o r y apartment b u i l d i n g , and 

s k i l l e d n u r s i n g - c a r e u n i t s i n a two-story b u i l d i n g . A c e n t r a l l y 



3 2 

Motion P i c t u r e and T e l e v i s i o n Country House and Hos-
p i t a l - E x i s t i n g S i t e Plan and Proposed S i t e Develop-
ment . 
Carstens, Diane Y. S i t e Planning and Design f o r the  
E l d e r l y - Issues, G u i d e l i n e s and A l t e r n a t i v e s . 1985, 
pp. 44-46. 

F i g . 1-8 

Source: 



33 

F i g . 1-9 Regent P o i n t - S i t e Plan 
Source: Carsten Diane Y. S i t e Planning and Design f o r the 

E l d e r l y - Issues, G u i d e l i n e s and A l t e r n a t i v e s . 1985, 
p. 48. 



34 

l o c a t e d D i n i n g P a v i l i o n and R e c r e a t i o n Centre i s connected with 

semi-independent l i v i n g u n i t s . The s i t e has been developed to 

maximize i t s h i l l t o p view of the a d j o i n i n g r e g i o n a l park. 

1.1.5. CONCLUSION 

A l l of the f o r e g o i n g examples i n c l u d e s e v e r a l m e r i t s i n the 

c r e a t i o n of a s p e c i f i c environment f o r e l d e r l y people. The 

m u l t i - l e v e l care f a c i l i t i e s provide p r o g r e s s i v e care and a 

v a r i e t y of s o c i a l s e r v i c e s . The congregate examples provide 

supportive l i v i n g i n c l o s e - c i r c l e home-like atmosphere and an 

o p p o r t u n i t y f o r s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n . The r e t i r e m e n t v i l l a g e s 

c r e a t e "community f e e l i n g s " i n s t i m u l a t i n g l e i s u r e o r i e n t e d 

environment. A l l these approaches may have a g r e a t impact on 

w e l l - b e i n g and l i f e s a t i s f a c t i o n of the e l d e r l y . T h i s t h e s i s 

w i l l propose a CCC f a c i l i t y program which w i l l t r y to implement 

many of a l l these f e a t u r e s i n order to c r e a t e a q u a l i t y m u l t i -

l e v e l care environment. 



35 

1.2. REVIEW OF THE CURRENT POLICIES OF ELDERLY HOUSING 

In the l a s t seventy f i v e years, l i f e expectancy has i n c r e a s -

ed s u b s t a n t i a l l y and the p r o p o r t i o n of o l d e r c i t i z e n s has grown 

and i s growing c o n s t a n t l y . In B r i t i s h Columbia, the i n c r e a s e i n 

the e l d e r p o p u l a t i o n i s s u b s t a n t i a l l y g r e a t e r than f o r Canada as 

a whole. In 1981, 10.9% of B r i t i s h Columbians were aged 65 and 

over; 2% were aged 80 and over. P r o j e c t i o n s f o r the year 2001 

are 13.5% and 3.6% r e s p e c t i v e l y (Seaton R. and M. Rajan 1987). 

C e n t r a l S t a t i s t i c s Bureau p r o j e c t i o n s f o r the GVRHD by L o c a l 

Health Area (LHA) assume an i n c r e a s e i n the aging p o p u l a t i o n f o r 

Vancouver LHA i n years 1986-2001 as f o l l o w : f o r the t o t a l 

p o p u l a t i o n 3%, f o r aged 65 and over 10%, and f o r aged 85 and 

over 54% (GVRHD Report, 1987, Appendix A, Table 2). These 

trends c r e a t e a demand f o r housing as w e l l as h e a l t h care 

s e r v i c e s f o r the e l d e r l y i n much g r e a t e r s c a l e than we have ever 

experienced. However, both u t i l i z a t i o n of s e r v i c e s (demand 

side) and p r o v i s i o n of s e r v i c e s (supply s i d e ) w i l l be i n f l u e n c e d 

by e v o l v i n g s o c i e t a l trends and p o l i c y d i r e c t i o n s . The g e n e r a l 

consensus suggests t h a t , o v e r a l l , f a c i l i t y care w i l l d e c l i n e , 

p a r t i c u l a r l y at the lower care l e v e l s , and demand f o r home 

support s e r v i c e s w i l l i n c r e a s e (GVRHD Report, 1987, p.6). 

P r o v i n c i a l L e v e l 

In B r i t i s h Columbia, there i s evidence of t h i s t r e n d i n the 

d i f f e r e n t i a l r a t e of the growth of f a c i l i t y care and home based 

care. There i s a recommendation i n the p r o v i n c i a l government 



36 

p o l i c y to reduce f a c i l i t y r e f e r r a l s f o r Intermediate Care L e v e l 

1 and L e v e l 2 c l i e n t s to the g r e a t e s t extent p o s s i b l e . I t i s 

u n l i k e l y t h a t the i n c r e a s e d home support s e r v i c e s w i l l reduce 

the need f o r f a c i l i t y care at the Extended Care L e v e l or even 

the Intermediate Care L e v e l . However, the Government w i l l not 

be funding the c o n s t r u c t i o n of long term f a c i l i t i e s a t c u r r e n t 

l e v e l s of usage (Tate 1987, p.4). The d i s p a r i t y between the 

supply and demand w i l l lead to an i n c r e a s i n g number of p r i v a t e 

market u n s u b s i d i z e d care f a c i l i t i e s ( r e t i r e m e n t or congregate 

housing, long term care f a c i l i t i e s p r i m a r i l y a t the lower care 

l e v e l s ) . At the same time when the Government w i l l be c u t t i n g 

funding of long term f a c i l i t i e s , that are a c c e s s i b l e to a l l , the 

p r i v a t e market w i l l be p r o v i d i n g luxury u n i t s o n l y to those who 

can a f f o r d them. Obviously, t h i s w i l l r e s u l t i n the c r e a t i o n of 

gaps i n the care system f o r the m a j o r i t y of the s e n i o r s popula-

t i o n , with some e l d e r l y remaining at home beyond t h e i r a b i l i t y 

to maintain themselves with homecare. Consequently, there s t i l l 

w i l l be a n e c e s s i t y f o r the e l d e r l y to move from one f a c i l i t y to 

another because of l a c k of a f u l l range of s e r v i c e s and expen-

s i v e acute h o s p i t a l care w i l l continue to be a s u b s t i t u t e f o r 

Intermediate and Extended Care. 

Greater Vancouver Regional D i s t r i c t L e v e l 

The growing p o p u l a t i o n of o l d e r c i t i z e n s , e s p e c i a l l y the 

f a s t e s t growing segments of people aged 74 to 85 and o l d e r , 

increase the demand f o r f a c i l i t i e s f o r the e l d e r l y . Other trends 



3 7 

which may i n c r e a s e the demand f o r or u t i l i z a t i o n of s e r v i c e s 

i n c l u d e : 

1. Fewer f a m i l y c a r e - g i v e r s among f a m i l y members due t o : 

r i s i n g d i v o r c e r a t e s which r e s u l t i n fewer spousal 

c a r e - g i v e r s ; 

high m o b i l i t y which r e q u i r e s a d u l t c h i l d r e n to l i v e at some 

d i s t a n c e from t h e i r aging parents; 

i n c r e a s e d female p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n the workforce which l i m i t s 

the a b i l i t y of a d u l t daughters (the t r a d i t i o n a l c a r e - g i v e r s ) 

to care f o r t h e i r aging parents; 

2. Higher e x p e c t a t i o n of q u a n t i t y and q u a l i t y of s e r v i c e s : over 

time, the e l d e r l y w i l l be b e t t e r educated and b e t t e r i n -

formed. Consequently, they w i l l demand a d d i t i o n a l home sup-

p o r t s e r v i c e s such as: home makers, a d u l t day care, r e s p i t e 

care, c a r e - g i v e r support. 

3 . Expansion of the t r a d i t i o n a l c l i e n t group: the e l d e r l y and 

the young d i s a b l e d - the t r a d i t i o n a l c l i e n t groups w i l l be 

enlarged by AIDS p a t i e n t s by whom u t i l i z a t i o n of homemaker 

s e r v i c e s has been i n c r e a s i n g . 

However, there are other assumptions and trends t h a t may 

decrease the p r o v i s i o n of or u t i l i z a t i o n of s e r v i c e s : 

1. Lower tax revenues: f i s c a l r e s t r a i n t w i l l continue to 

squeeze resources f o r a l l s e r v i c e s i n the h e a l t h care s e c t o r 

(a d e c l i n e i n the percentage of the p o p u l a t i o n i n f a c i l i t i e s 

at the lower care l e v e l s without concurrent i n c r e a s e i n the 

number of homemaker hours). 



38 

Q u a l i t y of l i f e c o n s i d e r a t i o n s : c u r r e n t t h i n k i n g i s t h a t en-

a b l i n g the e l d e r l y to remain i n t h e i r own home with support 

s e r v i c e s , r a t h e r than c a r i n g f o r them i n f a c i l i t i e s , i s 

b e n e f i c i a l i n terms of t h e i r h e a l t h and l i f e s a t i s f a c t i o n i n 

a d d i t i o n to the p e r c e i v e d economic b e n e f i t s . Consequently, 

f a c i l i t y care w i l l be concentrated on very f r a i l e l d e r l y . 

I n c r e a s i n g emphasis on h e a l t h promotion and p r e v e n t i o n : 

g r e a t e r r e c o g n i t i o n by i n d i v i d u a l s , h e a l t h care p r o f e s s i o -

n a l s , and governments of the importance of p s y c h o l o g i c a l and 

l i f e s t y l e f a c t o r s i n m a i n t a i n i n g good h e a l t h and i n c r e a s e d 

r e s e a r c h i n t o and r e g u l a t i o n of o c c u p a t i o n a l and e n v i r o n -

mental c o n d i t i o n s w i l l help the e l d e r l y to l i v e longer, be 

more a c t i v e and a l e r t , and enjoy b e t t e r h e a l t h . 

I n c r e a s i n g economic independence f o r the e l d e r l y : while the 

e l d e r l y have t r a d i t i o n a l l y had r e l a t i v e l y low incomes, espe-

c i a l l y women, there i s some evidence t h a t t h e i r economic 

s i t u a t i o n i s improving due to: removal of compulsory r e t i r e -

ment i n many s e t t i n g s , government encouragement of p r i v a t e 

savings (RRSP), insurance and i n c r e a s i n g number of workers 

with pension p l a n s . The above simply p r o v i d e s another source 

of r e t i r e m e n t income. 

Innovative housing o p t i o n s : the p r i v a t e s e c t o r i s responding 

to the growing e l d e r l y p o p u l a t i o n by s u p p l y i n g v a r i o u s forms 

of s u p p o r t i v e housing (meal s e r v i c e , caretaker/manager, 

alarm systems etc) which enable the e l d e r l y to avoid or 

delay f a c i l i t y care. A l l these trends are l i k e l y to i n f l u 



39 

ence the p r o v i s i o n and u t i l i z a t i o n of s e r v i c e s (GVRHD Report, 

1987, p.3-7). 

The Extended Care Subcommittee of GVRHD o u t l i n e d s e v e r a l 

recommendations. F i r s t , there w i l l be a major r e d u c t i o n i n 

f a c i l i t y r e f e r r a l s at the lower care l e v e l s (PC, IC1 and IC2). 

However, there w i l l be encouragement of " v a r i o u s forms of 

a p p r o p r i a t e l y designed, a f f o r d a b l e housing f o r the e l d e r l y i n 

the community". Moreover, there w i l l be a major i n c r e a s e i n 

resources f o r home support s e r v i c e s and a c o n c u r r e n t i n c r e a s e i n 

a n c i l l a r y s e r v i c e s needed by the e l d e r l y i n the community, e.g. 

meals-on-wheels, a d u l t day care, r e s p i t e beds, r e h a b i l i t a t i o n 

s e r v i c e s . In a d d i t i o n , there w i l l be p r o v i s i o n i n f a c i l i t i e s f o r 

an a d d i t i o n a l 960 Intermediate Care ( l e v e l 3) and 1850 Extended 

Care c l i e n t s over the next f i f t e e n years. 

N e v e r t h e l e s s , there w i l l s t i l l be a shortage i n f a c i l i t i e s 

f o r the e l d e r l y e s p e c i a l l y at the higher l e v e l s of care. Innova-

t i v e housing o p t i o n s which were r e c e n t l y b u i l t e.g. congregate 

housing, A b b e y f i e l d model or m u l t i l e v e l f a c i l i t i e s ( p r a c t i c a l l y 

o n l y two l e v e l s of care) do not provide a l l kinds of s e r v i c e s 

needed by aged people. Most of these new o p t i o n s are provided 

by the p r i v a t e s e c t o r which i s p r o f i t o r i e n t e d . T h e r e f o r e , there 

i s s t i l l a need f o r new, i n n o v a t i v e s o l u t i o n s which w i l l support 

a l l above mentioned recommendations of GVRHD and b r i d g e a gap 

between s e n i o r s ' housing and a h e a l t h care f a c i l i t y f o r the 

e l d e r l y . 



40 

1.2.1. FINDINGS AND PROBLEM STATEMENT  

F i n d i n g s : 

The Extended Care Subcommittee of GVRD has s p e c i f i c a l l y 

recommended and encouraged "various forms of a p p r o p r i a t e l y 

designed, a f f o r d a b l e housing f o r the e l d e r l y i n the community". 

T h i s i s one of most important aspects of the contemporary 

approach to e l d e r l y housing: s e n i o r s have to s t a y w i t h i n the 

same community they have been l i v i n g i n . T h e r e f o r e , the same 

subcommittee f u r t h e r recommends an i n c r e a s e i n resources f o r 

home support s e r v i c e s , meals-on wheels, a d u l t day c a r e , r e s p i t e 

beds, r e h a b i l i t a t i o n s e r v i c e s and o t h e r s . 

Problem Statement: 

Both the p r o v i n c i a l government and GVRD p r e d i c t t h a t they 

w i l l not be funding the c o n s t r u c t i o n of long term care f a c i l i -

t i e s at c u r r e n t l e v e l s of usage. There w i l l be a d i s p a r i t y 

between the a c t u a l supply and demand. T h i s w i l l r e s u l t i n the 

c r e a t i o n of gaps i n the care system f o r the m a j o r i t y of s e n i o r s , 

e s p e c i a l l y those who can't a f f o r d r e t i r e m e n t or congregate 

housing provided by the p r i v a t e market. So, i t w i l l be necessary 

f o r the e l d e r l y to move from one f a c i l i t y to another because of 

l a c k of a f u l l range of s e r v i c e s . T h i s c r e a t e s a problem which 

has to be addressed. 

Summary: 

The s i t u a t i o n i s c l e a r : both, the p r o v i n c i a l Government and 

GVRD (they both share expenditure f o r e l d e r l y housing) are 

l o o k i n g f o r i n n o v a t i v e options and design s o l u t i o n s which could 



41 

meet needs and e x p e c t a t i o n s of a new wave of s e n i o r s a t the end 

of t h i s century. 

1.3. THE CONTINUUM OF CARE COMPLEX IN POINT GREY AS ONE OF 

THE OPTIONS AND INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO SOLVE THE  

ELDERLY HOUSING PROBLEM. 

The proposed Continuum of Care Complex i n P o i n t Grey has one 

major g o a l : to c r e a t e a comprehensive f a c i l i t y f o r the e l d e r l y 

t h a t p r o v i d e s a l l l e v e l s of care with a wide range of s e r v i c e s 

t h a t meet a v a r i e t y of r e s i d e n t s ' needs. In the CCC the housing 

a l t e r n a t i v e s f o r the e l d e r l y w i l l range from Independent L i v i n g 

u n i t s and Supported Independent L i v i n g U n i t s to Dependent L i v i n g 

U n i t s . There are i n d i c a t i o n s ( C l u f f 1986), t h a t a Continuum of 

Care f a c i l i t y may reduce the c a p i t a l and o p e r a t i n g c o s t s of 

s e r v i c e s and at the same time i n c r e a s e the q u a l i t y of care as 

w e l l as q u a l i t y of l i f e f o r the e l d e r l y . However, t h i s t h e s i s 

w i l l not evaluate the c a p i t a l and o p e r a t i n g c o s t s . These i s s u e s 

would r e q u i r e separate s t u d i e s and they are not the s u b j e c t of 

t h i s t h e s i s . Moreover, f i n a n c i a l s e c u r i t y of the r e s i d e n t s may 

be an a d d i t i o n a l advantage of a CCC because there c o u l d be a 

s t a b l e r e n t payment arrangement c o n t r o l l e d by government agen-

c i e s (BCMHC, CMHC, GVRHD, MOH). The CCC f a c i l i t y i s assumed to 

be a c c e s s i b l e f o r a l l , even f o r those with very l i m i t e d income. 

The proposed CC Complex w i l l have a more comprehensive 

program which w i l l provide p e r s o n a l , s o c i a l and h e a l t h care 

s e r v i c e s not o n l y f o r r e s i d e n t s but a l s o f o r the e n t i r e P o i n t 



4 2 

Grey community. By p r o v i d i n g a f u n c t i o n a l , a t t r a c t i v e and comfor-

t a b l e environment f o r the r e s i d e n t s and v i s i t o r s , and by i n v o l v -

i n g the e l d e r l y i n i t s management, the CCC may c r e a t e a s t r o n g 

l i n k between the CCC 'community' and the o u t s i d e neighbourhood. 

1.4. RATIONALE OF THE THESIS 

T h i s t h e s i s accepts the h y p o t h e s i s , t h a t m u l t i - l e v e l care i s 

a v i a b l e way of a c h i e v i n g an environment which may f u l f i l l a 

comprehensive a r r a y of needs of the e l d e r l y . The f a c i l i t y 

program study of t h i s t h e s i s expands t h a t b a s i c hypothesis 

arguing, t h a t a CCC should i n c l u d e housing a l t e r n a t i v e s f o r the 

e l d e r l y both i n terms of tenure and s u p p o r t i n g s e r v i c e s , but 

above a l l should provide a s p e c i f i c ambiance equal to a home-

l i k e environment. The t h e s i s goes on to demonstrate how such a 

f a c i l i t y may be organized. Examples of p a r t i a l m u l t i - l e v e l care 

are common i n the USA i n r e t i r e m e n t v i l l a g e s . T h i s t h e s i s w i l l 

attempt to achieve some of those amenities on an urban s i t e . 



43 

CHAPTER 2 - SUPPLY AND DEMAND: ANALYSIS OF THE ELDERLY HOUSING  

OPTIONS AND SERVICES IN VANCOUVER AND WEST POINT  

GREY AREA.  

Chapter Summary: 

Chapter 2 c o n c e n t r a t e s on the a n a l y s i s of the contemporary 

e l d e r l y : t h e i r means, e x p e c t a t i o n s and s o c i a l p r o f i l e . F i n d i n g s 

have been presented i n the form of the c h a r a c t e r i s t i c f e a t u r e s 

of the f u t u r e c l i e n t s of the Continuum of Care Complex and a l s o 

i n c o n c l u s i o n s to be implemented i n the f a c i l i t y program. The 

e l d e r l y p o p u l a t i o n i n Vancouver i n g e n e r a l and i n P o i n t Grey i n 

p a r t i c u l a r has been analysed, based on census data, i n terms of 

f a m i l y households, home ownership and d w e l l i n g c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s . 

Senior housing r e s o u r c e s , d w e l l i n g u n i t s , long-term care beds 

and s e n i o r c e n t r e s i n Vancouver's West Side serve as a r e s e a r c h 

background f o r t h i s chapter's o b j e c t i v e : to i n v e s t i g a t e the need 

f o r e s t a b l i s h m e n t of a CCC i n P o i n t Grey i n terms of i t s f u t u r e 

r e s i d e n t s , l o c a t i o n and unique environment. 

2.1. THE CONTEMPORARY ELDERLY: THEIR MEANS AND EXPECTATIONS.  

2.1.1. CURRENT TRENDS. 

As Harlow Unger noted i n h i s S t a t e s i d e - Column: U n i v e r s i t y 

towns show b u i l d i n g boom (Canadian B u i l d i n g , 1988); the b i g g e s t 

s u r p r i s e a f t e r the October 1987 stock market c r a s h and subse-

quent d e c l i n e i n housing s t a r t s , was the f a c t t h a t the United 

States c o l l e g e towns have been e x p e r i e n c i n g an unprecedented 

housing c o n s t r u c t i o n boom. The cause of the boom was the 



44 

exploding p o p u l a t i o n of American r e t i r e e s . Now, they no longer 

move to the t r a d i t i o n a l retirement v i l l a g e s i n the U.S. South 

and Southwest, but i n s t e a d f a v o r the a c t i v e c u l t u r a l environment 

of c o l l e g e and u n i v e r s i t y communities. Who are those r e t i r e e s ? 

F i r s t , they tend to be w e a l t h i e r , more cosmopolitan r e t i r e e s 

who have found t h e i r e x i s t i n g suburban communities too s t e r i l e 

and nearby c i t i e s too c o s t l y . What are they l o o k i n g f o r ? T h e i r 

e x p e c t a t i o n s can e a s i l y be s a t i s f i e d i n c o l l e g e and u n i v e r s i t y 

towns which o f f e r a l l the c u l t u r a l advantages of major c i t i e s -

c o n c e r t s , opera, t h e a t r e , l e c t u r e s , museums, a d u l t education as 

w e l l as safe (low crime) environment. 

Vancouver's safe environment, i t s s c e n i c c o a s t a l and moun-

t a i n beauty, i t s temperate c l i m a t e , i t s impressive c u l t u r a l , 

academic (the U n i v e r s i t y of B r i t i s h Columbia and Simon F r a s e r 

U n i v e r s i t y ) and r e c r e a t i o n a l advantages and i t s commercial and 

business importance, continue to a t t r a c t more and more people, 

i n c l u d i n g s e n i o r c i t i z e n s , from a l l over Canada and the United 

S t a t e s . 

With steady p o p u l a t i o n growth p r o j e c t e d to continue, p a r t i -

c u l a r l y the p o p u l a t i o n age 65+ may i n c r e a s e by about 35% between 

the years 1986-2001 (GVRHD Report, 1987), the p r e s s u r e s on hous-

i n g supply w i l l grow. Low vacancy r a t e s i n r e n t a l accommodation 

and at the same time e s c a l a t i n g r e s a l e p r i c e s f o r homes c a l l f o r 

new, i n n o v a t i v e s o l u t i o n s and housing o p t i o n s s p e c i a l l y f o r the 

e l d e r l y p o p u l a t i o n . 

In summary, the "new" emerging group of the e l d e r l y people, 



45 

who w i l l dominate the housing scene i n the next few decades can 

be d e s c r i b e d as f o l l o w s : 

- o l d e r people who value independence more than anything e l s e 

- they want to stay out of i n s t i t u t i o n s 

- they don't want to l i v e with t h e i r c h i l d r e n 

- they p r e f e r to l i v e alone i n more s t i m u l a t i n g communities 

- they tend to be w e a l t h i e r and more cosmopolitan 

2.1.2 FEATURE CHARACTERISTICS OF SENIOR CITIZENS - THE FUTURE 

CLIENTS OF THE CONTINUUM OF CARE COMPLEX ( C C C )  

Feature #1: Housing and Income L e v e l s : 

M a j o r i t y of S e n i o r C i t i z e n s i n Canada i n g e n e r a l and i n 

B r i t i s h Columbia i n p a r t i c u l a r own t h e i r homes (see Appx.#2-1). 

The f i r s t group of more a f f l u e n t s e n i o r homeowners may be 

w i l l i n g to move to new housing, i f such housing responds to 

t h e i r s p e c i f i c needs. The most a t t r a c t i v e tenure type w i l l be a 

s t r a t a t i t l e condominium, where they can i n v e s t a p o r t i o n of any 

e q u i t y recovered from s e l l i n g t h e i r present home. 

The second group of s e n i o r s i s made up of those "go-go" r e l a -

t i v e l y h e a l t h y i n d i v i d u a l s who are not as w e l l o f f as the p r e v i -

ous group, but are a c t i v e , w i l l i n g to p a r t i c i p a t e and e s t a b l i s h 

c o - o p e r a t i v e housing, based on the CMHC a s s i s t a n c e programs. 

The t h i r d group w i l l be made up of s e n i o r s l i v i n g on a f i x e d 

income, with no f i n a n c i a l resources, who badly need s o c i a l 

a s s i s t a n c e . The best form of housing f o r t h i s group, would be 

the BCHMC programs. 



46 

The f o u r t h group w i l l be those, who need Long Term Care on a 

continuous b a s i s , and q u a l i f y f o r f a c i l i t y - b a s e d care f i n a n c e d 

by the P r o v i n c i a l M i n i s t r y of Health. 

C o n c l u s i o n #1: The CCC should provide a v a r i e t y of housing 

tenures f o r i t s f u t u r e c l i e n t s . 

Feature #2: Family and S o c i a l Status 

The e l d e r l y p o p u l a t i o n i s extremely d i v e r s i f i e d i n terms of 

f a m i l y s t a t u s , household arrangements and s o c i a l s t a t u s : e l d e r l y 

couples, those l i v i n g with f a m i l i e s or f r i e n d s , unattached 

( l i v i n g alone) i n d i v i d u a l s , more a c t i v e and "no-go's", h e a l t h y 

and wheelchair handicapped and so on. 

C o n c l u s i o n #2: The CCC should c r e a t e a p h y s i c a l and s o c i a l 

environment responding to the needs of a broad 

spectrum of the e l d e r l y p o p u l a t i o n . 

Feature #3: Health Care Needs. 

Access to and q u a l i t y of h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s are major 

elements c o n t r i b u t i n g to the w e l l - b e i n g of most s e n i o r 

c i t i z e n s . Case study a n a l y s i s (see Appx.#2-1) i n d i c a t e s the 

whole complex framework of the e x i s t i n g a v a i l a b l e s e r v i c e s i n 

terms of: 

g e n e r a l medicine (doctors; c l i n i c s ) 

r e h a b i l i t a t i o n ( p h y s i c a l , mental) 

p e r s o n a l care: home care and home support s e r v i c e s 

long term-care: intermediate and extended care 

r e s p i t e care 

day care 



47 

s h o r t stay assessment and treatment 

pharmacy 

As the C i t y of Vancouver grows i n terms of the economic resour-

ces and p o p u l a t i o n , i t w i l l face t r a f f i c c o n g e s t i o n and commu-

n i c a t i o n problems as any other m e t r o p o l i t a n area. T h i s of 

course may a f f e c t s e n i o r s ' easy access to h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s , 

now s c a t t e r e d a l l over the c i t y . 

Conclusion #3: The CCC should provide a l l l e v e l s of h e a l t h 

care s e r v i c e s (except acute care) i n one p l a c e . 

Feature #4: L i f e s t y l e and E x p e c t a t i o n s 

Contemporary s e n i o r s expect more than t h e i r predecessors i n 

terms of q u a l i t y l i f e s t y l e . They are more educated, h e a l t h y and 

more s o p h i s t i c a t e d i n t h e i r e x p e c t a t i o n s . They are l o o k i n g f o r 

an a t t r a c t i v e , n a t u r a l environment, yet c l o s e to the c u l t u r a l 

c e n t r e s of m e t r o p o l i t a n l i f e where they can enjoy: 

s p o r t and r e c r e a t i o n 

secure environment 

l e i s u r e and r e t r e a t 

c u l t u r a l a c t i v i t i e s 

companionship 

C o n c l u s i o n #4: The CCC should take advantage of the n a t u r a l 

beauty of the BC environment and be l o c a t e d 

c l o s e to the U n i v e r s i t y , R e c r e a t i o n a l and 

C u l t u r a l Centres and major shopping area. 

Feature #5: S e n i o r s Everywhere. 

The growing p o p u l a t i o n of s e n i o r c i t i z e n s i n any community 



48 

across Canada t o g e t h e r with the market f o r c e s i n the housing 

i n d u s t r y , c a l l f o r a general r a t h e r than a s p e c i f i c l o c a l 

approach to s e n i o r s ' housing problems. Any c o n s i d e r a t i o n f o r a 

new f a c i l i t y or housing p r o j e c t , should take i n t o account the 

catchment area f a r beyond the a c t u a l community. 

C o n c l u s i o n #5: The CCC s h a l l be a d e s t i n a t i o n f o r the l o c a l 

r e s i d e n t s and a l s o f o r those from M e t r o p o l i t a n 

Vancouver and Canada. 

Feature #6: F l e x i b i l i t y and C o n t i n u i t y . 

The only constant and c e r t a i n c h a r a c t e r i s t i c of a l l the 

e l d e r l y i s t h a t they change c o n t i n u o u s l y . Because of t h i s 

phenomenon, the p h y s i c a l and s o c i a l environment they are suppose 

to l i v e i n must be f l e x i b l e . 

C o n c l u s i o n #6: The CCC should c r e a t e an environment, which 

should provide f o r : 

A. F l e x i b i l i t y i n housing options i n terms of: 

1. form of tenure 

2. types of d w e l l i n g u n i t s 

3. a c c e s s i b i l i t y f o r the p h y s i c a l l y handicapped. 

B. C o n t i n u i t y i n h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s p r o v i d e d i n only one 

p l a c e : 

1. from Independent L i v i n g 

2. to Long Term Care. 



49 

2.2 THE ELDERLY IN VANCOUVER 

2.2.1 ELDERLY POPULATION: THE PEOPLE AND THEIR HOUSES. 

In 1986 the number of people 65 years o l d and over i n the 

c i t y i n c r e a s e d from 57530 i n 1971 to 64,415 and composed 15 per-

cent of the p o p u l a t i o n and 22 per cent of the households. About 

35,000 of the e l d e r l y are l i v i n g i n the West Side of the c i t y . 

H a l f of the e l d e r l y r e n t and h a l f own t h e i r homes. The e l d e r l y 

are the l e a s t mobile of the c i t y ' s households. Most have l i v e d 

i n t h e i r present homes f o r at l e a s t f i v e years, but 36.6 per 

cent have l i v e d there f o r ten years and over (McAfee, Donegani 

1985). 

In 1986 the t r a d i t i o n a l two-parent f a m i l y with c h i l d r e n 

occupied only 1 i n 5 homes. An equal share of homeowners were 

aged 65 or o l d e r . By the year 2000, the e l d e r l y c o u l d occupy 1 

i n 3 s i n g l e f a m i l y houses. 

The Vancouver Planning Department r e p o r t s : there i s a grow-

i n g number of s i n g l e f a m i l y households with members age 65 and 

over. In 1981, there were 14,500 s e n i o r s households (14 per 

cent of a l l households, see F i g . 2-1). The Vancouver Planning 

Department p r o j e c t i o n s f o r the same area i n 1991 i s about 20,000 

s i n g l e f a m i l y households with member age 65+ (see F i g . 2-2). 

P o t e n t i a l movers to a l t e r n a t i v e housing w i l l be between 20% 

minimum and 50% maximum (The Vancouver P l a n n i n g Department 

data). P r o j e c t i o n s f o r year 2001 assume 22,800 s i n g l e f a m i l y 

house-holds with member age 65+ (see F i g . 2-3). 



i n these census t r a c t s 

F i g . 2-1 1981 - S i n g l e Family Households with Member Aged 65+ 
Source: C i t y of Vancouver P l a n n i n g Department 

o 



Based on 1981 C e n s u s T o t a l - 103,425 h o u s e h o l d s i n t h e s e census t r a c t s 

F i g . 2-2 1991 - S i n g l e Family Households with Member Aged 65+ 
Source: C i t y of Vancouver P l a n n i n g Department 



TOTAL =~22,BOO (22% of a l l h o u s e h o l d s ) 

POTENTIAL MOVERS = 20% (minimum) - 50* Imaximum) 

NUmBER = * of s i n g l e f a m i l y 
households w i t h member age 
65+ 

mini mum 
[households -

mov i ng 

Based on 19B1 Census 

max imum \ 
DusehoIds \ 
moving I 

TOTAL - 103,425 h o u s e h o l d s i n t h e s e c e n s u s t r a c t s 

F i g . 2-3 2001 - S i n g l e Family Households with Member Aged 65+ 
Source: C i t y of Vancouver P l a n n i n g Department 



53 

Table 2 - 1 . - - P r o j e c t i o n s of the E l d e r l y Homeowners 
and the p o t e n t i a l movers i n Vancouver: (1981 census) 

YEAR HOUSEHOLDS ELDERLY HOUSEHOLD POTENTIAL MOVERS 
TOTAL % | TOTAL MIN | MAX 

COMPARISON 20% 50% 
BASE  

1981 103,425 14 14,500 2,900 7,252 

1991 103,425 19 20,000 4,000 10,000 

2001 103,425 22 22,800 4,560 11,400 

2.2.2 SENIORS' RELUCTANCE TO MOVE VERSUS ATTRACTIVENESS OF A NEW  

PLACE. 

The C i t y ' s P l a n n i n g Department ( D r a f t 1985) has concluded 

t h a t the e l d e r l y do not choose to move because of p r e f e r e n c e s 

which stem from emotional attachment to t h e i r homes or neighbour-

hoods : 

f a m i l i a r i t y with the environment 

l o c a t i o n of c h i l d r e n and f a m i l y 

f e a r of debt 

change i n g e n e r a l 

crime 

memories of younger years 

l e n g t h of term of r e s i d e n c e 

the l a c k of v i a b l e a l t e r n a t e housing 

The Planning Department c l a i m s , t h a t d e c l i n i n g h e a l t h does 

e v e n t u a l l y f o r c e 10% of e l d e r l y homeowners to move from t h e i r 



54 

f a m i l y home i n t o long-term care. Another 10% s e l l and move from 

t h e i r s i n g l e - f a m i l y home to s m a l l e r , s e l f - c o n t a i n e d d w e l l i n g . 

There are c h a r a c t e r i s i t i c s , which ( i n theory) might 

encourage the e l d e r l y to move from l a r g e r to s m a l l e r housing: 

t h e i r houses are o f t e n l a r g e r than r e q u i r e d 

the aging process c r e a t e s p h y s i c a l l i m i t a t i o n s , which 

i n c r e a s e the d i f f i c u l t y of m a i n t a i n i n g a house and garden, 

aging i n c r e a s e s the l i k e l i h o o d of i l l n e s s or death of a 

spouse, which may r e s u l t i n the s u r v i v i n g p a r t n e r seeking 

a l t e r n a t e housing. 

most e l d e r l y homeowners own t h e i r home o u t r i g h t ( e q u i t y ) ; a 

s u b s t a n t i a l a s s e t should they choose to s e l l . 

S e v e r a l s t u d i e s have found (McAfee, Donegani 1985) t h a t 50% 

of today's e l d e r l y homeowners would c o n s i d e r moving i f : 

1. They could f i n d the type of home they want. 

2. At a p r i c e they c o u l d a f f o r d . 

3. In the l o c a t i o n of t h e i r c h o i c e . 

L o c a t i o n , however, becomes of paramount importance i n any 

d e c i s i o n to move. In general terms, l o c a t i o n s p r e f e r r e d , by the 

e l d e r l y would be (McAfee, Donegani 1985): 

i n t h e i r own neighbourhood 

w i t h i n walking d i s t a n c e of s e r v i c e s , f a m i l i e s and f r i e n d s 

near p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t a t i o n 

near c o n c e n t r a t i o n s of e l d e r l y people 

not too c l o s e to c o n c e n t r a t i o n s of c h i l d r e n . 



55 

2.2.3. THE CITY'S HOUSING POLICIES AND MARKET FORCES. 

"The Goals f o r Vancouver" a major p o l i c y g u i d e l i n e document 

recommended t h a t housing f o r the e l d e r l y i n t h e i r t r a d i t i o n a l 

neighbourhoods be encouraged and t h a t o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r f a m i l i e s 

to l i v e i n the c i t y be expanded. 

Obviously, there i s a l i n k between these two g o a l s . I t i s a 

known f a c t t h a t there are l i m i t s to the c i t y ' s e x i s t i n g housing 

stock and i t s scarce supply of land. Family housing r e q u i r e s 

l a r g e ground o r i e n t e d u n i t s . However, a l t e r n a t i v e housing f o r 

the e l d e r l y can be b u i l t at higher d e n s i t y , t h e r e f o r e can help 

the e l d e r l y remain independent f o r a longer p e r i o d . The key 

i s s u e to meet these two o b j e c t i v e s i s the zoning by-law. The 

C i t y c o u l d a s s i s t those who wish to r e l o c a t e near t h e i r present 

home, by ensuring t h a t zoning allows some choice of housing 

type. A c t u a l l y , the c i t y can only zone land to permit develop-

ment. From t h a t p o i n t , the p r o v i s i o n of new housing depends 

upon market f o r c e s = the demand of the e l d e r l y who are prepared 

to move and a supply of a p p r o p r i a t e u n i t s b u i l t by developers. 

The Vancouver Planning Department's p r o j e c t i o n s of new s e n i o r s 

housing needed by 2001 to accommodate e l d e r l y homeowners alone 

amount to 13,700 u n i t s to meet the needs of aging homeowners 

(see F i g . 2-4). 

2.3 THE ELDERLY IN POINT GREY 

2.3.1 VANCOUVER WEST SIDE: TRENDS AND PREFERENCES. 

Demographic s t u d i e s i n Vancouver's West Side ( R e b a l s k i 1988) 



2 5 0 0 

2 100 1200 \ 
- - . — I 

2 0 0 0 
1900 

2 1 0 0 

Total 13,700 units 

1900 

F i g . 2-4 

Source: 

P r o j e c t i o n of S e n i o r Housing Needed by 
2001 to Accomodate E l d e r l y Homeowners 
C i t y of Vancouver P l a n n i n g Department 



57 

show a need f o r more s e n i o r s housing f o r those who otherwise 

might f e e l f o r c e d to leave the neighbourhood to f i n d a p p r o p r i a t e 

accommodation. Current (1988) estimates of the C i t y ' s Planning 

Department i n d i c a t e as many as 10,000 Vancouver s e n i o r s who 

p r e s e n t l y own t h e i r own detached houses might be i n t e r e s t e d i n 

moving to other forms of housing i f i t was a v a i l a b l e . 

According to the recent survey of housing p r e f e r e n c e s of 

West Side r e s i d e n t s c a r r i e d out by Michael G e l l e r & A s s o c i a t e s 

L t d . "Is Your House G e t t i n g Too Big?" (1987), 71% of those who 

responded were 55 years of age or over. While the p r e f e r r e d 

b u i l d i n g type was townhouses, there was i n t e r e s t i n l o w r i s e a-

partments as w e l l as apartments 5 s t o r e y s and over. Respondents 

were l o o k i n g f o r apartment b u i l d i n g s with s e r v i c e s i n c l u d i n g 

communal d i n i n g f a c i l i t i e s . There were two p r e f e r a b l e l o c a t i o n s : 

one near 10th and Tolmie and the second near 4th and Alma, which 

was chosen p a r t i c u l a r l y by those 65 years o l d and over. 

2.3.1.1 The E l d e r l y i n West P o i n t Grey Area 

P a r t i c u l a r l y , i n West P o i n t Grey area, the e l d e r l y compose 

15.4 per cent of the t o t a l p o p u l a t i o n of 11,540. E l d e r l y men 

form 5.76 per cent and women 9.66 per cent. However, the 

p o p u l a t i o n i n t h e i r f i f t i e s and e a r l y s i x t i e s i s r e l a t i v e l y 

higher, 9.66% and 10.31% r e s p e c t i v e l y . T h e r e f o r e , we can assume 

t h a t the number of the e l d e r l y i n West P o i n t Grey area w i l l 

i n c r e a s e . 

2.3.1.2 D w e l l i n g C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s 

There are 4,625 p r i v a t e d w e l l i n g s i n West P o i n t Grey area 



58 

with 2770 owned (59.9%) and 1850 (40%) rented (Census 1986). We 

can assume t h a t the o l d e r people l i v i n g i n the rented d w e l l i n g s 

w i l l be i n the f u t u r e p o t e n t i a l a p p l i c a n t s f o r a l t e r n a t i v e 

housing or f a c i l i t y f o r the e l d e r l y . 

2.3.1.3 Household C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s 

In West P o i n t Grey 1760 persons 65 years o l d and over l i v e 

i n p r i v a t e households, 33% of them i s l i v e alone. 

2.3.1.4 Census Family C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s 

The f a m i l y p r o f i l e i n West P o i n t Grey area composes of 50% 

of f a m i l i e s without any c h i l d r e n or c h i l d r e n no longer at home. 

T h i s group i s a t high r i s k of going to a n u r s i n g home i f they 

become i l l . T h e r e f o r e , we can assume t h a t a s i g n i f i c a n t number 

of the e l d e r l y would seek another l i v i n g arrangement with more 

s e c u r i t y i n terms of h e a l t h care due to l a c k of f a m i l y 

s u p e r v i s i o n . 

2.3.2 THE EXISITING SENIOR HOUSING IN POINT GREY 

In Vancouver, i n g e n e r a l , there are l i m i t e d c h o i c e s f o r 

e l d e r l y s i n g l e f a m i l y homeowners who wish to move to other 

housing i n t h e i r neighbourhood. P a r t i c u l a r l y , the West P o i n t 

Grey area i s b u i l t to c a p a c i t y . There i s o n l y one S e n i o r s 

S o c i a l Housing p r o j e c t , Steeves Manor, on Wallace S t r e e t . T h i s 

p r o j e c t comprises 200 d w e l l i n g u n i t s . Next to the t h e s i s s u b j e c t 

s i t e on West 4th Avenue, there i s under c o n s t r u c t i o n a 10 s t o r e y 

r e s i d e n t i a l b u i l d i n g with 45 s e l f - c o n t a i n e d d w e l l i n g u n i t s , 

which are s e n i o r s o r i e n t e d . In a d d i t i o n , there are two 



59 

condominuum developments under c o n s t r u c t i o n : "Mayfair House" 

with 81 u n i t s (one and two bedroom) and the "Cumberland" with 41 

one bedroom u n i t s . 

2.3.3 THE EXISTING LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES 

In the West P o i n t Grey area (with 2310 persons 65 years o l d 

and over) as w e l l as i n the adjacent areas of K i t s i l a n o and 

Dunbar-Southlands, there are only nine long term care f a c i l i -

t i e s , with a t o t a l of 384 beds. There are 56 beds at the E.C. 

l e v e l , 202 beds at I.C. and 126 beds at P.C. (Vancouver Health 

Department). Although the P r o v i n c i a l M i n i s t r y of Health's Con-

t i n u i n g Care Program arranges f o r treatment and support s e r v i c e s 

f o r i n d i v i d u a l s who can not f u n c t i o n independently i n homes 

among t h e i r f a m i l i e s , due to h e a l t h r e l a t e d problems, there i s 

s t i l l a need f o r a long term care f a c i l i t y e s p e c i a l l y at the 

Intermediate Care L e v e l . 

2.3.4 A NEED FOR LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES 

According to Vancouver Health Department data there are 

13,169 c l i e n t s i n Vancouver r e c e i v i n g long term care s e r v i c e s 

(see F i g . 2-5): however, there i s s t i l l a s i g n i f i c a n t number of 

c l i e n t s (see F i g . 2-6) who are w a i t l i s t e d f o r a long term care 

placement (Annual Report 1986). The growing p o p u l a t i o n of t h i s 

area may c r e a t e a new problem with the supply of necessary 

h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s such as Intermediate Care, Extended Care, 

C l i n i c f o r the e l d e r l y , Respite Care, Day/Night Care or care f o r 

the s e n i o r s when t h e i r f a m i l i e s are on v a c a t i o n s . 



60 

F i g . 2-5 Number of C l i e n t s R e c e i v i n g Long Term Care Home Support 
or F a c i l i t y S e r v i c e s by L e v e l of Care (December 1986) 

Int.l: 299 (37X) 

F i g . 2-6 Number of C l i e n t s W a i t l i s t e d f o r Long Term Care 
Placement by L e v e l of Care (December, 1986) 

Source: Vancouver Health Department, C o n t i n u i n g Care D i v i s i o n , 
Annual Report, 1986. 



61 

2.3.5 A NEED FOR SENIOR CENTRE 

There i s a need f o r a b i g g e r a c t i v i t y c e n t r e f o r s e n i o r s i n 

t h i s area. The e x i s t i n g Brock House - S e n i o r s A c t i v i t y Centre on 

J e r i c h o Beach although p r o v i d i n g a v a r i e t y of c u l t u r a l , educa-

t i o n a l and s o c i a l programs, i s simply too s m a l l . Brock House i s 

a h e r i t a g e b u i l d i n g , which belongs to the C i t y of Vancouver and 

has been l e a s e d to the Brock House S o c i e t y , a n o n - p r o f i t o r g a n i -

z a t i o n , which a d m i n i s t e r s the A c t i v i t y Centre f o r S e n i o r C i t i -

zens. S i t u a t e d on two and one h a l f acres of w a t e r f r o n t proper-

t y , 20 room Brock House i s i n s u f f i c i e n t f o r 3000 members and can 

not accomodate a l l d e s i r e d programs and a c t i v i t i e s . There are 

apparent needs f o r adequate room to accommodate Members f o r a 

wide range of a c t i v i t i e s : c h o i r , o r c h e s t r a , c o n c e r t s , popular 

l e c t u r e s , s o c i a l events, dances, b r i d g e tournaments, f i t n e s s 

c l a s s e s , workshops and r e c r e a t i o n a l a c t i v i t i e s . 

In September 1988 a q u e s t i o n n a i r e on the Annex Concept was 

sent to a l l members. A t o t a l of 576 r e p l i e s to the q u e s t i o n n a i r e 

supported the major a d d i t i o n p r o j e c t . The survey documented 

t h a t there i s a urgent need f o r a S e n i o r C i t i z e n Centre with a 

more comprehensive program and a wider range of amenities than 

are provided by Brock House at the present time. 

2.3.6 POINT GREY: DESTINATION FOR THE ELDERLY 

I have s e l e c t e d the P o i n t Grey area as a background f o r my 

research t h e s i s , because i n general terms, i t o f f e r s a unique 

environment: 



62 

F i r s t l y : f o r the s e n i o r c i t i z e n s l i v i n g i n P o i n t Grey at the 

present moment and who want to stay there. 

Secondly: f o r those l i v i n g i n adjacent K i t s i l a n o , Dunbar and 

K e r r i s d a l e areas, who want to move to f a m i l i a r neighbourhood. 

T h i r d l y ; f o r those l i v i n g i n M e t r o p o l i t a n Vancouver and the 

Lower Mainland who would l i k e to move there i f p o s s i b l e , 

and F i n a l l y : f o r a l l those s e n i o r s from a l l over Canada and 

U.S.A. who are p l a n n i n g to come here, because of these primary 

reasons: N a t u r a l Beauty of BC, i t s m i l d c l i m a t e and e x c e l l e n t 

l e v e l of h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s . 

The proposed Continuum of Care Complex i n West P o i n t Grey 

area could be one of the options f o r the b a s i c three groups of 

e l d e r l y : 

1. "empty n e s t e r s " , the e l d e r l y and p r e - e l d e r l y i n s i n g l e 

f a m i l y houses -- these people s e l l an expensive house to 

get a s m a l l e r one, or a townhouse, f o r convenience and 

lower p r i c e . They may be l a s t time buyers t h i n k i n g about 

aging i n t h a t u n i t . 

2. " r e n t e r s " , the e l d e r l y l i v i n g i n rented d w e l l i n g s - u s u a l l y 

the e l d e r l y with a low income, i n t e r e s t e d i n a f f o r d a b l e 

housing with high l e v e l of amenities and s e c u r i t y . 

3. " a l o n e r s " , the e l d e r l y l i v i n g alone without f a m i l i e s -

mostly women. Those people w i l l look f o r s e c u r i t y both i n 

terms of p h y s i c a l l y secure environment and h e a l t h care 

s e r v i c e s , t r o u b l e f r e e maintenance and companionship. 



63 

2.4 THE SITE OF THE CONTINUUM OF CARE COMPLEX AT 4TH AVE &  

HIGHBURY STREET 

I have s e l e c t e d f o r my t h e s i s the F e d e r a l N a t i o n a l Defence 

Lands s i t e f o r the proposed development, because there i s an 

e x e l l e n t access to s e r v i c e s , a c t i v i t i e s , p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t a t i o n 

and the U n i v e r i s i t y of B r i t i s h Columbia. The s i t e i s l o c a t e d i n 

the core of one of Vancouver's d e s i r a b l e r e s i d e n t i a l areas. I t 

i s c l o s e to J e r i c h o Beach and has neighbourhoods with w e l l - l o v e d 

atmosphere of s t a b i l i t y and t r a d i t i o n . Although there has been 

c o n s i d e r a b l e d i s c u s s i o n on a need to preserve Vancouver's s i n g l e 

f a m i l y neighbourhoods, there i s a l s o a growing need f o r new 

forms of housing on the West Side of Vancouver. The s u b j e c t 

s i t e could make an e x c e l l e n t p l a c e f o r the CCC development. The 

l o c a t i o n and v a r i e t y of s e r v i c e s provided by the Continuum of 

Care Complex and easy access to community r e s o u r c e s c o u l d 

a t t r a c t s e n i o r s not o n l y from the West P o i n t Grey area, but a l s o 

from Vancouver, the Province of BC and a l l of Canada. 



64 

CHAPTER 3 - THE CCC FACILITY OBJECTIVES 

Chapter Summary; 

Chapter 3 concludes the t h e s i s a n a l y s i s c y c l e and develops 

the major o b j e c t i v e s f o r the f a c i l i t y program. I t c o n s i s t s of 

f i v e s e c t i o n s , each d e d i c a t e d to a separate important i s s u e . 

These i s s u e s are: L i v i n g Environment, R e s i d e n t s , Management, 

Community and Neighbourhood Development. 

INTRODUCTION 

The Continuum of Care Complex c o n s i s t s of independent s e n i o r s ' 

housing, r e s i d e n t i a l h e a l t h care f a c i l i t i e s and s e n i o r community 

s e r v i c e s . The complex w i l l provide on s i t e p e r s o n a l , s o c i a l , and 

h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s to i t s r e s i d e n t s . 

Since the e l d e r l y r e p r e s e n t a great d i v e r s i t y of p h y s i c a l 

and mental a b i l i t i e s , l i f e - s t y l e s and p r e f e r e n c e s , d e s i g n i n g f o r 

them r e q u i r e s s p e c i a l knowledge about the aging process and how 

t h i s process a f f e c t s t h e i r way of r e a d i n g , i n t e r p r e t i n g or even 

imaginating t h e i r environment. In g e n e r a l , the aging process i s 

a s s o c i a t e d with s e v e r a l changes. These changes may be understood 

as a slow process of l o s s e s such as c h i l d r e n l e a v i n g home, death 

of spouse or f r i e n d s , l o s s of income, l o s s of sensory a c u i t y , 

d e t e r i o r a t i n g h e a l t h and diminished independence. T h i s process 

r e s u l t s i n an i n c r e a s e i n the e l d e r l y ' l e v e l of dependence and a 

decrease of t h e i r l e v e l of competence. In "Environment and 

Aging" M. Powell Lawton d i s c u s s e s the i s s u e of the i n t e r a c t i o n 



65 

between man and environment. He s t a t e s t h a t : 

The l e s s competent the i n d i v i d u a l , the g r e a t e r the 
impact of environmental f a c t o r s on t h a t i n d i v i d u a l 
(Lawton 1986, p.14). 

A person with average competence can d e a l with p h y s i c a l s e t t i n g s 

through adaptive behavior. Although the aged f o r the most p a r t 

of t h e i r l i v e s are c h a r a c t e r i z e d by independence and competent 

behavior, they are v u l n e r a b l e ( e s p e c i a l y the " o l d - o l d " segment -

75 years of age and more) to h e a l t h changes and s o c i a l 

d e p r i v a t i o n s which may lead to r e d u c t i o n s i n competence. Lawton 

suggest t h a t : 

... i f we c o u l d design housing with fewer b a r r i e r s , 
neighborhoods with more e n r i c h i n g r e s o u r c e s , or 
i n s t i t u t i o n s with higher s t i m u l a t i n g q u a l i t i e s , we 
c o u l d improve the l e v e l of f u n c t i o n i n g of many 
o l d e r people more than p r o p o r t i o n a t e l y (Lawton 
1986, p.15). 

He l a t e r concludes t h a t by r e c o g n i z i n g the e l d e r l y persons 

unique needs we can c r e a t e f o r them a more f a v o r a b l e environment 

and e l e v a t e t h e i r behavior. 

3.1. LIVING ENVIRONMENT OBJECTIVES (L.E.O.) 

In order to s a t i s f y the e l d e r l y ' s unique needs a number of 

o v e r a l l o b j e c t i v e s have to be p o i n t e d out. These o b j e c t i v e s 

recognize the s p e c i a l c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of the e l d e r l y which 

a f f e c t the design of the Continuum of Care Complex. 

L.E.O. # 1 To c r e a t e a q u a l i t y environment which w i l l : 



66 

1) i n c r e a s e o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r i n d i v i d u a l choice i n the CCC  

p h y s i c a l s e t t i n g ; 

R a t i o n a l e : the i n d i v i d u a l ' s l i f e s t y l e i n o l d e r age i s a f f e c t e d 

by a r e d u c t i o n of the number of options open to him. To respond 

to the p r e f e r e n c e s and a b i l i t i e s among the e l d e r l y v a r i e t y and 

choice must be o f f e r e d . "Where environmental c h o i c e s are a v a i l -

a b l e , o l d e r people g e n e r a l l y tend to choose those t h a t match 

t h e i r a b i l i t y l e v e l " ( C a r s t e n s 1985). 

The CCC environment should permit the widest range of p e r s o n a l 

c h o i c e s by p r o v i d i n g : 

a v a r i e t y of l i v i n g arrangements (one bedroom u n i t s , two 

bedroom u n i t s , townhouse, m u l t i p l e d w e l l i n g u n i t s ) 

a v a r i e t y of amenities and s e r v i c e s (a wide range of 

s o c i a l , p e r s o n a l and h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s ) 

a v a r i e t y of outdoor areas ( f o r m a l , i n f o r m a l , c h o i c e s i n 

s c a l e and spaces) 

a v a r i e t y of common spaces ( s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n vs intimacy) 

a v a r i e t y of tenure 

2) minimize dependence and i n s t e a d encourage p e r s o n a l inde-

pendence i n use of the CCC f a c i l i t y ; 

R a t i o n a l e : "The d e s i r e to be independent of o t h e r s i s p a r t i -

c u l a r l y s t r o n g among the e l d e r l y . The a b i l i t y to do f o r o n e s e l f 

c a r r i e s a sense of p r i d e and i n c r e a s e s s e l f - e s t e e m " (Jordan 

1978, p.47) 

P h y s i c a l support f e a t u r e s (as w e l l as management) i n the 



67 

CCC should be unobtrusive i n order to reduce f e e l i n g of 

dependency. For example, the design of the p a r k i n g area (15% 

wider parking spaces or s p e c i a l l y marked spaces f o r handicapp-

ed), walks, ramps, l i v i n g u n i t s , a l l f a c i l i t i e s i n the Core 

Centre should permit use by the handicapped or l e s s mobile 

e l d e r l y without the a s s i s t a n c e of o t h e r s . 

3) r e i n f o r c e the i n d i v i d u a l s ' l e v e l of competency by p r o v i d i n g  

environmental support; 

R a t i o n a l e ; Environmental support w i t h i n the CCC f a c i l i t y should 

help the l e s s able to f u n c t i o n at higher l e v e l of competence. In 

g e n e r a l , more space "around", whether i t w i l l be i n the d w e l l i n g 

u n i t or i n the common space w i l l help o l d e r people to f u n c t i o n 

at a higher l e v e l of competence. Some environmental supports may 

r e i n f o r c e the i n d i v i d u a l s l e v e l of competency and improve q u a l i -

t y of l i f e . For example, wide stairways with g e n t l e r i s e r s and 

frequent l a n d i n g s w i l l be e a s i e r f o r o l d e r people to use, as 

w e l l as, wider spacing of rows of auditorium s e a t s , and p r o v i d -

ing easy use f u r n i t u r e . 

4) compensate f o r sensory and p e r c e p t u a l changes; 

R a t i o n a l e ; The aging process b r i n g s sensory changes. Sensory 

l o s s e s occur with v i s i o n , hearing, t a s t e , touch and s m e l l . 

By adopting a " p r o s t h e t i c approach" to design (Carstens 

1985) such changes c o u l d be compensated f o r . A " p r o s t h e t i c 

environment" o f f e r s a p p r o p r i a t e l e v e l s of c h a l l e n g e or support. 



68 

I t compensates f o r l o s s e s by, f o r example, use of the b r i g h t e r 

c o l o r s and those i n the orange-yellow-red spectrum ( e a s i e r to 

d i s t i n g u i s h ) , u s i n g l o w e r - p i t c h e d sounds (which are more e a s i l y 

heard), p r o v i d i n g t a c t i l e cues t h a t may be more e a s i l y p e r c e i v e 

(walking s u r f a c e ) . 

5) improve comprehension and o r i e n t a t i o n i n the new e n v i r o n -

ment; 

R a t i o n a l e : "Changes i n mental f u n c t i o n i n g brought about by age 

can r e s u l t i n behavior t h a t i n c l u d e s memory l o s s , f o r g e t f u l n e s s , 

d i s o r i e n t a t i o n and incoherence"(Jordan 1978, p.49) 

To promote wayfinding and o r i e n t a t i o n the c i r c u l a t i o n pat-

t e r n of the whole CCC f a c i l i t y should be simple and e a s i l y 

a c c e s s i b l e . For example, s i g n s should be l a r g e enough to be read 

and l o c a t e d at a h e i g h t convenient f o r people with v i s u a l l i m i t a -

t i o n ; the b u i l d i n g plans and outdoor areas should promote way-

f i n d i n g through v i s u a l c l u e s which emphasize the c h a r a c t e r of 

any p a r t i c u l a r area. 

6) encourage s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n between r e s i d e n t s (and  

v i s i t o r s ) ; 

R a t i o n a l e ; With age an o l d e r person's s o c i a l c o n t a c t s are o f t e n 

reduced by: l o s s of h e a l t h , death of spouse or f r i e n d s and 

c h i l d r e n moving away. Older people look f o r o p p o r t u n i t i e s to 

e s t a b l i s h new acquaintances or f r i e n d s h i p (Jordan 1978, p.50) 

A s p e c i a l l y designed environment which promotes and encour 



69 

ages the e l d e r l y i n s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n can help to e s t a b l i s h new 

f r i e n d s and acquaintances. For example, the amenity spaces such 

as lounges, d i n i n g f a c i l i t i e s , w a i t i n g areas should provide an 

i n t i m a t e atmosphere which promotes p r i v a t e c o n v e r s a t i o n ; game 

rooms, a r t s and c r a f t s , swimming pool and other components 

should i n c r e a s e o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n ; outdoor 

r e c r e a t i o n a l f a c i l i t i e s may a t t r a c t younger persons and promote 

a mix of age c o h o r t s . 

7) s t i m u l a t e p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n a c t i v i t i e s ; 

R a t i o n a l e ; With age can come a r e d u c t i o n i n one's s e l f - c o n f i -

dence (Lawton 1986). 

In order to encourage p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n a c t i v i t i e s some 

design f e a t u r e s should be implemented. For example, the group 

a c t i v i t i e s i n the amenity areas such as a r t s and c r a f t s should 

be v i s i b l e f o r passing-by observers by p r o v i d i n g open s t u d i o s 

( r a t h e r than c l o s e d - o f f rooms), lounges should be adjacent to 

"where the a c t i o n i s " , outdoor a c t i v i t y areas should be surround-

ed by a s e a t i n g area f o r watching. 

8) provide o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r i n d i v i d u a l p r i v a c y i n c o n t a c t with  

o t h e r s ; 

R a t i o n a l e ; With age many people want more i n t i m a t e c o n t a c t with 

one or two others (Jordan 1978). 

Common spaces: p r o v i d i n g q u i e t corners (alcoves) i n lounges 

or by f u r n i t u r e arrangement (two-person t a b l e i n d i n i n g room) 



70 

f o r example, may improve p r i v a c y or encourage more i n t i m a t e 

c o n v e r s a t i o n . Outdoor spaces: should i n c l u d e secluded s e a t i n g 

areas and r e t r e a t s . The d w e l l i n g u n i t : should provide a space 

arrangement which may c r e a t e one's own t e r r i t o r y . T h i s i s s u e i s 

d i s c u s s e d i n g r e a t e r d e t a i l i n Chapter 6. 

9) improve the p u b l i c image of the e l d e r l y . 

R a t i o n a l e : Negative, o b s o l e t e s t e r e o t y p e s about the e l d e r l y are 

a s s o c i a t e d with d i s a b i l i t y and s i c k n e s s . 

The f a c i l i t y should be designed to improve the p u b l i c ' s 

a t t i t u d e s and o p i n i o n s about the e l d e r l y by c r e a t i n g an e n v i r o n -

ment i n which the e l d e r l y c o u l d f u n c t i o n e f f e c t i v e l y as a p a r t 

of the community but not as an i s o l a t e d i n s t i t u t i o n f o r d i s a b l e d 

or s i c k people. 

L.E.O. # 2 To provide the s a f e t y and s e c u r i t y . 

R a t i o n a l e : Older people are e s p e c i a l l y s e n s i t i v e to the need of 

secure environment because of reduced l e v e l s of p h y s i c a l and 

mental competence (Lawton 1986). Fear of crime, s t o l e n p r o p e r t y 

and concern about f a l l i n g or being a t t a c k e d and not being seen 

or a i d e d are high among o l d e r people. They are more v u l n e r a b l e 

to long-term d i s a b i l i t i e s caused by a f a l l or an a t t a c k . 

1. The f a c i l i t y should be l o c a t e d i n an area where people are 

reasonably safe from robbery, muggings or p e r s o n a l 

harassment. 

2. The f a c i l i t y should p r o v i d e s e r v i c e s , which may improve 



71 

f e e l i n g s of s a f e t y f o r example: home support s e r v i c e s , 

s e c u r i t y personnel. 

3. Outdoor areas and main p e d e s t r i a n walkways should be l o c a t e d 

to allow f o r v i s u a l s u r v e i l l a n c e by r e s i d e n t s and s t a f f . 

4. Outdoor common areas used by r e s i d e n t s should be enclosed 

w i t h i n c l u s t e r s . 

5. A c l e a r t r a n s i t i o n from neighbourhood p u b l i c space to p r i -

vate space should be implemented by p r o v i d i n g t r a n s i t i o n a l 

zones: p u b l i c , s e m i p u b l i c (the CCC community), s e m i p r i v a t e 

( c l u s t e r space), p r i v a t e ( p a t i o ) . 

6. The s i t e p l a n n i n g should c l e a r l y d e f i n e edge c o n d i t i o n s such 

as f e n c i n g and gates, which may f o s t e r a sense of s e c u r i t y . 

7. The f a c i l i t y should provide p h y s i c a l s a f e t y f e a t u r e s . A l l 

f a c i l i t y entrances and e x i t s should be v i s u a l l y s u p e r v i s e d 

by s t a f f ( c l o s e d - c i r c u i t v i d e o / t v system). P u b l i c areas 

should be p r o t e c t e d by an emergency l i g h t i n g system i n case 

of power f a i l u r e . Hazards to p e r s o n a l s a f e t y should be 

minimized by p r o v i d i n g s a f e t y f e a t u r e s such as: h a n d - r a i l s 

i n c o r r i d o r s , n o n - s l i p f l o o r s , grab bars i n washrooms and 

bathrooms, emergency c a l l boxes and telephones throughout 

the b u i l d i n g s and i n the outdoor common areas. 

L.E.O. # 3 To provide a v a r i e t y of Environments. 

1. To provide a s p e c i f i c combination of environments f o r the 

e l d e r l y which w i l l i n c l u d e : 

a. a "home-like" environment i n the d w e l l i n g c l u s t e r s at a l l 

l e v e l s of care. 



72 

b. a " s o c i a l community" environment i n the amenity areas and 

outdoor a c t i v i t y c e n t r e . 

c. environments which w i l l be a e s t h e t i c a l l y a p p e a l i n g to the 

r e s i d e n t s , t h e i r f a m i l i e s and f r i e n d s , the s t a f f and the 

community at l a r g e . 

R a t i o n a l e : The Continuum of Care Complex w i l l be the new p l a c e 

to l i v e i n but by p r o v i d i n g a r e s i d e n t i a l c h a r a c t e r i t might 

help the r e s i d e n t s to r e t a i n t h e i r s e l f - i d e n t i t i e s and 

l i f e - s t y l e s . 

2. To d i m i n i s h " o l d - f o l k s home" s t e r e o t y p e . 

R a t i o n a l e : Long term care f a c i l i t i e s are u s u a l l y a s s o c i a t e d with 

the s t e r e o t y p e of i n s t i t u t i o n a l c h a r a c t e r which consequently 

c r e a t e s negative p u b l i c o p i n i o n . Older people don't l i k e to move 

i n because of f e a r of becoming a " p a t i e n t " ; the neighbourhood 

does not l i k e to have such a f a c i l i t y near by because of i t s 

negative image. 

" R e g r e t t a b l y , the p u b l i c image of aging i n our s o c i e t y a s c r i b e s 

d i s a b i l i t y and s i c k n e s s to the m a j o r i t y of o l d e r people"(Lawton 

1986, p.105). G e r o n t o l o g i s t s are unanimous i n f e e l i n g t h a t the 

i n s t i t u t i o n i s the l e a s t d e s i r a b l e p l a c e f o r o l d e r people and 

they encourage any attempt to design s e r v i c e s and environments 

which can prolong r e s i d e n c e i n the community. 

3. To c r e a t e an o p p o r t u n i t y f o r a "new s t a r t " . 

R a t i o n a l e : The f a c i l i t y might a l s o provide o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r the 

r e s i d e n t s to make l i f e more enjoyable by e s t a b l i s h i n g a new 



73 

p a t t e r n of s o c i a l l i f e . The CCC, i n p r i n c i p l e , w i l l a l s o be a 

p a r t of the neighbourhood by p r o v i d i n g a g r e a t number of s e r -

v i c e s and programs f o r r e s i d e n t s and the e n t i r e community. The 

proposed Core Centre, the i n n o v a t i v e program component, should 

become an a c t i v e " s o c i a l community" which encourages i n t e r a c t i o n 

not o n l y among f a c i l i t y r e s i d e n t s but a l s o with f r i e n d s , r e l a -

t i v e s and aquaintances from the neighbourhood. 

A v a r i e t y of f a c i l t i e s open to the p u b l i c such as a swimming 

p o o l , l i b r a r y , auditorium, a r t and c r a f t s , e t c . should b r i n g 

people together. Moreover, the Core Centre should provide 

mental and s o c i a l s t i m u l a t i o n . The e l d e r l y should be encouraged 

to c o n t r i b u t e or p a r t i c i p a t e i n the running of the Centre. They 

can s t a f f the r e c e p t i o n desk, organize c u l t u r a l events, run the 

l i b r a r y , take care of the garden e t c . They can j o i n f o r c e s to 

r a i s e funds f o r a s p e c i a l p r o j e c t and i n t e r a c t with community 

r e s i d e n t s . They can have the o p p o r t u n i t y to earn e x t r a income 

by s e r v i n g f o r example as instrument and languages t e a c h e r s , 

p r e p a r i n g income tax e t c . They can be very c r e a t i v e i n A r t s and 

C r a f t s and the Core Centre may become a very important p a r t of 

t h e i r l i v e s . 

3.2. RESIDENTS' OBJECTIVES (R.O.) 

The most important o b j e c t i v e s f o r r e s i d e n t s choosing to l i v e i n 

the CCC have been agglomerated i n t o three b a s i c groups of needs: 

r e s i d e n t i a l , h e a l t h care and s o c i a l needs. 



74 

R.O. # 1 RESIDENTIAL TENURE CHOICE 

To provide rented accommodation f o r those who are unable to 

purchase t h e i r d w e l l i n g u n i t s . To provide a l t e r n a t i v e hous-

i n g f o r those who wish to r e l i n q u i s h the r e s p o n s i b i l i t y of 

ownership. 

R a t i o n a l e : 

Although the income of e l d e r l y Canadians has i n c r e a s e d substan-

t i a l l y over the l a s t few years there i s s t i l l an income gap 

between the e l d e r l y and the r e s t of the p o p u l a t i o n . The f i n a n c i -

a l p o s i t i o n of e l d e r l y men has improved more than t h a t of e l d e r -

l y women ( N a t i o n a l C o u n c i l of Welfare,1984). A c c o r d i n g to S t a t i s -

t i c s Canada, 1984 the e l d e r l y are h e a v i l y dependent on p u b l i c 

pension and income s e c u r i t y p l a n s . In 1985, 10% of f a m i l i e s i n 

which the head of the household was 65 years or over were below 

the poverty l i n e . C o r r e s p o n d i n g l y , 46.8% of unattached i n d i v i d -

u a l s 65 years of age or over were a l s o below the poverty l i n e . 

In the West P o i n t Grey area, the average household income i s 

$35,000; however, 39.6% of a l l households income i s o n l y 

$20,000. The worst s i t u a t i o n i s i n adjacent K i t s i l a n o where a 

household income of $20,000 r e p r e s e n t s 54% of a l l households 

( C i t y H a l l data,1986). Although the f i n a n c i a l p o s i t i o n of e l d e r -

l y people has improved and the trend toward f i n a n c i a l s e c u r i t y 

w i l l continue ( N a t i o n a l C o u n c i l of Welfare,1984) a t t e n t i o n must 

be p a i d to those people who d i d not make pension c o n t r i b u t i o n s 

or save d u r i n g t h e i r younger years. For example, many women f i n d 

themselves i n t h i s s i t u a t i o n . A c c o r d i n g to a survey of B.C. 



75 

Housing Management Commission a p l i c a n t s , the t y p i c a l s e n i o r seek-

i n g a s s i s t a n c e was female (70%), aged 65-74 (59%), l i v i n g i n a-

partment (87%) and spending 48% of her income on r e n t i n g 

s h e l t e r . 

On the other hand, f o r more a f f l u e n t s e n i o r homeowners, the 

a v a i l a b i l i t y of a l t e r n a t i v e housing which w i l l respond to t h e i r 

s p e c i f i c needs c o u l d convince them to s e l l t h e i r homes. Accord-

i n g to an SFU study of s e n i o r s aged 51-64, 65-74, and 75+ 

conducted by Gutman (1988), e n t i t l e d "Seniors R e a c t i o n to New 

V i s t a ' s Community Concept", the p r o p o r t i o n of homeowners who had 

thought s e r i o u s l y about s e l l i n g t h e i r home i n c r e a s e d with i n -

c r e a s i n g age. T h e i r major reasons f o r doing so were p h y s i c a l 

d i f f i c u l t y m a i n t a i n i n g t h e i r home or garden and the i l l n e s s of 

themselves or t h e i r spouse. 

"When asked why they d i d not s e l l , a t h i r d of respondents 

s a i d i t was because they d i d not want to change t h e i r l i f e -

s t y l e , 14.8% s a i d i t was because they c o u l d not f i n d a b e t t e r 

a l t e r n a t i v e while 11.1% r e p o r t e d they were s t i l l c o n s i d e r i n g 

s e l l i n g " (Gutman,1988 p.20). When homeowners were asked 

whether, i f they were to s e l l t h e i r home, they would be more 

l i k e l y to buy or r e n t t h e i r next accommodation, those i n the 

youngest group (51-64) were about e q u a l l y s p l i t between r e n t i n g 

and buying another home. The p r o p o r t i o n who would buy decreased 

with i n c r e a s i n g age. Renting was c l e a r l y the p r e f e r e n c e of 

those i n the o l d e s t (75+) group. Respondents were a t t r a c t e d to 

the New V i s t a s i t e because New V i s t a was w e l l l o c a t e d , there 



76 

would be access to the care c e n t r e i f long-term care was needed 

and there would be medical personnel nearby i n the event of an 

emergency (Gutman 1988, p.28). 

The o l d e s t group of respondents were convinced t h a t people 

who c o u l d a f f o r d to pay market r e n t would move to a s i t e where 

the other b u i l d i n g s housed mainly low income people - as long as 

those low income people were s e n i o r s . 

Based on these data, we can assume t h a t there i s the 

p o s s i b i l i t y of c o e x i s t a n c e of r e s i d e n t s with low income and the 

b e t t e r o f f e l d e r l y people. T h e r e f o r e , a f f o r d a b l e housing f o r 

the e l d e r l y with low income and a l t e r n a t i v e housing f o r those 

who wish to s e l l t h e i r home w i l l be an important o b j e c t i v e i n 

c r e a t i o n of a Continuum of Care Complex i n West P o i n t Grey 

area. T h i s c o u l d be achieved by: 

1. P r o v i d i n g housing through BCHMC programs where housing 

charges do not exceed 30% of the r e s i d e n t ' s income. 

According to the C i t y H a l l P l a n n i n g Department (1986) the 

number of people r e q u i r i n g a s s i s t e d housing was 2,558. 

2. P r o v i d i n g Co-operative Housing based on the CMHC a s s i s t a n c e 

program or a f f o r d a b l e s e n i o r s ' housing without government 

a s s i s t a n c e . For example, Avondale Cooperative Housing f o r 

S e n i o r s i n North-Surrey has won the CMHC award i n the f i n a n -

c i n g and tenure category. Members bought shares i n the co-op 

and organized r i g h t s as shareholders i n a c o r p o r a t i o n . By 

paying o f f the mortgage they i n c r e a s e t h e i r s h a r e h o l d i n g 

u n t i l they have i n v e s t e d the f u l l value of the u n i t . Then 



77 

they j u s t pay monthly maintenance f e e s . Since the value of a 

share does not i n c r e a s e over time, the p r i c e of a u n i t w i l l 

remain the same. Members who move out r e c e i v e the amount they 

have i n v e s t e d without making a p r o f i t ( R e b a l s k i 1988). Because 

the share p r i c e w i l l remain low and, i n f a c t , decrease i n 

p r o p o r t i o n to the r i s i n g c o s t of other housing, the co-op w i l l 

have an ever broadening market of people who can a f f o r d shares. 

3. Provide s t r a t a t i t l e condominiums f o r those who can i n v e s t a 

p o r t i o n of e q u i t y recovered from s e l l i n g t h e i r present home 

and who wish to have a h i g h e r standard of housing than may 

be p r o v i d e d by other forms of housing. For example, more 

l i v i n g space, more a m e n i t i e s , b e t t e r f i n i s h m a t e r i a l s . 

R.O. # 2 HEALTH CARE NEEDS 

To provide h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s f o r a l l r e s i d e n t s of the CCC 

f a c i l i t y . To provide h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s f o r the e l d e r l y 

r e s i d e n t s and i n the e n t i r e neighbourhood. 

R a t i o n a l e : 

H e a l t h matters are of d i s t i n c t importance when c o n s i d e r i n g the 

needs of the e l d e r l y . I l l n e s s and l o n e l i n e s s become r e a l i s t i c 

f e a r s f o r o l d e r people. Given t h a t t w o - t h i r d s of d i s a b l e d people 

are a l s o e l d e r l y people, the importance of h e a l t h and s o c i a l 

s e r v i c e s p r o v i s i o n i s s e l f - e v i d e n t . The e l d e r l y use more medical 

s e r v i c e s than any other a d u l t age group, the o l d e l d e r l y use 

more than young e l d e r l y and women use more than men (Gutman 

1982). I n c r e a s i n g age among the e l d e r l y i s a s s o c i a t e d with a 



78 

decrease i n h e a l t h i n the form of c h r o n i c i l l n e s s , p h y s i c a l 

h e a l t h d y s f u n c t i o n and dependency on o t h e r s . 

As the l e v e l of dependency of an i n d i v i d u a l i n c r e a s e s , so 

too does the l e v e l of s e r v i c e s r e q u i r e d to keep t h a t person a t 

home. I f more e l d e r l y are to remain at home (GVRHD Report 1987), 

formal s e r v i c e s must be provided. At some p o i n t the c o s t of 

formal s e r v i c e s i n the home w i l l become h i g h e r than the c o s t of 

care i n an i n s t i t u t i o n . With i n c r e a s e s i n the p r o p o r t i o n of the 

e l d e r l y i n the h i g h e r age groups, e s p e c i a l l y 85 years of age and 

over ( S t a t i s t i c s Canada 1980), home care may no longer be a 

c o s t - s a v i n g measure. Moreover, there w i l l always be some e l d e r l y 

f o r whom there i s no a l t e r n a t i v e to i n s t i t u t i o n a l i z a t i o n . In 

other words i t i s not a q u e s t i o n of f a i l i n g to support d e i n s t i -

t u t i o n a l i z a t i o n but r a t h e r of p r o v i d i n g the best p o s s i b l e h e a l t h 

care to the e l d e r l y i n the most a p p r o p r i a t e s e t t i n g at a c o s t 

t h a t s o c i e t y can a f f o r d (Canadian M e d i c a l A s s o c i a t i o n 1987). 

T h e r e f o r e , a f a c i l i t y which w i l l have h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s a t  

hand would be i n g r e a t demand by aged people. A c c o r d i n g to 

r e s e a r c h (Gutman 1988) on r e a c t i o n s of c u r r e n t homeowners to the 

p o s s i b l i t y of p r o v i d i n g market r e n t a l u n i t s a t the New V i s t a 

S i t e , the data c l e a r l y show t h a t having h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s on 

the s i t e would i n c r e a s e New V i s t a ' s a t t r a c t i v n e s s , e s p e c i a l l y 

f o r those i n the o l d e s t (75+) group. Two-thirds of the two 

younger groups of respondents and f o u r - f i f t h s of the o l d e s t 

group f e l t the s e r v i c e s would be used by those i n the 

surrounding area i f they were of good q u a l i t y , d i d not d u p l i c a t e 



79 

s e r v i c e s c l o s e by, i f they were handy and/or i f t h e i r c o s t was 

reasonable. 

The respondents were a l s o e n t h u s i a s t i c about New V i s t a 

p r o v i d i n g such t r a d i t i o n a l , long-term support s e r v i c e s as 

meals-on-wheels, an a d u l t day care c e n t r e , r e s p i t e or n i g h t 

care. Approximately h a l f (48.1%) of the respondents supported 

the i d e a i n p r i n c i p l e . An a d d i t i o n a l 14.8% p o i n t e d out t h a t 

such s e r v i c e s would extend independence, reduce w o r r i e s and/or 

help c a r e - g i v e r s (Gutman 1988). 

Resident's h e a l t h care needs may be s a t i s f i e d by: 

1. the Continuum of Care Complex p r o v i d i n g a choice of l i v i n g 

accommodations s u i t a b l e f o r persons at v a r y i n g l e v e l s of 

dependence and a range of care s e r v i c e s from which they can 

s e l e c t to meet t h e i r complex needs. In order to s a t i s f y 

h e a v i e r h e a l t h care needs, the CCC should provide an 

Intermediate Care F a c i l i t y (three l e v e l s ) and an Extended 

Care F a c i l i t y . 

2. The CCC f a c i l i t y should provide a Health Care C l i n i c with 

d o c t o r s and d e n t i s t o f f i c e s , a R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Centre and a 

Pharmacy, which w i l l serve the r e s i d e n t s as w e l l as e l d e r l y 

people of the whole neighbourhood. 

3. The CCC should provide A d u l t Day/Night Care, R e s p i t e Care 

and H o l i d a y V a c a t i o n Care beds p r o v i d i n g r e l i e f f o r 

r e l a t i v e s c a r i n g f o r the e l d e r l y at home. 



80 

R.O. # 3 SOCIAL NEEDS 

The CCC f a c i l i t y should provide a s u p p o r t i v e s o c i a l l i v i n g 

environment. 

R a t i o n a l e : 

In the f u t u r e , there w i l l be fewer f a m i l y members a v a i l a b l e to 

provide care to the e l d e r l y due to the i n c r e a s i n g number of 

small f a m i l i e s without any c h i l d r e n and due to r i s i n g d i v o r c e 

r a t e s . High m o b i l i t y which o f t e n r e q u i r e s a d u l t c h i l d r e n to l i v e 

a t some d i s t a n c e from t h e i r aging parents w i l l a l s o have an 

impact on the s o c i a l support r e q u i r e d to be p r o v i d e d to o l d e r 

people. Increased female p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n the workforce w i l l 

l i m i t the a b i l i t y of a d u l t daughters ( t r a d i t i o n a l c a r e - g i v e r s ) 

to care f o r t h e i r aging parents. T h e r e f o r e , other a l t e r n a t i v e 

l i f e s t y l e s which w i l l provide d i f f e r e n t types of s o c i a l support 

w i l l be sought a f t e r . Moreover, the e l d e r l y and p a r t i c u l a r l y 

e l d e r l y women are p r e c i s e l y the persons who can become i s o l a t e d 

i n a s o c i e t y which i s centered around the n u c l e a r f a m i l y of 

mother, f a t h e r and c h i l d r e n . In the P o i n t Grey area, e l d e r l y 

women s i g n i f i c a n t l y outnumber e l d e r l y men. T h e r e f o r e , they may 

be p o t e n t i a l a p p l i c a n t s f o r admission to the CCC, l o o k i n g f o r a 

s u p p o r t i v e l i v i n g environment with peers. 

The CCC f a c i l i t y should c r e a t e a s t r o n g community f e e l i n g i n 

order to s a t i s f y r e s i d e n t s ' s o c i a l needs. For o l d e r people f e e l -

i n g t h a t they belong to a community, which they are proud of, i s 

important f o r s e l f - e s t e e m and s a t i s f a c t i o n . In a s o c i e t y where 

s t a t u s and r o l e are d e f i n e d i n work s i t u a t i o n s , the e l d e r l y are 



81 

d e p r i v e d of such d i s t i n c t i d e n t i f i c a t i o n (Champagne and B r i n k , 

1985). There w i l l be two ways to achieve t h i s o b j e c t i v e : 

1. By e s t a b l i s h i n g p o l i c i e s t h a t r e s i d e n t s p l a y a c r i t i c a l r o l e 

i n the CCC f a c i l i t y ownership, management and development 

process. For example, r e s i d e n t s w i l l be members of one of 

three (co-op, s t r a t a - t i t l e , BCHMC s u b s i d i z e d housing) hous-

i n g s o c i e t i e s r e s p o n s i b l e f o r the management and o p e r a t i o n 

of t h e i r u n i t s . A l l "community" f a c i l i t i e s (the Core Centre) 

w i l l be shared and managed by the Boards of D i r e c t o r s of a l l 

three s o c i e t i e s i n c o o p e r a t i o n with a p r o f e s s i o n a l P r o p e r t y 

Management o r g a n i z a t i o n . Development of the new CCC f a c i l i t y 

would be the Boards' major r e s p o n s i b i l i t y . 

2. By i n t r o d u c i n g s o c i a l s e r v i c e s and by d e s i g n i n g a p h y s i c a l 

environment which w i l l f a c i l i t a t e s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n . The 

CCC Program c a l l s f o r s e v e r a l s o c i a l s e r v i c e s , which w i l l 

provide programs of c r e a t i v e ( A r t s and C r a f t ) and r e c r e a -

t i o n a l a c t i v i t i e s ( s p o r t s , games) as w e l l as i n t r o d u c e 

E d u c a t i o n a l and C u l t u r a l programs t h a t w i l l be h e l d i n a 

200-seat A u d i t i o r i u m f o r both r e s i d e n t s and n o n - r e s i d e n t s . 

The housing c l u s t e r arrangement w i l l c r e a t e o p p o r t u n i t i e s 

f o r chance meetings so t h a t r e s i d e n t s of the same housing 

c l u s t e r w i l l at l e a s t recognize each other. 

3.3. FACILITY MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES (F.M.O.) 

The Management o b j e c t i v e s are somewhat s i m i l a r to design 

o b j e c t i v e s : both the Management p o l i c i e s and the p h y s i c a l e n v i 



82 

ronment may e q u a l l y produce i n s t i t u t i o n a l i z a t i o n . The impact of 

i n s t i t u t i o n a l i z a t i o n i s apathy, withdrawal and disengagement. 

T h i s o b v i o u s l y i s not the q u a l i t y of l i f e which should be o f f e r -

ed to e l d e r l y people. The CCC f a c i l i t y should be d e d i c a t e d to 

the p r o v i s i o n of a home-like environment emphasizing q u a l i t y of 

l i f e and encouraging growth of each i n d i v i d u a l member of i t s 

community. The r e s i d e n t s should be esteemed and e n t i t l e d to the 

best of r e s t o r a t i v e and s u p p o r t i v e care: emotional, i n t e l l e c t u -

a l , s p i r i t u a l , p h y s i c a l and s o c i a l . Rules and r e g u l a t i o n s which 

impose b a r r i e r s t h a t segregate those i n each l e v e l of care 

should be avoided where p o s s i b l e , to allow development of a 

sense of community. 

F.M.O. # 1 Management of the CCC should a l l o w r e s i d e n t s (and 

v i s i t o r s ) to perform tasks f o r themselves and 

r e i n f o r c e a sense of autonomy and u s e f u l n e s s . 

R a t i o n a l e : Some autonomy i s s a c r i f i c e d i n housing p r o j e c t s by 

p r o v i d i n g group s e r v i c e s and f a c i l i t i e s . Mostly i t i s caused by 

economic f a c t o r s . In a d d i t i o n , r e t i r e m e n t o f t e n b r i n g s the l o s s 

of important r o l e s i n s o c i e t y and a sense of u s e l e s s n e s s 

(Carstens 1985). Management p o l i c i e s should respond to the 

e l d e r l y ' s needs and a l l o w r e s i d e n t s to r e i n f o r c e t h e i r sense of 

autonomy and u s e f u l n e s s by p r o v i d i n g : 

1. easy access to a l l CCC f a c i l i t i e s and s e r v i c e s . 

2. comfort and ease of use (the Core Centre, outdoor space). 

3. o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n a c t i v i t i e s , a c t i v i t y 



83 

o r g a n i z i n g and s e r v i c e d e l i v e r y ( s e n i o r s ' c e n t r e ) . 

4. o p p o r t u n i t i e s to p a r t i c i p a t e i n outdoor maintenance 

(gardening committee). 

F.M.O. # 2 Management p o l i c i e s should encourage independence 

and use of the CCC f a c i l i t i e s . 

R a t i o n a l e : Management p o l i c i e s on use of f a c i l i t i e s and a c t i v i t y 

programming are c r i t i c a l f o r encouraging independence and the 

optimal f u n c t i o n i n g of the i n d i v i d u a l (Carstens 1985). E l d e r l y 

people are more l i k e l y than younger people to a d j u s t to e x i s t i n g 

r u l e s and c o n d i t i o n s although these may not accommodate t h e i r 

needs and may discourage use and s a t i s f a c t i o n with the surround-

i n g environment. Management should: 

1. Create a forum f o r s o l v i n g problems and d i s c u s s i n g i s s u e s 

r e l a t e d to the growth and development of the CCC i n promot-

i n g i n d i v i d u a l and group needs, a b i l i t i e s and a s p i r a t i o n s 

such as a r e s i d e n t design board which can e v a l u a t e , review 

and propose changes or a d d i t i o n s to the CCC f a c i l i t i e s . 

2. I d e n t i f y common problems, s e r v i c e gaps and areas f o r program 

and s e r v i c e expansion eg: a r e s i d e n t program board to 

organize s p e c i a l events which may i n c r e a s e use of f a c i l i t i e s 

i n the Core Centre and outdoor spaces. 

3. Advise on l e a r n i n g experiences, o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r growth and 

promotion of freedom of choice to help o l d e r people, 

e s p e c i a l l y d i s a b l e d , to be more s e l f - s u f f i c i e n t and 

independent, eg: r e s i d e n t education board and programs. 



84 

F.M.O. # 3 O b j e c t i v e : Management p o l i c y should encourage r e s i -

dents to p e r s o n a l i z e , change and c o n t r o l the CCC 

environment. 

R a t i o n a l e : " P e r s o n a l i z a t i o n and c o n t r o l over the environment i s 

important f o r s e l f - e s t e e m and s a t i s f a c t i o n , p a r t i c u l a r l y f o r 

aging persons who experience a c l o s i n g o f f of l i f e ' s o p t i o n s . 

Being able to change and p e r s o n a l i z e the environment allows i n d i -

v i d u a l needs and p r e f e r e n c e s to be s a t i s f i e d . A sense of c o n t r o l 

a l s o i n c r e a s e s the f e e l i n g of home and the use of a space while 

d e c r e a s i n g the i n s t i t u t i o n a l c h a r a c t e r of planned housing" 

(Carstens 1985, p.16). Mangement p o l i c i e s should: 

1. encourage r e s i d e n t s to p e r s o n a l i z e t h e i r own d w e l l i n g u n i t s 

e s p e c i a l l y i n the long term care c l u s t e r s by p r o v i d i n g 

o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r d i s p l a y of t h e i r p e r s o n a l belongings and 

f u r n i t u r e . 

2. accentuate u n i t e n t r y with flowers or other p e r s o n a l items. 

3. provide r e s i d e n t s with t h e i r own amenities to take care o f : 

l i k e aquariums, b i r d s f e e d e r s . 

4. f a c i l i t a t e c o n t r o l over placement w i t h i n the CCC environment 

by p r o v i d i n g , f o r example, movable f u r n i t u r e . 

F.M.O. # 4 Management should make the p l a c e a p p e a l i n g i n 

terms of a r e l a x e d atmosphere and f r i e n d l y yet 

unobstructed s e r v i c e s as w e l l as " f r i e n d l y , 

p h y s i c a l environment". 

R a t i o n a l e : The e l d e r l y are more v u l n e r a b l e because of day to day 



85 

d i f f i c u l t i e s . Contact with a new s t a f f or other r e s i d e n t s may 

cause a n x i e t y and reduce c o n f i d e n c e . The o l d e r people r e q u i r e 

time to evaluate and prepare f o r changes i n the environment. 

Through a r e l a x e d , p o s i t i v e atmosphere and c h e e r f u l ambience 

management may e l e v a t e r e s i d e n t s mood and s a t i s f a c t i o n . For 

example: a l l l o u n g e s / d i n i n g rooms should be equipped with home 

l i k e a c c e s s o r i e s : b r i g h t c o l o u r e d t a b l e c l o t h , f r e s h flowers on 

each t a b l e , comfortable f u r n i t u r e . 

F.M.O. # 5 Management should c e n t r a l i z e a l l s u p p o r t i v e s e r -

v i c e s , but r e t a i n home-like environment w i t h i n 

r e s i d e n t i a l c l u s t e r . 

R a t i o n a l e : C e n t r a l i z a t i o n of a number of f a c i l i t i e s may c o n s i d e -

r a b l y reduce the number of s t a f f t h a t i s r e q u i r e d to perform 

those s e r v i c e s , which consequently may reduce o p e r a t i n g c o s t s of 

the CCC f a c i l i t y . In a d d i t i o n to t h a t , c e n t r a l i z e d comprehen-

s i v e s e r v i c e s i n the f a c i l i t y w i l l a l l o w f o r ease of access f o r 

r e s i d e n t s and s t a f f . The management of the whole f a c i l i t y may be 

more e f f e c t i v e and e a s i e r too. 

The CCC should c e n t r a l i z e a number of s e r v i c e s i n the Core 

Centre such as: 

1) c e n t r a l a d m i n i s t r a t i o n 

2) c e n t r a l food s e r v i c e s 

3) c e n t r a l laundry 

4) c e n t r a l m a t e r i a l s e r v i c e s 

5) c e n t r a l b u i l d i n g s e r v i c e s 



86 

6) c e n t r a l p l a n t s e r v i c e s 

7) c e n t r a l personnel s e r v i c e s 

8) c e n t r a l s o c i a l s e r v i c e s 

9) c e n t r a l h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s . 

3.4. COMMUNITY OBJECTIVES (CO.) 

The neighbourhood environment may be the source of aes-
t h e t i c enjoyment, p h y s i c a l s e c u r i t y , sensory v a r i e t y , 
b a s i c r e s o u r c e s , help i n emergencies, s o c i a l i n t e r a c -
t i o n , i n t e r e s t i n g t h i n g s to do, the f e e l i n g of t e r r i t o -
r i a l p r i d e , and many other s a t i s f i e r s of human needs 
(Lawton 1987, p.38). 

To provide the e l d e r l y with a l l these a t t r i b u t e s of an 

" i d e a l environment", i t i s necessary to sense the general 

community o b j e c t i v e s . These o b j e c t i v e s ( s u b j e c t to the Planning 

Department and P o i n t Grey neighbourhood groups approval) have 

s i m i l a r background to the p r e v i o u s two groups of o b j e c t i v e s : to 

c r e a t e a s p e c i a l Continuum of Care neighbourhood f o r the e l d e r l y 

w i t h i n the l a r g e r context of the Community Development P l a n . 

The "mini" CCC community should attempt to recognize both unique 

needs f o r s p e c i a l s e r v i c e s i t may o f f e r to e l d e r l y people l i v i n g 

o u t s i d e the CCC, the advantages of l i v i n g c l o s e to age peers, 

and s i m u l t a n e u s l y the need to r e t a i n some u n i t y with the people 

and the resources of the P o i n t Grey Community. 

C O . # 1 To provide the CCC f a c i l i t y i n the P o i n t Grey Area 

i n order to prevent l o c a l e l d e r l y people from 

enduring r e l o c a t i o n s t r e s s . 



87 

R a t i o n a l e : Although i t i s g e n e r a l l y assumed t h a t r e t i r e m e n t con-

s t i t u t e s an o c c a s i o n f o r many people to move, the very low 

m o b i l i t y r a t e of the e l d e r l y a t t e s t s to the f a c t t h a t 

r e l a t i v e l y few make t h i s type of change. E l d e r l y people need to 

continue to l i v e i n the same community and to r e t a i n the t i e s of 

t h e i r p r e v i o u s e x i s t e n c e . The move to an i n s t i t u t i o n i s 

traumatic enough. A number of s t u d i e s on i n v o l u n t a r y r e l o c a t i o n 

have documented negative consequences and f o r o l d e r people, 

p a r t i c u l a r l y , i n c r e a s e i n m o r t a l i t y and m o r b i d i t y r a t e s (Gutman 

1983; Lawton 1986). In order to r e t a i n the e l d e r l y w i t h i n the 

same community the u s a b i l i t y of i t s resources i s of major 

concern f o r planners and f o r those r e s p o n s i b l e f o r d e l i v e r i n g 

s e r v i c e s . To achieve t h i s task i t i s necessary: 

1. To l o c a t e e l d e r l y people near d e s i r a b l e r e s o u r c e s . The new 

CCC housing should be l o c a t e d near e x i s t i n g shopping m a l l s , 

bus stops, banks, parks. 

2. To l o c a t e d e s i r a b l e resources near e x i s t i n g c o n c e n t r a t i o n of 

o l d e r people. The CCC long-term f a c i l i t i e s , A d u l t Day/Night 

Care, S e n i o r Center, R e c r e a t i o n a l A c t i v i t y Club, C l i n i c 

should be l o c a t e d i n c l o s e p r o x i m i t y to the e x i s t i n g e l d e r l y 

h a b i t a t i o n areas. 

3. To m o b i l i z e e x i s t i n g resources to t a i l o r programs to the 

e l d e r l y . For example, l o c a l merchants' i n s t i t u t i n g d i s c o u n t s 

f o r s e n i o r s - S e n i o r ' s Day i n bank, drugmart, r e s t a u r a n t s or 

e s t a b l i s h i n g a new program f o r s e n i o r s i n the community 

c e n t r e . 



88 

4. To m o b i l i z e i n f o r m a l resources of the neighbourhood which 

can provide support f o r the e l d e r l y who have g r e a t e r l i m i t a -

t i o n s . For example, a v o l u n t e e r network p r o v i d i n g such 

s e r v i c e s as f r i e n d l y v i s i t o r s , s e c u r i t y c a l l system and pet 

therapy. 

C O . # 2 Provide easy access to neighbourhood r e s o u r c e s . 

R a t i o n a l e : Access to neighbourhood resources i s important f o r 

g e n e r a l l i f e s a t i s f a c t i o n , morale and the optimal f u n c t i o n i n g of 

the i n d i v i d u a l , as w e l l as. f o r a v o i d i n g i s o l a t i o n from the r e s t 

of the community. 

A c c o r d i n g to Lawton (1986), p r o x i m i t y to the neighbourhood 

resources and knowledge of the neighbourhood are two determi-

nants which are r e l a t e d to w e l l - b e i n g of the e l d e r l y . S e v e r a l 

s t u d i e s on the e f f e c t of resources p r o x i m i t y to e l d e r l y housing 

have proved t h a t there are " c r i t i c a l d i s t a n c e s " beyond which 

e l d e r l y people d e c l i n e to use f a c i l i t i e s . For example, a laund-

romat or s e n i o r s c e n t r e needed to be on the housing s i t e to be 

used maximally, a post o f f i c e or bus stop w i t h i n three b l o c k s , a 

g r o c e r y s t o r e , bank or p h y s i c i a n w i t h i n ten b l o c k s . However, 

other s t u d i e s have found t h a t the amount of use of resources i s 

not o n l y a s s o c i a t e d with d i s t a n c e to the resources but a l s o with 

s a t i s f a c t i o n with d i s t a n c e and p e r c e i v e d convenience (Lawton, 

1986). Since walking i n c r e a s i n g l y becomes a major mode of 

t r a n s p o r t a t i o n f o r o l d e r people the new CCC f a c i l i t y should be 

l o c a t e d : 



89 

1. Close to the neighbourhood's resources such as r e t a i l 

o u t l e t s , necessary s e r v i c e s (banks, l a y e r , e a t i n g o u t ) . 

2. Close to convenient p u b l i c t r a n s p o r a t i o n stops and safe and 

convenient walking r o u t e s . 

3. Located i n an a t t r a c t i v e p l a c e w i t h i n the community, focused 

on n a t u r a l beauty and views. 

4. Within c l o s e or with convenient access to e d u c a t i o n a l 

c e n t r e s (e.g. UBC). 

C O . # 3 The CCC f a c i l i t y should provide l i f e s u s t a i n i n g 

r e s o u r c e s f o r i t s r e s i d e n t s and f o r the e l d e r l y 

l i v i n g i n the neighbourhood. 

R a t i o n a l e : Gutman's (1988) study of S e n i o r s ' Reactions to New 

V i s t a ' s Community Concept found t h a t more than t w o - t h i r d s i n the 

two younger groups and more than 90% i n the o l d e s t group express-

ed enthusiasm f o r the i d e a of h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s (e.g.: doc-

t o r s ' and d e n t i s t s ' o f f i c e s , p h y s i o t h e r a p i s t , p o d i a t r i s t , d i a g -

n o s t i c lab) on the New V i s t a s i t e . Respondents, e s p e c i a l l y i n 

the o l d e s t group, were very e n t h u s i a s t i c about the i d e a of New 

V i s t a p r o v i d i n g such t r a d i t i o n a l long-term care support s e r v i c e s 

as meal-on-wheels, a d u l t day care, r e s p i t e or n i g h t care. These 

o b j e c t i v e s have been d i s c u s s e d i n R.O. # 2. 

C O . # 4 The CCC f a c i l i t y should c r e a t e an i n f o r m a l 

community network of f r i e n d s and r e l a t i v e s . 

R a t i o n a l e ; I n the community, r e s i d e n t s mingle with people of a l l 



90 

age groups. T h e i r f r i e n d s h i p networks i n c l u d e f r i e n d s , r e l a t i v e s 

and acquaintances from a wide v a r i e t y c o n t e x t s . In a f a c i l i t y , 

the e l d e r l y are faced with a homogenous community. Resources and 

programs should encourage p a r t i c i p a t i o n of the CCC r e s i d e n t s and 

a l s o v i s i t o r s from v a r i o u s s o c i a l groups. A c c o r d i n g to Gutman*s 

r e s e a r c h on New V i s t a (1988) the most p r e f e r a b l e resources 

a s s o c i a t e d with a s e n i o r s ' housing complex f o r the youngest 

group of the e l d e r l y respondents was the a v a i l a b i l i t y of r e c r e a -

t i o n a l and s o c i a l programs. The o l d e s t group was most a t t r a c t e d 

by the o p p o r t u n i t y f o r the companionship of age peers i n such 

complexes. The CCC f a c i l i t y should: 

1. Provide r e c r e a t i o n a l f a c i l i t i e s such as: 

- an outdoor a c t i v i t y c l u b with bowling, m i n i - g o l f , croquet, 

BBQ 

- gardening c l u b which w i l l provide the o p p o r t u n i t y not o n l y 

f o r s o c i a l i n t e g r a t i o n , but a l s o f o r h o r t i c u l t u r e therapy. 

- indoor a c t i v i t i e s and programs such as a swimming p o o l , 

f i t n e s s c e n t r e , dancing c l u b , auditorium with multipurpose 

use. 

2. Provide s o c i a l programs, which encourage p a r t i c i p a t i o n of 

the r e s i d e n t s and v i s i t o r s such as: 

bingo, b r i d g e 

drama c l u b , s i n g along, a r t s and c r a f t s 

toastmaster c l u b , t r a v e l c l u b 

p i c n i c lunches, t e a and t a l k , shopping t r i p s 



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3. Provide f a c i l i t i e s which w i l l provide the o p p o r t u n i t y f o r 

s o c i a l c o n t a c t s : 

r e s t a u r a n t 

c a f e / b a r 

winter garden with a r t s e x h i b i t i o n 

beauty s a l o n and h a i r d r e s s e r 

bank, s m a l l r e t a i l o u t l e t 

C O . # 5 The CCC f a c i l i t y should provide l i f e e n r i c h i n g 

r e s o u r c e s which w i l l promote mental and s o c i a l 

i n t e g r a t i o n . 

R a t i o n a l e : L i f e e n r i c h i n g resources c o n t r i b u t e very much to w e l l 

being of the e l d e r l y (Lawton 1986). As a p a r t of a comprehen-

s i v e community s t r a t e g y to meet the needs of o l d e r people, the 

CCC f a c i l i t y through a v a r i e t y of s e r v i c e s and a c t i v i t i e s i n 

such areas as e d u c a t i o n , c r e a t i v e a r t s or l e a d e r s h i p development 

may support t h e i r independence, enhance d i g n i t y and encourage 

t h e i r involvements i n l i f e of the CCC community and the whole 

neighbourhood. With the growing p o p u l a t i o n of more educated 

e l d e r l y who are seeking l i f e s a t i s f a c t i o n i n more s o p h i s t i c a t e d 

ways, emphasis should be put on c r e a t i v e a c t i v i t i e s , s p e c i a l 

c l a s s e s along with other forms of a c t i v e r e c r e a t i o n . The CCC 

f a c i l i t y should: 

1. P r o v i d e a small l i b r a r y with r e a d i n g and l i s t e n i n g rooms 

(music, languages). 

2. An A u d i t i o r i u m and c l a s s e s f o r s p e c i a l e d u c a t i o n a l program 



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such as guest l e c t u r e r s from U.B.C., or S.F.U., t r a v e l 

experiences and o t h e r s . 

3. A r t s and C r a f t s programs because these provide so w e l l f o r 

the e x p r e s s i v e needs of the e l d e r l y . 

4. E x c u r s i o n s to U.B.C. or S.F.U or downtown f o r s p e c i a l 

l e c t u r e or c u l t u r a l events . 

C O . # 6 The CCC f a c i l i t y should enhance business 

i n t e g r a t i o n with the P o i n t Grey Community. 

R a t i o n a l e ; The CCC environment, which t r i e s to meet a v a r i e t y of 

e l d e r l y people needs, can be very expensive and does not provide 

a r e t u r n on the o r i g i n a l investment. The community can share 

the b e n e f i t i f the f a c i l i t y i s open to the p u b l i c . The CCC 

f a c i l i t y should: 

1. Provide f a c i l i t i e s such as day care, r e h a b i l i t a t i o n c e n t r e , 

c l i n i c , s t o r e s , r e s t a u r a n t , c a f e / b a r , h a i r d r e s s e r , pharmacy, 

auditorium, l i b r a r y to be shared by the community a t l a r g e . 

2. Provide membership cards f o r s p e c i a l r e c r e a t i o n a l a c t i v i t i e s 

and s o c i a l programs such as: bowling c l u b , croquet c l u b , 

swimming c l u b , dancing c l u b , gardening c l u b and o t h e r s . 

3.5. NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES (N.D.O.) 

For the S e l e c t e d Test S i t e (Please r e f e r to Chapter 2 

p.2.4. ) 

N.D.O. # 1 The design and p l a n n i n g of the CCC f a c i l i t y has to 



93 

ensure t h a t a new f a c i l i t y maintains l i v a b i l i t y , p r i v a c y and 

a sense of community: 

R a t i o n a l e : The new CCC f a c i l i t y has to be a p a r t of the e x i s t -

i n g P o i n t Grey Community i n terms of b u i l d i n g p h y s i c a l c h a r a c t e r -

i s t i c s as w e l l as s o c i a l i n f r a s t r u c t u r e . Residents should be 

encouraged to go out i n t o the community but a t the same time the 

e l d e r l y l i v i n g i n the P o i n t Grey area should be encouraged to 

p a r t i c i p a t e i n the CCC a c t i v i t i e s . The r e s i d e n t i a l p o r t i o n of 

the f a c i l i t y should provide b u i l d i n g s i n c l u s t e r s i n order to 

c r e a t e a mini community p r o v i d i n g p r i v a c y and l i v a b i l i t y to each 

r e s i d e n t . However, t h i s small CCC community should blend with 

the P o i n t Grey neighbourhood. 

N.D.O. # 2 The CCC development should c r e a t e a cohesive neigh-

bourhood c h a r a c t e r and achieve v i s u a l c o m p a t i b i l i -

t y with the surrounding housing. 

R a t i o n a l e : The e x i s t i n g apartment b u i l d i n g s along 4th Ave and 

Highbury S t r e e t are 3 s t o r e y b u i l d i n g s which have no s p e c i a l 

a r c h i t e c t u r a l m e r i t . Along 8th Avenue there are s i n g l e s t o r e y 

o l d houses b u i l t as s i n g l e - f a m i l y homes. In terms of o v e r a l l 

massing a new development should provide a v a r i e t y of space 

o p t i o n s from s i n g l e f a m i l y housing to the m u l t i p l e - u n i t housing. 

N.D.O. # 3 The CCC development should c o n t r i b u t e to s t r e e t -

scape having i t s d i s t i n c t i v e c h a r a c t e r and v i s u a l 

i n t e r e s t . 



94 

R a t i o n a l e : The c h a r a c t e r of s t r e e t s c o n t r i b u t e s s i g n i f i c a n t l y to 

a neighbourhood's image. I t i s t r a d i t i o n a l l y c r e a t e d by the 

l a n d s c a p i n g treatment of the f r o n t yard of i n d i v i d u a l s i t e s and 

the rhythm of b u i l d i n g s and s i d e yards. A v a r i e t y of b u i l d i n g 

s t y l e s around the s u b j e c t s i t e can c o e x i s t because the s t r e e t s -

cape t i e s them together. 

On 4th Avenue, c l o s e to Alma S t r e e t , a more urban c h a r a c t e r 

i s e v i d e n t which i s c r e a t e d by the p r o x i m i t y of commercial 

b u i l d i n g s : new J e r i c h o M a l l and shopping and s e r v i c e s area. On 

8th Avenue and Highbury S t r e e t the e x i s t i n g b u i l d i n g s c r e a t e a 

rhythm of the predominant r e s i d e n t i a l neighbourhood. Along the 

north s i d e of 4th Avenue, m u l i t i p l e - u n i t housing with minimal 

f r o n t yard setbacks c r e a t e a more urban s t r e e t c h a r a c t e r . 

A s t r e e t s c a p e with d i s t i n c t i v e c h a r a c t e r and v i s u a l i n t e r e s t 

should be achieved by: 

1. E n s u r i n g t h a t the CCC p r o v i d e s b u i l d i n g treatment t h a t 

complements developments on adjacent s i t e s and c r e a t e s 

v i s u a l rhythm. 

2. M a i n t a i n i n g a more urban s t r e e t s c a p e i n the north e a s t p a r t 

of the s i t e . 

N.D.O. # 4 The CCC development e s p e c i a l l y the r e s i d e n t i a l 

p a r t should not block or reduce the e x i s t i n g 

views. 

R a t i o n a l e : The major p u b l i c view c o r r i d o r e x i s t s along Highbury 

S t r e e t , l o o k i n g north. A p r i v a t e view i s a v a i l a b l e i n the 



95 

southern p a r t of the s i t e and i n the northwest p a r t of the s i t e 

where there i s a view of the mountains and J e r i c h o Park to the 

north. 

N.D.O. # 5 The CCC development should be designed to minimize 

the p o t e n t i a l noise impact from 4th Avenue. 

R a t i o n a l e : The C i t y H a l l data i n d i c a t e t h a t the v e h i c u l a r t r a f -

f i c has a g r e a t impact on the q u a l i t y of l i f e i n the development 

along 4th Avenue. In order to r e l e a s e the heavy t r a f f i c on 4th 

Avenue and provide easy access to the s i t e the C i t y recommended 

an access to the CCC s i t e from Highbury S t r e e t through S i x t h 

Avenue. 

N.D.O. # 6 I n d i v i d u a l d w e l l i n g u n i t s should enjoy a high 

degree of p r i v a c y . 

R a t i o n a l e ; In e l d e r l y housing p r i v a c y i s h i g h l y valued. I t i s 

important t h a t the CCC p r o v i d e s p r i v a c y f o r i t s r e s i d e n t s and 

does not erode the present l e v e l s of p r i v a c y enjoyed by adjacent 

p r o p e r t i e s e s p e c i a l l y i n the southern p a r t of the s i t e . 

T h i s should be achieved by: 

1. O r i e n t i n g major windows away from the windows of adjacent 

u n i t s when d i s t a n c e between them i s l e s s than 15 metres. 

2. O r i e n t i n g b a l c o n i e s away from adjacent s i t e s ( u n i t s ) , or 

s c r e e n i n g them to minimize overlook. 

3. P r o v i d i n g s c r e e n i n g f o r ground l e v e l u n i t s near a s t r e e t or 

access route. T h i s s c r e e n i n g should be obtained p r i m a r i l y 



through l a n d s c a p i n g with f e n c i n g p r o v i d i n g a secondary 

screen. 

N.D.O. # 7 The design should accommodate d e f e n s i b l e space 

methods to ensure a safe and secure environment. 

R a t i o n a l e : S e c u r i t y and crime p r e v e n t i o n i s an i s s u e i n e l d e r l y 

housing. Through s i t e p l a n n i n g and b u i l d i n g design, an e n v i r o n -

ment t h a t d i s c o u r a g e s crime can be c r e a t e d . T h i s should be 

achieved by: 

1. L o c a t i n g indoor common areas adjacent to outdoor common 

spaces to improve mutual s e c u r i t y . 

2. Grouping d w e l l i n g u n i t s i n c l u s t e r s to enhance entrances 

s u r v e i l l a n c e of comings and goings. 

3. Designing fences and l a n d s c a p i n g t h a t a l l o w same views of 

the c l u s t e r s ( b u i l d i n g s ) and p r i v a t e open spaces from the 

s t r e e t . 

N.D.O. # 8 The CCC development should provide a v a r i e t y of 

open spaces which w i l l serve the p u b l i c , r e s i d e n t s 

and the neighbourhood as a whole. The treatment 

of open space should c o n t r i b u t e to the neighbour-

hood i d e n t i t y . 

R a t i o n a l e : The s u b j e c t s i t e i s a "green o a s i s " i n the P o i n t Grey 

area and can be e a s i l y transformed i n t o medium d e n s i t y deve-

lopment with s u f f i c i e n t p r o v i s i o n of open spaces. The northern 

p o r t i o n of the s i t e i s a l r e a d y an open p u b l i c grass-covered area 



97 

with t r e e s t h a t c r e a t e an a t t r a c t i v e s t r e e t s c a p e and c o n t r i b u t e 

to neighbourhood i d e n t i t y . A p l e a s a n t , e a s i l y a c c e s s i b l e outdoor 

area i s an e s s e n t i a l p a r t of a r e s i d e n t i a l environment f o r the 

e l d e r l y who are l i k e l y to spend more time i n or near t h e i r homes 

than younger people. The outdoor area should permit r e s i d e n t s 

to walk about e a s i l y and c o n v e n i e n t l y and should provide s e v e r a l 

kinds of space c r e a t e d f o r d i f f e r e n t a c t i v i t i e s . 

N.D.O. # 9 The CCC development should p r o v i d e l a n d s c a p i n g 

t h a t c r e a t e s v i s u a l i n t e r e s t and i d e n t i t y . 

R a t i o n a l e : There i s a s u b s t a n t i a l q u a n t i t y of deciduous t r e e s 

l o c a t e d i n the western p a r t of s i t e which provide a n a t u r a l 

b u f f e r zone from the adjacent J e r i c h o H i l l School p r o p e r t y and 

J u s t i c e I n s t i t u t e . Along 4th Avenue, there i s a green zone with 

deciduous t r e e s t h a t p r o v i d e s a b a r r i e r from the n o i s y 4th 

Avenue. Close to the i n t e r s e c t i o n of 4th Ave., and Highbury 

S t r e e t there i s a b e a u t i f u l a l l e y with many f e a t u r e t r e e s t h a t 

c r o s s the s i t e d i a g o n a l l y on the east-west a x i s . T h i s a l l e y i s 

a very important f e a t u r e of the s i t e t h a t should be preserved i n 

the f u t u r e development. Throughout the whole s i t e , there are 

s c a t t e r e d c o n i f e r o u s and deciduous t r e e s and rows of t r e e s along 

e x i s t i n g t r a n s p o r t a t i o n r o u t e s . Along 8th Avenue, there i s a 

high shrub hedge and a row of deciduous t r e e s . 

3.6. CONCLUSION 

The f a c i l i t y o b j e c t i v e s developed i n t h i s chapter have been 



98 

e s t a b l i s h e d i n order to guide the program development i n the 

f o l l o w i n g Chapters 4 and 5. A l l these o b j e c t i v e s are i n s t r u -

mental i n terms of s u c c e s s f u l o p e r a t i o n and management of the 

CCC f a c i l i t y . In summary, there are f i v e groups of o b j e c t i v e s : 

Group 1 L i v i n g Environmental O b j e c t i v e s which address the i s s u e 

of a s a f e and q u a l i t y f a c i l i t y environment. 

Group 2 R e s i d e n t s ' O b j e c t i v e s which concentrate on three b a s i c 

i s s u e s : tenure c h o i c e , h e a l t h care and s o c i a l needs. 

Group 3 F a c i l i t y Management O b j e c t i v e s which although emphasiz-

i n g the importance of c e n t r a l i z a t i o n of s u p p o r t i v e s e r -

v i c e s , n e v e r t h e l e s s s t r e s s a l s o the need f o r independ-

ence, p e r s o n a l i z a t i o n and v a r i e d p h y s i c a l environment. 

Group 4 Community O b j e c t i v e s e x p l a i n a need f o r s u c c e s s f u l and 

smooth r e l a t i o n s h i p between the CCC f a c i l i t y and the 

P o i n t Grey Community. 

Group 5 Neighbourhood Development O b j e c t i v e s are very important 

f o r the a r c h i t e c t u r a l concept of the CCC f a c i l i t y and 

have been presented i n the form of design g u i d e l i n e s . 



99 

CHAPTER 4 - THE CCC FACILITY COMPONENTS  

Chapter Summary: 

Chapter 4 i s the p a r t of t h e s i s s y n t h e s i s and c o n c e n t r a t e s 

on f o u r major f u n c t i o n a l components of the continuum of care 

complex: r e s i d e n t i a l , long-term care, community s e r v i c e s and 

outdoor a c t i v i t y spaces. These components c o n s t i t u t e the e n t i r e 

spectrum of the CC environment and are i n s t r u m e n t a l to i t s 

q u a l i t y . 

INTRODUCTION 

A q u a l i t y environment, which may c o n t r i b u t e to the e l d e r l y s 

s a t i s f a c t i o n and w e l l - b e i n g i s the major f a c t o r i n d e s i g n i n g a 

Continuum of Care Complex. As p o i n t e d out i n Chapter 3, there 

are s e v e r a l p h y s i c a l and s o c i a l c r i t e r i a , which may be used i n 

e v a l u a t i o n of the environmental q u a l i t y . The o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r 

i n d i v i d u a l c h o i c e , an encouragement of s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n 

between r e s i d e n t s , s t i m u l a t i o n and p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n a c t i v i t i e s 

as w e l l as reinforcement of i n d i v i d u a l independence are j u s t the 

b a s i c o b j e c t i v e s i n f u l f i l l i n g the CCC r e s i d e n t s s a t i s f a c t i o n . 

The o p p o r t u n i t y f o r i n d i v i d u a l c h o i c e would be s a t i s f i e d 

g e n e r a l l y by p r o v i d i n g a v a r i e t y of Environments which would 

permit the widest range of p e r s o n a l c h o i c e s . The most important 

c h o i c e would be a c h o i c e i n a v a r i e t y of l i v i n g arrangements. 

The CCC F a c i l i t y w i l l provide three tenure o p t i o n s . Each o p t i o n 

would p r o v i d e f u r t h e r c h o i c e s i n terms of the type and s i z e of 

d w e l l i n g u n i t s . 



100 

For those s e n i o r r e s i d e n t s who need h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s the 

Continuum of Care Complex w i l l provide a choice i n a range of 

l i v i n g accommodations a c c o r d i n g to l e v e l s of dependence and a 

range of care s e r v i c e s i n the Intermediate Care (three l e v e l s ) 

and Extended Care F a c i l i t i e s . 

The Core Centre would be a key component i n the c r e a t i o n of 

the CCC q u a l i t y environment. The l i f e e n r i c h i n g resources would 

promote mental and s o c i a l i n t e r g r a t i o n i n the Core Centre -

c u l t u r a l component. The l i f e s u s t a i n i n g resources i n the Health 

Centre would s a t i s f y r e s i d e n t s and the e l d e r l y l i v i n g i n the 

neighbourhood. However, the Core Centre would a l s o promote the 

o p p o r t u n i t y f o r s o c i a l c o n t a c t s and would enhance business 

i n t e g r a t i o n with the P o i n t Grey Community. S e v e r a l s e r v i c e s , 

programs and amenities would i n c r e a s e o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r 

i n d i v i d u a l c h o i c e . 

The outdoor space program components would be the p r i n c i p a l 

elements i n the CCC environment. Besides having t h e r a p e u t i c 

alue the outdoor spaces would c r e a t e a v a r i e t y of outdoor 

a c t i v i t i e s . T h i s component would a l s o promote p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n 

a l l i t s a c t i v i t i e s as w e l l as encourage s o c i a l c o n t a c t s between 

r e s i d e n t s and v i s i t o r s . 

4.0 SIZE OF THE FACILITY 

Is there an i d e a l number of e l d e r l y people, t h a t can be main-

t a i n e d i n one Continuum of Care Complex? In the United S t a t e s 

c o n t i n u i n g care r e t i r e m e n t communities house an average of 



101 

350-500 r e s i d e n t s , a p o p u l a t i o n range t h a t has proven economical-

l y v i a b l e (Green, 1985, p.39). Another study suggests t h a t : 

Although there i s d i v i d e d o p i n i o n as to the number of 
e l d e r l y who may be c o n c e n t r a t e d i n t h e i r own neighbour-
hood, up to 500 housing u n i t s d i v i d e d i n t o c l u s t e r s of 
30 to 50 i s a s c a l e to which most r e s i d e n t s can comfor-
t a b l y r e l a t e . With l e s s than two persons per house-
h o l d , the neighbourhood w i l l house a p o p u l a t i o n under 
1000 ( Z e l v e r 1976, p. 200). 

The s i z e of the CCC f a c i l i t y should be such t h a t i t does not 

c r e a t e an i s o l a t e d community of the e l d e r l y , but l a r g e enough to 

provide an economic v i a b i l i t y i n terms of b u i l d i n g s and s e r -

v i c e s . However, the problem remains beyond the q u e s t i o n of a 

number of s e n i o r s i n a given space. A q u a l i t y environment, 

which c o n t r i b u t e s i n the f i r s t p l a c e to the e l d e r l y * s s a t i s f a c -

t i o n and t h e i r w e l l - b e i n g would be another important f a c t o r i n 

d e s i g n i n g a Continuum of Care Complex. 

4.1 HOUSING - INDEPENDENT LIVING 

The o b j e c t i v e f o r choice of r e s i d e n t i a l tenure i n Indepen-

dent L i v i n g Housing c o u l d be f u l f i l l e d by p r o v i d i n g three tenure 

o p t i o n s . The f i r s t one would be r e n t a l accommodation f o r the 

e l d e r l y who are unable to own t h e i r d w e l l i n g u n i t s . T h i s type 

of housing would be a v a i l a b l e to low income s e n i o r s l i v i n g i n 

r e n t a l apartments i n the West P o i n t Grey area as w e l l as i n 

K i t s i l a n o , Dunbar and K e r r i s d a l e . However, the program a l s o 

assumes other c h o i c e s : Cooperative Housing townhouses ( a s s i s t e d 

by funds from CMHC) f o r those with moderate income, but a c t i v e 

and w i l l i n g to p a r t i c i p a t e i n the c o o p e r a t i v e management; and 



102 

a l s o S t r a t a - T i t l e d w e l l i n g u n i t s developed by the p r i v a t e 

s e c t o r . The l a s t o p t i o n c o u l d be o f f e r e d to more a f f l u e n t 

r e s i d e n t s of West P o i n t Grey, adjacent Dunbar and K e r r i s d a l e as 

w e l l as to those from M e t r o p o l i t a n Vancouver and Canada (see 

Chapter 2). 

There are advantages and disadvantages of each housing 

o p t i o n . (Housing Information For Those Approaching Retirement, 

Centre f o r C o n t i n u i n g E d u c t i o n , U.B.C. 1986; Home S e l e c t i o n 

Guide, NHA 5179 CMHC, 1983) Each housing type s a t i s f i e s 

d i f f e r e n t needs of the e l d e r l y : 

Tabel 4-1.--Housing Choices i n the CCC F a c i l i t y 

BCHMC CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING STRATA-TITLE 
DW. UNITS 

ADVANTAGES 

Low and moderate 
income - r e n t s are 
30% of gross house-
h o l d income. 

S e c u r i t y of tenure, S e c u r i t y of the 
ownership. 

O p p o r t u n i t y to 
change accomodation. 

Housing charges are 
kept a t reasonable 
l e v e l . 

Opportunity to 
p a r t i c i p a t e i n 
the management 
of the condo-
minium. 

L i t t l e or no r e s -
p o n s i b i l i t y f o r 
the maintenance. 

L i v e and s o c i a l i z e 
i n a community type 
s e t t i n g . 

More l i v i n g 
space s e r v i c e s 
and f a c i l i t i e s , 
b e t t e r f i n i s h 
m a t e r i a l s . 

No down-payment 
r e q u i r e d . 

Occupants c o l l e c t -
i v e l y own and manage 
the housing. 

Opportunity to 
recover the 
i n v e s t e d money. 



103 

Table 4-1.--Housing Choices i n the CCC F a c i l i t y (Cont'd) 

BCHMC CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING STRATA-TITLE 
DW. UNITS 

ADVANTAGES 

More freedom to be 
away. 

Household/occupants 
purchase share -- money 
refunded when the occu-
pant moves out. 

Independence and 
freedom to pur-
sue i n d i v i d u a l 
l i v e s t y l e . 

Convenience of having 
f r i e n d s i n the same 
b u i l d i n g 

Value has i n -
creased over 
p a s t s e v e r a l 
years. 

DISADVANTAGES 

Long w a i t i n g l i s t . Members must comply 
with the r e g u l a t i o n s 
e s t a b l i s h e d by the 
c o o p e r a t i v e as a group. 

N e c e s s i t y to 
comply with con-
dominium r e g u l a -
t i o n s . 

No o p p o r t u n i t y to 
t u r n p a r t of your 
expenses i n t o i n -
vestment. 

O b l i g a t i o n s to p a r t i -
c i p a t e i n c o o p e r a t i v e 
a d m i n i s t r a t i o n . 

Maintenance and 
improvements 
o u t s i d e the 
housing u n i t are 
s u b j e c t to d e c i -
s i o n s by the 
board of d i -
r e c t o r s . 

No s e c u r i t y of 
the ownership. 

No o p p o r t u n i t y to 
b u i l d up investment 
i n value of property. 

Costs: h i g h e r 
than co-ops. 

5% wheelchair acces-
s i b l e u n i t s only. 

Higher monthly mortgage 
payments than f o r r e n t -
a l housing 

Long-term f i n a n -
c i a l commitment. 

Less l i v i n g space 
amenities than i n 
co-op and s t r a t a -
t i t l e . 

Long-term f i n a n c i a l 
commitment or l a r g e 
downpayment. 

R e l a t i v e l y l e s s 
freedom to move 
than with r e n t a l 
housing 

N e c e s s i t y to buy shares. 



104 

4.1.1 BCHMC HOUSING - NON-PROFIT RENTAL HOUSING 

To s a t i s f y the needs of the f i r s t group of p o t e n t i a l r e s i -

dents the CCC f a c i l i t y c o u l d provide independent l i v i n g u n i t s 

w i t h i n the N o n - p r o f i t Housing Program of the BCHMC. The 

o b j e c t i v e of t h a t program i s the development of modest housing 

p r o j e c t s f o r needy people b u i l t i n accordance with BCHMC 

s p e c i f i c a t i o n s , a l l a p p l i c a b l e b u i l d i n g codes, m u n i c i p a l by-laws 

and r e g u l a t i o n s . At present the program covers both s e n i o r 

c i t i z e n s and f a m i l y housing p r o j e c t s , i n c l u d i n g a s s o c i a t e d u n i t s 

f o r the d i s a b l e d . The subsidy a v a i l a b l e under the program i s 

designed to cover the d i f f e r e n c e between the break-even r e n t f o r 

the p r o j e c t and the tenant r e n t c o n t r i b u t i o n based on 30% of 

household income. A f t e r completion of c o n s t r u c t i o n , the subsidy 

i s p a i d d i r e c t l y to a sponsoring housing s o c i e t y by the B.C. 

Housing Management Commission on b e h a l f of the F e d e r a l and 

P r o v i n c i a l governments. A c c o r d i n g to the development c r i t e r i a 

the sponsor of such a p r o j e c t must be a n o n - p r o f i t housing 

s o c i e t y , which plans to develop a s o c i a l housing p r o j e c t and 

make a long term commitment to the e f f i c i e n t management of the 

f a c i l i t y . 

BCHMCs data (on J u l y 21th, 1989) i n d i c a t e t h a t there i s a 

g r e a t demand f o r s u b s i d i z e d housing. In Vancouver, there are 

1040 persons 55 years o l d and over on the w a i t i n g l i s t (226 

persons i n the West Side of Vancouver). F i v e per cent of them 

are l i v i n g i n very poor c o n d i t i o n s . Thus, we can assume t h a t 

the CCC f a c i l i t y might provide up to 100 u n i t s of r e n t a l housing 



105 

a c c o r d i n g to the BCHMC Design G u i d e l i n e s i n d i c a t i n g t h i s s i z e of 

development as the most economical from the f i n a n c i a l , p r o p e r t y 

and management, and maintenance p o i n t of view (BCMHC 1989 

P r o p o s a l C a l l - Blue Book, p. 1). 

4.1.2. CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING 

Co-operative housing i s becoming a popular way to s a t i s f y 

the e l d e r l y * s housing needs. I t p r o v i d e s f o r user p a r t i c i p a t i o n 

i n s e v e r a l Committees, Board of D i r e c t o r s and permits them to 

i n f l u e n c e the a f f a i r s of the co-op. In a d d i t i o n i t p r o v i d e s 

n o n - p r o f i t , c o s t e f f i c i e n t housing. In 1980 there were only s i x 

co-op housing p r o j e c t s f o r s e n i o r s i n Canada. By 1986 there 

were 15 and today there are 45, o f f e r i n g 2,000 u n i t s (The 

C o u r i e r , A p r i l 2, 1989). 

An a l t e r n a t i v e o p t i o n of Independent L i v i n g Housing c o u l d be 

a new form of a n o n - p r o f i t housing c o - o p e r a t i v e f o r s e n i o r 

c i t i z e n s r e c e n t l y developed i n B.C. by the Columbia Housing 

A d v i s o r y A s s o c i a t i o n . T h i s type of Housing Co-op doesn't r e -

q u i r e government s u b s i d i e s (see Chapter 3 - R e s i d e n t i a l 

O b j e c t i v e s ) . Instead, members purchase shares which amount to 

a t l e a s t 20% of the c o s t of t h e i r u n i t s . Monthly housing 

charges are based on the mortgage and o p e r a t i n g c o s t s per u n i t . 

T h i s o p t i o n c o u l d be o f f e r e d to people who s o l d t h e i r f a m i l y 

houses and are l o o k i n g f o r s m a l l e r , more manageable d w e l l i n g 

u n i t s . A c c o r d i n g to t h e i r experience i n management of e x i s t i n g 

s e n i o r s ' co-ops, Columbia Housing A d v i s o r y A s s o c i a t i o n suggests 



106 

the number of 50-70 u n i t s as the most a p p r o p r i a t e s i z e of the 

co-op. In the CCC c o o p e r a t i v e housing, there would be 50 u n i t s 

grouped i n 4-5 c l u s t e r s , c r e a t i n g the s c a l e of the c l u s t e r to 

which most e l d e r l y r e s i d e n t s may comfortably r e l a t e (Alexander 

1977, p.202). 

4.1.3 STRATA-TITLE HOUSING (CONDOMINIUM) 

The term condominium r e f e r s to e x c l u s i v e ownership of one 

housing u n i t i n a housing p r o j e c t and co-ownership of a f r a c t i o n 

of common space and amenities. The monthly payment covers the 

mortgage, taxes and maintenance c o s t . A c c o r d i n g to the Condo-

minium Act, there s h a l l be a c o u n c i l e l e c t e d a n n u a l l y from the 

members. The C o u n c i l has power to a c t f o r the group as a 

whole. However, the members are r e l e a s e d from the r e s p o n s i b i -

l i t y of management of the p r o j e c t . The c o u n c i l h i r e s the 

manager. Although the members have c o n t r o l over t h e i r u n i t s 

they are l e s s i n v o l v e d i n the o p e r a t i o n of the p r o j e c t i n 

comparison with co-op housing where involvement i n common 

a f f a i r s i s mandatory. 

A c c o r d i n g to the 1985 HOMES N a t i o n a l Survey on housing 

market c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s and demand, (Berger, Godin, and Harvey 

1986) one of f o u r Canadians between 55 and 64 years of age i s a 

p o t e n t i a l homebuyer. The r e g i o n showing the most a c t i v e market 

i s B r i t i s h Columbia. There, twenty seven percent of the popula-

t i o n i n the 55 plus age group are i n t e r e s t e d i n buying a home. 

The survey has shown t h a t although the p r e f e r e d housing type by 



107 

the m a j o r i t y of Canadians (80%) was a s i n g l e detached house, the 

second p r e f e r e n c e was apartment-condominium (6%) and townhouse 

condominium ( 2 % ) . Moreover, f o u r percent of respondents s a i d 

they would s e r i o u s l y c o n s i d e r , and 15% s a i d they would somewhat 

s e r i o u s l y c o n s i d e r buying a condominium (Berger, Godin and 

Harvey, 1986, p.62). We can assume t h a t there c o u l d be a demand 

f o r purchasing condominiums i n the CCC f a c i l i t y . S i m i l a r l y to 

the c o o p e r a t i v e housing, the Condominium C l u s t e r s w i l l be 

comprised of 50 d w e l l i n g u n i t s . 

Since the v a r i e t y of housing o p t i o n s w i l l be addressed to 

v a r i o u s needs of the e l d e r l y , the p o t e n t i a l r e s i d e n t s of the CCC 

w i l l have f l e x i b i l i t y of c h o i c e and o p p o r t u n i t y w i t h i n t h e i r 

means to l i v e as they wish. In a d d i t i o n , a l l three types of 

housing - s o c i a l housing (standard u n i t s , a f f o r d a b l e r e n t ) , 

c o o p e r a t i v e housing ( a f f o r d a b l e mortgage, more space) and 

p r i v a t e housing (higher q u a l i t y , more space) - w i l l adopt a 

p r o s t h e t i c approach to design by p r o v i d i n g environmental support 

to encourage independence of s e n i o r r e s i d e n t s (see Chapter 3, 

L.E.O. #2, 3, 4). 

4.1.4 SERVICES IN THE INDEPENDENT LIVING HOUSING 

The types of s e r v i c e s p r o v i d e d i n e l d e r l y housing w i l l vary, 

depending on the l e v e l of dependence of r e s i d e n t s . In Indepen-

dent L i v i n g , where the l e v e l of dependency i s "very low", the 

e l d e r l y w i l l l i v e independently with only minimal support. 

S e r v i c e s such as t r a n s p o r t a t i o n , s o c i a l events, or r e c r e a t i o n a l 



108 

a c t i v i t i e s c o u l d be mainly a v a i l a b l e i n the c e n t r a l p a r t of CCC 

Core Centre or Outdoor A c t i v i t y Centre. In the Supported 

Independent L i v i n g where the l e v e l of dependence i s "moderate 

low", s o c i a l s e r v i c e s w i l l be mostly r e q u i r e d . The r e s i d e n t s 

may be l o o k i n g f o r i n f o r m a t i o n , and a p l e a s a n t atmosphere. 

When the l e v e l of dependence changes to "moderate", p e r s o n a l 

s e r v i c e s as w e l l as s o c i a l s e r v i c e s w i l l be r e q u i r e d such as: 

c o u n s e l l i n g , house-keeping ( c l e a n i n g , minor house r e p a i r s ) , 

meals-on-wheels or wheels-to-meals, s e c u r i t y checks, t e l e c a r e , 

day care or f r i e n d l y v i s i t i n g and 24-hour s e c u r i t y . T h i s k i n d 

of s e r v i c e s c o u l d be provided by the Home Support and Home Care 

from the Core Centre component. A l s o , the s o c i a l p l a n n i n g s t a f f 

from the Core Centre may provide a v a r i e t y of r e c r e a t i o n a l a c t i v -

i t y programs i n the common areas or may organize t r i p s away f o r 

shopping, d i n i n g or c u l t u r a l events. 

4.2 HOUSING FOR PERSONS REQUIRING LONG TERM CARE 

The second major component of the Continuum of Care Complex 

c o u l d be Long Term Care F a c i l i t i e s i n c l u d i n g Intermediate Care 

(three l e v e l s ) , and the Extended Care. 

Long-term care i s the p r o v i s i o n of organized s e r v i c e s to a 

person with a c h r o n i c d i s a b i l i t y over a prolonged p e r i o d of 

time. The goal i s to a t t a i n and maintain an optimal l e v e l of 

f u n c t i o n i n g i n the p a t i e n t . I t i n c l u d e s s e r v i c e s f o r p a t i e n t s 

i n i n s t i t u t i o n a l and home s e t t i n g s (Report of CMA, 1987). At 

present, there i s a sharp d i v i s i o n between care i n the community 



and care i n the i n s t i t u t i o n ; indeed, s e r v i c e s are g e n e r a l l y 

fragmented. A c c o r d i n g to the Report of the CMA, 1987 "the 

p r o v i s i o n of a continuum of care, with the v a r i o u s elements 

b l e n d i n g together, should be the u n d e r l y i n g p r i n c i p l e i n plann-

i n g s e r v i c e s f o r the e l d e r l y " . The Continuum of Care Complex 

w i l l provide a comprehensive and c o o r d i n a t e d system of care 

ranging from home support and home care to treatment i n I n t e r -

mediate Care and Extended Care f a c i l i t i e s . The CCC w i l l be a 

m u l t i - l e v e l c e n t r e with g r a d u a t i o n of care organized and d e l i v e r -

ed i n one s e t t i n g . Moreover, there w i l l be the Day/Night Care, 

R e s p i t e Care and H o l i d a y / V a c a t i o n Care f o r the e l d e r l y who are 

l i v i n g i n the neighbourhood. 

4.2.1 INTERMEDIATE CARE; 

The three l e v e l Intermediate Care f a c i l i t y w i l l p r o v i d e 

s e r v i c e s f o r f r a i l e l d e r l y people who have l i m i t e d m o b i l i t y and 

whose l e v e l of dependency i s "moderate high". T h e r e f o r e , a l l 

spaces w i l l be handicap a c c e s s i b l e and a v a r i e t y of s e r v i c e s may 

be o f f e r e d to i t s r e s i d e n t s . G e n e r a l l y , a l l three l e v e l s c o u l d 

provide the b a s i c types of s e r v i c e s : p e r s o n a l , s o c i a l , and 

h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s . 

Intermediate Care l e v e l I r e c o g n i z e s the i n d i v i d u a l who 

r e q u i r e s moderate a s s i s t a n c e with the a c t i v i t i e s of d a i l y l i v i n g 

and minimal p r o f e s s i o n a l care and s u p e r v i s i o n . The focus i s on 

r e a c t i v a t i o n and maintenance program with medical and p r o f e s -

s i o n a l n u r s i n g s u p e r v i s i o n . The program c o u l d encourage and 



110 

maintain independence i n the a c t i v i t i e s of d a i l y l i v i n g , and 

a l s o c o u l d meet the p s y c h o - s o c i a l needs of r e s i d e n t s . R e a c t i v a -

t i o n i m p l i e s s t i m u l a t i o n of the r e s i d e n t s so t h a t p h y s i c a l , 

mental and s o c i a l a b i l i t i e s are brought to the optimum l e v e l and 

maintained. 

P e r s o n a l s e r v i c e s p r o v i d e d at t h i s l e v e l : 

s u p e r v i s i o n ; 

p e r s o n a l care eg: p e r s o n a l grooming, hygiene, p o d i a t r y , 

housekeeping and p e r s o n a l laundry; 

three meals per day; 

c o u n s e l l i n g . 

S o c i a l s e r v i c e s p r o v i d e d a t t h i s l e v e l : 

a c t i v a t i o n program; 

s o c i a l and r e c r e a t i o n a l programs as d e s i r e d ; 

Health care s e r v i c e s : 

b a s i c n u r s i n g s e r v i c e s approximately 2-6 hours per 

r e s i d e n t / d a y ; 

c o n s u l t a t i o n ; 

three months drug review; 

annual p h y s i c a l examination; 

medication a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ; 

Intermediate Care l e v e l s I I and I I I provide p e r s o n a l and s o c i a l 

s e r v i c e s s i m i l a r to s e r v i c e s a v a i l a b l e on l e v e l I with added 

o p t i o n s such as: 

f u l l d i e t a r y s e r v i c e s ; 

a s s i s t a n c e with f i n a n c i a l matters; 



I l l 

needed s u p e r v i s i o n ; 

emotional or b e h a v i o r a l c o n d i t i o n support; 

The h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s at t h i s l e v e l s c o u l d i n c l u d e : 

medications a d m i n i s t e r e d by a r e g i s t e r e d nurse; 

part-time c o n s u l t a n t physiotherapy and o c c u p a t i o n a l therapy, 

d a i l y o b s e r v a t i o n s ; 

constant s u p e r v i s i o n r e q u i r e d due to d i s o r i e n t a t i o n of the 

r e s i d e n t s ; 

other s e r v i c e s a v a i l a b l e as may be r e q u i r e d ; 

(Community Care F a c i l i t y Act, 1 9 8 0 ) ( M i n i s t r y of Health Long Term 

Care Program, P o l i c y Manual, 1983). 

4.2.2 EXTENDED CARE 

Extended Care d i f f e r s from Intermediate Care because 

p h y s i c a l , mental or emotional c o n d i t i o n s of r e s i d e n t - p a t i e n t 

r e q u i r e ongoing assessment and i n t e r v e n t i o n by a l l d i s c i p l i n e s 

(e.g. n u r s i n g , d i e t a r y and m e d i c a l ) . The Extended Care f a c i l i t y 

c o u l d serve the e l d e r l y with a "high l e v e l " of dependence who 

r e q u i r e p r o f e s s i o n a l n u r s i n g s e r v i c e s on a twenty-four hour 

b a s i s and r e g u l a r continuous medical s u p e r v i s i o n . However, 

Extended Care does not r e q u i r e a l l the resources of an acute 

care h o s p i t a l (BCHP Extended Care Design G u i d e l i n e s 1988). 

S e r v i c e s provided i n the Extended Care f a c i l i t y c o u l d 

i n c l u d e h e a l t h care and p e r s o n a l s e r v i c e s . S o c i a l s e r v i c e s w i l l 

depend on the p h y s i c a l c o n d i t i o n of r e s i d e n t s . The Extended 

Care l e v e l c o u l d p r o v i d e : 



112 

d a i l y help with grooming, t o i l e t i n g , m o b i l i t y ; 

d a i l y treatments as may be r e q u i r e d ; 

medication a d m i n i s t e r e d by a r e g i s t e r e d nurse; 

t h e r a p e u t i c s e r v i c e s : physiotherapy, o c c u p a t i o n a l therapy 

and speech therapy. 

s p e c i a l d i e t 

mechanical a i d s f o r r e s i d e n t care eg: mechanical l i f t s or 

high-low beds, as w e l l as s p e c i a l i z e d t h e r a p e u t i c a i d s ; 

help and a s s i s t a n c e i n emotional or b e h a v i o r a l problems; 

The major program d i f f e r e n c e s among the Long-Term Care f a c i l i -

t i e s are s i g n i f i c a n t i n terms of the s p e c i a l requirements and 

the provided s e r v i c e s . Since the l e v e l of dependence of the 

e l d e r l y grows a c c o r d i n g to t h e i r gradual p h y s i c a l and emotional 

l o s s e s , consequently there i s a n e c e s s i t y to provide a v a r i e t y 

of care l e v e l s . However, most o l d e r people do not f i t n e a t l y 

i n t o any p a r t i c u l a r order of s e r v i c e s ; o n l y a few r e q u i r e a l l 

a v a i l a b l e s e r v i c e s . Most e l d e r l y may need one p a r t i c u l a r s e r -

v i c e one day and d i f f e r e n t mix of s e r v i c e s the next day. The 

Continuum of Care Complex may meet these d i v e r s e and changing 

needs through a network of d i f f e r e n t s e r v i c e s a v a i l a b l e a t a l l 

times i n one p l a c e . 

4.2.3. THE NUMBER OF LONG TERM CARE BEDS 

At p r e s e n t there i s no answer to the q u e s t i o n "What i s the 

r i g h t mix of r e s i d e n t s i n m u l t i - l e v e l care f a c i l i t i e s and 

Continuum of Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)?" Researchers 



113 

do not know the extent to which continued i n t e r a c t i o n s between 

CCRC n u r s i n g home r e s i d e n t s and independent l i v i n g u n i t 

r e s i d e n t s a f f e c t the l i f e s a t i s f a c t i o n of each group (Gutman, 

1988). For example, i n Seton V i l l a -- a m u l t i - l e v e l care 

f a c i l i t y i n Burnaby B.C. the " l i g h t " or "heavy" p e r s o n a l care 

beds (Intermediate Care l e v e l ) represented 25% of r e s i d e n t s 

only. The remainder l i v e d i n s e l f - c o n t a i n e d and b o a r d - r e s i d e n t s 

u n i t s and were e s s e n t i a l l y independent. " T h i s mix seemed to 

work w e l l . " (Gutman 1988, p.10) 

Another example i s the Northwood Complex i n H a l i f a x , N.S. 

The f a c i l i t y accomodates 876 o l d e r people i n v a r i o u s l i v i n g 

arrangement from " s e l f - c o n t a i n e d " apartments through to "Nurs-

i n g " care. There are 230 independent s e l f contained apartments 

o n l y (35% r e s i d e n t s i n 56 one bedroom and 174 b a c h e l o r a p t s . ) . 

The r e s t (65%) of 576 "care" beds o f f e r p r o g r e s s i v e stages or 

l e v e l s of care made up of 112 " s u p e r v i s o r y " care beds, 167 

" p e r s o n a l " care beds, 297 " n u r s i n g " care beds. Although the 

Northwood Complex i s very b i g and "there are those who b e l i e v e 

i t has grown too l a r g e ..", there i n no i n d i c a t i o n t h a t there i s 

not a r i g h t mix among the l e v e l s of care. On the c o n t r a r y , f o r 

many, the Complex i s a model of e x c e l l e n c e f o r the Province and 

the Country (Rogers 1987). A c c o r d i n g to Gutman (1988) p o s i t i v e 

a t t i t u d e s towards mixing between l e v e l s i n m u l t i - l e v e l complexes 

or CCRCs are dependent a l s o on management p r a c t i c e s , p o l i c i e s 

and enthusiasm. 

In Vancouver, there i s a need f o r Long Term Care f a c i l i t i e s 



114 

(see Chapter 2, F i g 2-5, 2-6). The t o t a l number of w a i t l i s t e d 

r e s i d e n t s f o r Intermediate Care f a c i l i t i e s i n 1986 was 694 and 

69 f o r Extended Care F a c i l i t i e s (Vancouver Health Department 

Annual Report 1986). Based on the above data t h i s Program 

assumes t h a t the CCC should provide mainly Intermediate Care (90 

beds) with c l u s t e r of Extended Care (42 beds). 

4.3 THE CORE CENTRE 

The Core Centre would c r e a t e a major focus of a c t i v i t i e s 

w i t h i n the CCC and would serve as l i a s o n between a l l l e v e l s of 

care w i t h i n the f a c i l i t y and the community at l a r g e . T h i s 

f a c i l i t y component would c r e a t e an i n f o r m a l community network of 

f r i e n d s and r e l a t i v e s , would provide l i f e s u s t a i n i n g and l i f e 

e n r i c h i n g r e s o u r c e s f o r the r e s i d e n t s as w e l l as o l d e r people 

from the P o i n t Grey neighbourhood and would enhance business 

i n t e g r a t i o n with the e n t i r e community. For the r e s i d e n t s , the 

Core Centre w i l l be a p l a c e where they may spend time inexpen-

s i v e l y and p r o f i t a b l y . I t may generate f r i e n d s , o p p o r t u n i t i e s 

f o r p e r s o n a l growth and c o n t a c t with the community and "ongoing-

ness" of l i f e . I t may a l s o be a p l a c e j u s t to go and watch when 

d e c l i n i n g p h y s i c a l v i g o r no longer makes p a r t i c i p a t i o n p o s s i b l e . 

In keeping with the CCC f a c i l i t y o b j e c t i v e s the Core Centre 

w i l l c e n t r a l i z e a number of s e r v i c e s . There would be c e n t r a l 

a d m i n i s t r a t i o n , food s e r v i c e s , laundry s e r v i c e s , m a t e r i a l s , 

supply b u i l d i n g and p l a n t s e r v i c e s as w e l l as c e n t r a l s o c i a l and 

h e a l t h s e r v i c e s . However, o n l y a few of the major Core Centre 



115 

components w i l l e x c l u s i v e l y serve the CCC f a c i l i t y r e s i d e n t s . 

There w i l l be s e v e r a l components which would provide s e r v i c e s 

f o r the r e s i d e n t s as w e l l as f o r the v i s i t o r s from the communi-

t y . For example, the Core Centre components, which provide 

s o c i a l and h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s such as the Auditorium and 

S p e c i a l Programs, A r t s and C r a f t s , L i b r a r y , R e h a b i l i t a t i o n 

Centre with f i t n e s s c l u b and swimming pool and Food F a i r can be 

o r g a n i z e d under the auspices of the S e n i o r Centre. The S e n i o r 

Centre may p l a y i t s unique r o l e i n the P o i n t Grey community by 

p r o v i d i n g f o r s o c i a l , p h y s i c a l and i n t e l l e c t u a l needs of o l d e r 

people. I t may s t i m u l a t e , maintain and deepen a "sense of t h a t 

community" as w e l l as may provide o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r people to 

give t h e i r time i n v o l u n t e e r s e r v i c e . The S e n i o r Centre may be 

run by the CCC r e s i d e n t s and members from the community with 

support of the p r o f e s s i o n a l s t a f f . We assume a t t h i s stage t h a t 

a d u l t s 50 years of age and over w i l l be e l i g i b l e f o r membership 

i n the CCC S e n i o r A s s o c i a t i o n . A membership may e n t i t l e a 

person to take p a r t i n C o u n c i l sponsored a c t i v i t i e s and to take 

advantage of other programs and s e r v i c e s o f f e r e d w i t h i n the Core 

Centre. 

4.3.1. CORE CENTRE COMPONENT I - LIFE ENRICHING RESOURCES - 

CULTURAL CENTRE 

As a l r e a d y mentioned i n Chapter 2, there i s an urgent need 

to expand the e x i s t i n g Brock House S e n i o r C i t i z e n Centre with 

more comprehensive programs and a wider range of amenities. 



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Brock House p l a y s a s i g n i f i c a n t r o l e i n the P o i n t Grey Community 

by p r o v i d i n g a v a r i e t y of s o c i a l and e d u c a t i o n a l programs f o r 

3000 members. However, there i s no adequate space to accom-

modate b i g g e r group meetings, c u l t u r a l events, s e v e r a l A r t s & 

C r a f t s a c t i v i t i e s , outdoor r e c r e a t i o n a l a c t i v i t i e s , h e a l t h and 

r e h a b i l i t a t i o n programs and h e a l t h s e r v i c e s as w e l l as a Day 

Care Program. The Core Centre may respond to those needs by 

p r o v i d i n g v a r i o u s l i f e e n r i c h i n g r e s o u r c e s . The major component 

would be the Auditorium and Programs, which would i n c l u d e a 200 

seat Theatre and a couple of seminar and meeting rooms. 

L e c t u r e s , movies, c o n c e r t s , s p e c i a l c u l t u r a l events, Music and 

Drama c l u b , c l a s s e s f o r a d u l t education and other programs would 

be o f f e r e d to the CCC r e s i d e n t s and to the whole community. T h i s 

component w i l l c o u l d a l s o provide an o p p o r t u n i t y f o r many s o c i a l 

a c t i v i t i e s such as: b r i d g e , bingo, t r i p s , s i n g along, t o a s t -

masters e t c . Then, there would be the A r t s and C r a f t s component 

p r o v i d i n g an o p p o r t u n i t y f o r p e r s o n a l e x p r e s s i o n , d e v e l o p i n g 

c r e a t i v i t y and s o c i a l , i n t e r a c t i o n . Within t h i s component a 

number of workshops would be o f f e r e d such as: woodwork p a i n t i n g , 

dyeing, weaving and p o t t e r y . The L i b r a r y , with r e a d i n g and 

l i s t e n i n g rooms, c o u l d be f o r those who p r e f e r r e a d i n g , 

l i s t e n i n g to music or l e a r n i n g a new language i n t h e i r l e a s u r e 

time. For the youngest and more a c t i v e e l d e r l y , the Core Centre 

w i l l p r o v i d e outdoor r e c r e a t i o n a l a c t i v i t i e s i n the v a r i o u s 

c l u b s such as bowling, m i n i - g o l f , croquet and gardening. 



117 

4.3.2. CORE CENTRE COMPONENT I I - LIFE SUSTAINING RESOURCES - 

HEALTH CENTRE 

The Core Centre would a l s o provide l i f e s u s t a i n i n g r e s o u r -

ces. The most sought component would be the R e h a b i l i t a t i o n 

Centre which may be i n s t r u m e n t a l i n developing a community 

s p i r i t and would provide h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s . The R e h a b i l i t a -

t i o n Centre would c o n s i s t of Treatment U n i t s p r o v i d i n g physio-

therapy and speech pathology s e r v i c e s . F i t n e s s and Dancing Club 

would provide e x e r c i s e and k i n e s t h e r a p y s e r v i c e s , while a l a r g e 

swimming pool with sauna c o u l d become the most a t t r a c t i v e p l a c e 

i n the Core Centre. Another important component would be the 

M e d i c a l C l i n i c p r o v i d i n g medical, d e n t a l and c o u n s e l i n g s e r -

v i c e s . T h i s component may enhance business i n t e g r a t i o n with the 

P o i n t Grey Community s i n c e i t may serve not o n l y the CCC 

r e s i d e n t s but a l s o the e l d e r l y from the community. The next 

component, Pharmacy, would serve the Long-term care f a c i l i t i e s 

and dispense pharmaceutical s u p p l i e s to t h e i r r e s i d e n t s and the 

customers from the community. And l a s t , but not l e a s t , a 

S e n i o r s ' Day Care Program would o f f e r a wide range of a c t i v i t i e s 

and programs to the r e s i d e n t s and o l d e r a d u l t s l i v i n g i n the 

community who r e q u i r e support to maintain an independent 

l i f e s t y l e . 

4.3.3. CORE CENTRE COMPONENT I I I - SOCIAL INTERACTION AND  

BUSINESS INTEGRATION 

The t h i r d group of f u n c t i o n a l components i n the Core Centre 

would c r e a t e an o p p o r t u n i t y f o r i n f o r m a l community network of 



118 

f r i e n d s and r e l a t i v e s . An o p p o r t u n i t y f o r s o c i a l i n t e g r a t i o n 

c o u l d be c r e a t e d by p r o v i d i n g f a c i l i t i e s such as: r e s t a u r a n t , 

c o f f e e - s h o p and bar. Designed as a "Food F a i r " , t h i s component 

may become a magnet f o r a l l the r e s i d e n t s and t h e i r v i s i t o r s . 

Other f a c i l i t i e s , which may add to an o p p o r t u n i t y f o r s o c i a l 

c o n t a c t s and may enhance business i n t e g r a t i o n with the community 

would be as f o l l o w s : a winter garden with o c c a s i o n a l a r t e x h i b i -

t i o n s , a beauty s a l o n and a h a i r d r e s s e r , a bank and s m a l l r e t a i l 

o u t l e t s . 

4.3.4. SUPPORTING AND MAINTENANCE COMPONENTS 

The f o u r t h group of the Core Centre components w i l l serve 

the CCC f a c i l i t y only. There w i l l be Laundry, M a t e r i a l S e r v i c e s , 

B u i l d i n g S e r v i c e s , P l a n t S e r v i c e s as w e l l as A d m i n i s t r a t i o n and 

S t a f f Support components. 

4.4. OUTDOOR SPACES 

The outdoor landscape should be c o n s i d e r e d as the p r i n c i p a l 

element i n c r e a t i n g a s u c c e s s f u l environment f o r the e l d e r l y , 

because i t has great t h e r a p e u t i c value b e s i d e s enjoyment and 

p l e a s u r e . For most people, nature holds deep meaning: i t i s a 

p l a c e of refuge, peace and t r a n q u i l i t y , and symbol of l i f e and 

growth. Research f i n d i n g s support the i d e a t h a t people gain a 

g r e a t d e a l of p l e a s u r e from c o n t a c t with nature. Moreover, the 

b e n e f i t s gained from n a t u r a l scenes go beyond simple p l e a s u r e . 



119 

Recent r e s e a r c h has proved ( R e i n z e n s t e i n Carpman 1986) t h a t the 

landscape has t h e r a p e u t i c s i g n i f i c a n c e . The s t u d i e s suggest 

t h a t the a v a i l a b i l i t y of nature, the form of views from windows 

as w e l l as a c c e s s i b l e outdoor spaces, can be r e s t o r a t i v e . Many 

e l d e r l y are under s t r e s s . R e i z e n s t e i n s a i d t h a t : 

A c c o r d i n g to one r e s e a r c h e r , i f an i n d i v i d u a l i s s t r e s s -
ed, viewing an a t t r a c t i v e n a t u r a l scene w i l l be sooth-
i n g because i t can e l i c i t f e e l i n g s of p l e a s a n t n e s s , 
h o l d i n t e r e s t , and block or reduce s t r e s s f u l thoughts 
( R e i z e n s t e i n Carpman 1987, p.197). 

Many o l d e r people i n the CCC e i t h e r by c h o i c e or p h y s i c a l l i m i t a -

t i o n may spend most of t h e i r time i n t h e i r d w e l l i n g u n i t s . Pro-

v i s i o n of outdoor landscaped spaces i n form of p r i v a t e p a t i o s or 

b a l c o n i e s and a view to outdoor common a c t i v i t y areas c o u l d be 

very s t i m u l a t i n g and a p p e a l i n g f o r the e l d e r l y . Outdoor spaces 

provide a change of environment c l o s e a t hand, an area to grow 

flowers and p e r s o n a l i z e , and they can p e r c e p t u a l l y i n c r e a s e the 

s i z e of l i v i n g space. They o f f e r immediate access to f r e s h a i r 

which i s important f o r some tenants with r e s p i r a t o r y problems. 

In a d d i t i o n , outdoor extensions of p a t i o s can provide secure and 

p r o t e c t e d environments f o r c a s u a l s o c i a l i z i n g with others 

( Z e i s e l 1977, p.44). 

4.4.1. OUTDOOR SPACE COMPONENTS 

The outdoor areas would c o n s i s t of p r i v a t e outdoor spaces 

and common a c t i v i t y areas. The p r i v a t e outdoor areas would be 

p a r t of each Independent L i v i n g c l u s t e r , as w e l l as each Long 



120 

Term Care r e s i d e n t i a l c l u s t e r , i n the form of p r i v a t e yards/ 

p a t i o s , porches or b a l c o n i e s . These p r i v a t e spaces w i l l : 

p r o t e c t the d w e l l i n g as a secure t e r r i t o r y , p r o v i d e 
outdoor extensions f o r expanding l i v i n g spaces i n 
seasonable weather, and provide an i n t e r m e d i a t e zone 
between p u b l i c and p r i v a t e which allows s o c i a l , 
n e i g h b o u r l y c o n t a c t s to be c a s u a l l y made (Shack 1977, 
p.55) . 

The CCC common outdoor spaces would i n c l u d e two types of areas. 

F i r s t l y , the common outdoor space would be i n t e r l o c k e d with 

p r i v a t e outdoor spaces i n the r e s i d e n t i a l c l u s t e r s i n the form 

of a common garden, c e n t r a l pathway or a "gateway" gazebo. 

Secondly, f o u r f u n c t i o n a l components, the Country Club, the 

R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Outdoor Areas, the Garden Centre and Park would 

c r e a t e the CCC community Outdoor A c t i v i t y Center. That Outdoor 

A c t i v i t y Centre would be l o c a t e d adjacent to the Core Centre and 

along the pathway l e a d i n g to the Core Centre. The outdoor 

common area would be designed to i n c r e a s e o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r 

i n d i v i d u a l choice and to accomodate three types of a c t i v i t i e s : 

1. P a s s i v e Areas: p l a c e s which permit s o l i t u d e ( r e t r e a t ) and 

those p l a c e s which w i l l o f f e r an o p p o r t u n i t y f o r watching 

the a c t i v i t i e s of o t h e r s . 

2. A c t i v e Areas: these areas w i l l o f f e r a range of r e c r e a t i o -

n a l a c t i v i t i e s such as m i n i - g o l f , croquet, bowling, v o l l e y -

b a l l , gardening, s o c i a l g a t h e r i n g i n the p i c n i c and BBQ 

areas or i n the outdoor Theatre designed f o r s p e c i a l 

c u l t u r a l events. 



121 

3. Connecting Areas such as Park with walkways would l i n k the 

above noted two groups. 

For more a c t i v e r e s i d e n t s the e x i s t i n g J e r i c h o Park and a l l i t s 

amenities c o u l d be a v a i l a b l e through the proposed overpass above 

4th Ave. 

The Outdoor A c t i v i t y centre w i l l p l a y a s i g n i f i c a n t r o l e i n 

c r e a t i n g the CCC s p e c i a l environment. F i r s t of a l l , i t would be 

a p l a c e where the most a c t i v e r e s i d e n t s of the Independent 

L i v i n g u n i t s c o u l d spend t h e i r l e i s u r e time t a k i n g advantage of 

Vancouver's m i l d c l i m a t e and garden s e t t i n g . Secondly, i t would 

be a very s t i m u l a t i n g area f o r those r e s i d e n t s who can not any 

more take an a c t i v e p a r t i n the r e c r e a t i o n a l a c t i v i t i e s but 

s t i l l are w i l l i n g to observe games and share enjoyment with 

t h e i r peers. T h i r d l y , the Country Club component by p r o v i d i n g 

many play/game c o u r t s , may be a p p e a l i n g to a d u l t s from the whole 

neighbourhood. Thus, i t may c r e a t e an o p p o r t u n i t y f o r s o c i a l 

i n t e g r a t i o n with a r e l a t i v e l y younger g e n e r a t i o n . 

4.5 CONCLUSION 

In c o n c l u s i o n , a l l f o u r major f a c i l i t y components: Independ-

ent L i v i n g Housing, Long Term Care f a c i l i t i e s , the Core Centre 

and the Outdoor Spaces w i l l c r e a t e a s p e c i a l , continuum of care 

enviroment f o r the e l d e r l y . However, the Core Centre and Outdoor 

Spaces may c o n t r i b u t e to the unique atmosphere of the CCC, which 

may enhance the r e s i d e n t s d i g n i t y , support t h e i r independence 

and encourage t h e i r involvement i n community a f f a i r s . 



122 

The Core Centre w i l l embrace three d i f f e r e n t hubs: 

1. The "Health Centre" with the C l i n i c , R e h a b i l i t a t i o n and 

Pharmacy which would serve the e l d e r l y to support t h e i r 

p h y s i c a l l o s s e s . 

2. The " C u l t u r a l Centre" with the Auditorium, A r t s and C r a f t s , 

and L i b r a r y which would s a t i s f y t h e i r c u l t u r a l needs and 

3. The " L e i s u r e Centre" with the Outdoor A c t i v i t y Centre, Food 

F a i r , Winter Garden, Swimming Pool, Dancing and F i t n e s s and 

other s o c i a l c l u b s . The Core Centre with i t s outdoor 

a c t i v i t y c l u b s may become an a t t r a c t i o n not o n l y f o r the 

whole neighbourhood but a l s o f o r the e l d e r l y from the West 

Side of Vancouver. 



123 

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UVIN&-
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OUTPOOR. 
SPACES 

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o 
o 
o 

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CLUSTER. 1 
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SPACES 

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™ CLUSTER. 

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S P A C E S 

L E & E K 1 D 

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MA"30£ PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION 
M A ^ O R . SERVICE ACCESS 
M A J O R VEHICULAR ACCESS 
ENVI RON MENTAL OR. SECUfe-UV COKTROL 

F i g . 4-1 Access and C o n t r o l Model of the CCC F a c i l i t y . 



124 

CHAPTER 5 -- GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS  

Chapter Summary 

Chapter 5 i s the t h e s i s s y n t h e s i s and c o n s i s t s of the CCC 

f a c i l i t y program. The c l a s s i f i c a t i o n system, which has been 

adopted to develop the program f o l l o w s a f u n c t i o n a l model. A l l 

f a c i l i t i e s belong to one of f o u r major f a c i l i t y components de-

s c r i b e d i n Chapter 4. The l a r g e s t e n t i t y i s the Continuum of 

Care Complex. Within i t , there are f o u r major f a c i l i t y compo-

nents: R e s i d e n t i a l Independent L i v i n g , R e s i d e n t i a l Dependent 

L i v i n g , Core Centre and Common Outdoor Spaces. Within each 

f a c i l i t y component, there are s e v e r a l program components and 

a c t i v i t y c e n t r e s . 

5.1. RESIDENTIAL HOUSING - INDEPENDENT LIVING CLUSTER 

5.1.1 F u n c t i o n a l Components 

In keeping with the o b j e c t i v e s of the p r o j e c t , housing u n i t s 

w i l l emulate to the g r e a t e s t p o s s i b l e extent a normal, indepen-

dent l i v i n g environment. The u n i t s w i l l c o n t a i n spaces s i m i l a r 

to those found i n other community housing and w i l l conform to 

the design c r i t e r i a of the BCMHC and CMHC. As p o i n t e d out i n 

Chapter 4, the Independent L i v i n g C l u s t e r w i l l be comprised of 

three types of housing: Rental Housing (BCMHC Program), 

Cooperative Housing (CMHC Program) and S t r a t a - t i t l e condominiums 

(Market Housing). 



125 

The number, r a t i o and s i z e of u n i t s i n the S o c i a l R e n t a l 

Housing (BCHMC) w i l l conform to the requirements of the BCMHC 

Design G u i d e l i n e s f o r S e n i o r s ' Housing. The s i z e and r a t i o of 

u n i t s i n the co-op housing and s t r a t a t i t l e was d e r i v e d from the 

a n a l y s i s of comparative data of s e l e c t e d examples of e x i s t i n g 

e l d e r l y housing developments i n three groups: 

1. Co-operative housing f o r the e l d e r l y . 

2. Independent l i v i n g d w e l l i n g u n i t s i n the m u l t i - l e v e l 

f a c i l i t i e s . 

3. R e c e n t l y b u i l t condominiuums f o r the e l d e r l y people i n the 

P o i n t Grey Area (see Appx. 5-1). 

I t was a l s o acknowledged t h a t c u r r e n t housing demands and p r e f e r -

ences of middle to h i g h e r income o l d e r persons d i f f e r from expec-

t a t i o n s of e l d e r l y i n the 1970's. 

For example, evidence gathered by L a v e n t h a l and Horwath 
(1983) i n l o n g i t u d i n a l and c r o s s - s e c t i o n a l analyses of Con-
t i n u i n g Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) shows an i n c r e a s e 
i n the p o p u l a r i t y of l a r g e r s i z e u n i t s . While the s t u d i o or 
one-bedroom u n i t has been the most popular u n i t choice i n 
the l a s t 10 years, two-bedroom and even three bedroom u n i t s 
are becoming i n c r e a s i n g l y popular f o r a f f l u e n t r e t i r e e s over 
the age of 75 (Regnier, Pynoos 1987, p.16). 

T h e r e f o r e , i n the co-op housing and s t r a t a t i t l e c l u s t e r b i g g e r 

d w e l l i n g u n i t s would be programmed to respond to the demand of 

the market. 



126 

Table 5-1.--Housing Type #1 R e n t a l Housing 
Space Program 

Component Q-ty U n i t Net 
Area 

T o t a l Net 
Area 

Remarks 

100 d w e l l i n g u n i t s ; 
3 s t o r e y apartment 

t o t a l number of 
b u i l d i n g . 

r e s i d e n t s : 110 

1 BR S i n g l e 86 46 m2 3956 m2 

1 BR Double 9 52 m2 468 m2 

1 BR Handicapped 5 52 m2 260 m2 

F l o o r Lounge 2 30 m2 60 m2 

Main Lounge 1 60 m2 60 m2 

Adm. O f f i c e 1 10 m2 10 m2 

Maint. Storage 1 10 m2 10 m2 

Common Laundry 

Communal Storage 

3 

1 

15 

23 

m2 

m2 

45 m2 

23 m2 

2 Washers & 
Dryers/each 

H . T o i l e t at Lounge 3 

Garbage(chute)rm. 3 

S e r v i c e Rms (M&E) 1 Approx. 82 m2 Design Space 

M a i l Room 1 

E l e v . Mech. Room 1 

TOTAL 4974 m2 

GROSS AREA: 4974 X 1.3 = 6466.2 m2 

P r i v . o u t d o o r spaces 100 x 5 m2 = 500 m2 P a t i o s / b a l c o n 
P a r k i n g : 1 space per 4 u n i t s , 25 spaces x 26.5 m2 = 662.5 m2 on 

ground ( i n c l u d . a i s l e s ) 

References: 
EM A r c h i t e c t u r e Inc., 768 P r i o r S t . , S e n i o r C i t i z e n ' s Complex -
Chinese Freemason's S o c i e t y (BCMHC Housing) 1989. 



127 

Table 5-2.--Housing Type #2 Co-op Housing 50 Dwelling U n i t 
Space Program 

Component Q-ty U n i t Net 
Area 

T o t a l Net 
Area 

Remarks 

1 BR+Den(30%) 15 
2 BR (35%) 35 
Communal Stg. 1 
Communal Laun. 1 

O f f i c e 1 

84 m2 
87 m2 
25 m2 
15 m2 

10 m2 

1260 m2 
3045 m2 

25 m2 
15 m2 

10 m2 

2 Washers & 2 
Dryers 

TOTAL 4355 m2 

GROSS AREA: 4355 x 1.3 = 5661.5 m2 
P r i v a t e outdoor spaces: 50 x 12 m2 = 600 m2 
Parking: 1 space per u n i t 50 spaces x 26.5 m2 = 1325 m2 

Table 5-3.--Type #3 S t r a t a T i t l e 50 D w e l l i n g U n i t s 
Space Program 

Component Q-ty U n i t Net 
Area 

T o t a l Net 
Area 

Remarks 

1 BR (10%) 25 70 m2 350 m2 
1 BR + den (20%) 10 84 m2 840 m2 
2 BR (70%) 35 96 m2 3360 m2 
Lobby lounge 1 30 m2 30 m2 

TOTAL 4580 m2 

GROSS AREA: 4580 X 1. 3 = 5954 m2 
P r i v a t e outdoor spaces: 50 x 12 m2 = 600 m2 
Parking: 1.5 space per u n i t , 75 spaces x 26.5 m2 = 1987 m2 

References: 
Outdoor p r i v a t e spaces comply with requirements of BCHMC Design 
G u i d e l i n e s f o r S e n i o r s ' Housing; Green 1974, p. 14; Carstens 
1985, p.105. 



128 

5.1.2. Housing P a t t e r n and C r i t i c a l Issues: 

People need to i d e n t i f y with the neighbourhood and f e e l 

comfortable i n t h e i r houses. T h e r e f o r e , i t i s necessary to 

p r o v i d e an adequate type of housing arrangement t h a t w i l l 

e v e n t u a l l y f u l f i l l t h e i r needs. Research s t u d i e s on housing 

(Alexander 1977) have i n d i c a t e d t h a t the most a p p r o p r i a t e 

p a t t e r n i s the c l u s t e r of l a n d and homes immediately around 

one's own home. That p a t t e r n can be implemented u s i n g Row 

Houses. 

A v i t a l f u n c t i o n of such a c l u s t e r i s n e i g h b o u r l y c o n t a c t 

which becomes one of the most important o b j e c t i v e s i n the 

c r e a t i o n of e l d e r l y housing. The same r e s e a r c h study says t h a t 

the most a p p r o p r i a t e s i z e of the c l u s t e r i s 10 or 12 housing 

u n i t s because: 

t h i s i s a number of people t h a t can s i t round a common 
meeting t a b l e , can t a l k to each other d i r e c t l y , face to 
f a c e . With 8 or 10 housholds, people can meet over a 
k i t c h e n t a b l e , exchange news on the s t r e e t and i n the 
gardens, and g e n e r a l l y , w i t h o u t much s p e c i a l a t t e n t i o n , keep 
i n touch with the whole of the group. When there are more 
than 10 or 12 homes forming a c l u s t e r , t h i s balance i s 
s t r a i n e d . We t h e r e f o r e s e t an upper l i m i t of around 12 on 
the number of housholds t h a t can be n a t u r a l l y drawn i n t o a 
c l u s t e r (Alexander 1977, p.200). 

The CCC housing w i l l comprise s e v e r a l c l u s t e r s with the average 

number of 12 d w e l l i n g u n i t s i n each c l u s t e r . 

The c r i t i c a l i s s u e s w i t h i n t h i s p a t t e r n are: shape ( l a y o u t ) 

of the c l u s t e r , c l u s t e r i d e n t i t y and l i n k with the Core Centre. 

5.1.2.1 Shape ( l a y o u t ) of the c l u s t e r 

The shape of the c l u s t e r a f f e c t s o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r s o c i a l 



129 

i n t e r a c t i o n . I t i s necessary to c r e a t e a common l a n d -- open 

shared space which w i l l p l a y a double r o l e : as a s e m i - p u b l i c 

outdoor p l a c e where the e l d e r l y gather s o c i a l l y and as a 

c l u s t e r ' s garden with s e m i - p r i v a t e or even p r i v a t e areas i n 

f r o n t of the d w e l l i n g u n i t s (see F i g . 5-1). Equal access from 

the u n i t s and v i s i b i l i t y from p r i v a t e p a t i o s w i l l promote a 

sense of ownership and c o n t r o l over common space. Other design 

g u i d e l i n e s suggests p l a c i n g the u n i t e n t r i e s towards common 

space. Access walks l e a d i n g to u n i t s should be separate from 

the common access walks to the f a c i l i t y . T h i s arrangement w i l l 

enhance c l u s t e r i d e n t i t y and i n c r e a s e s r e s i d e n t s ' c o n t r o l over 

access. A shared walkway and a common laundry i n the centre 

w i l l p r o v i d e o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n . P r i v a t e u n i t 

walkways w i l l provide a t r a n s i t i o n zone from s e m i - p u b l i c area to 

s e m i - p r i v a t e space. Small p a r k i n g areas adjacent to u n i t s w i l l 

enhance the sense of community (see F i g . 5-2). 

5.1.2.2 C l u s t e r I d e n t i t y 

Each c l u s t e r should be arranged as an i d e n t i f i a b l e p a r t of 

the l a r g e r p r o j e c t to promote wayfinding and to i d e n t i f y with 

i t . N a t u r a l s i t e elements as w e l l as b u i l t form elements l i k e 

c o l o u r , s c a l e and m a t e r i a l s w i l l u n i f y c l u s t e r v i s u a l l y . T h i s 

allows people to r e a l i z e t h a t a l l u n i t s i n one c l u s t e r r e l a t e to 

one another. Furthermore, c l u s t e r i d e n t i t y can be r e i n f o r c e d by 

grouping the s i t t i n g area with communal f a c i l i t i e s such as 

laundry or storage (see F i g . 5-3). 



130 

F i g . 5-1 Common Space i n the C l u s t e r as a Garden 

C O M M O N L A U N D R Y 

S H A R E D W A L K W A Y 

P R I V A T E U N I T W A L K W A V 

P A C K I N G -

F i g . 5-2 Common Space i n the C l u s t e r with Shared Walkway 



131 

F i g . 5-3 C l u s t e r I d e n t i t y R e i n f o r c e d by a C e n t r a l S i t t i n g 
Area and Shared Storage Shed. 

F i g . 5-4 P e d e s t r i a n C i r c u l a t i o n Developed as a "Feeder" 
System. 

Source: Based on Carstens, D. S i t e Planning and Design  
f o r the E l d e r l y - Issues, G u i d e l i n e s and A l t e r n a -
t i v e s . 1985, p.39. 



132 

5.1.2.3 R e l a t i o n s h i p with the Core Centre 

I t i s necessary to provide d i r e c t , easy access to the Core 

Centre where a l l major s e r v i c e s are l o c a t e d . The l a y o u t of 

p e d e s t r i a n and v e h i c u l a r c i r c u l a t i o n systems w i t h i n the o v e r a l l 

s i t e p l a n should be easy to recognize and i d e n t i f y . The general 

l a y o u t of the p e d e s t r i a n c i r c u l a t i o n system may be developed as 

a "feeder" system (Carstens 1985). Walkways l e a d i n g from u n i t s 

may converge on a c l u s t e r walkway and c l u s t e r walkways converge 

on a major access route which leads to the Core Centre. A 

h i e r a r c h y of r o u t e s , from p r i v a t e u n i t access walks to primary 

r o u t e s , w i l l enhance p r i v a c y w i t h i n the c l u s t e r s and a sense of 

community w i t h i n the o v e r a l l s i t e p l a n . I t w i l l a l s o promote 

wayfinding (See F i g . 5-4) and subsequently w i l l add to o l d e r 

r e s i d e n t s ' sense of s e c u r i t y . 

The "shared c i r c u l a t i o n " p a t t e r n w i l l g i v e r e s i d e n t s the 

maximum chance of meeting one another c a s u a l l y so t h a t i t w i l l 

enhance o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n . In order to 

provide s a f e t y and s e c u r i t y the p e d e s t r i a n path system should 

not c r o s s with the v e h i c u l a r routes system. The major access 

walkway should not pass d i r e c t l y through the a c t i v i t y area; 

however, i t should a l l o w f o r s u r v e i l a n c e from those areas. In 

order to p r o v i d e maximum comfort f o r r e s i d e n t s the main access 

walkways should be p r o t e c t e d from r a i n or sun g l a r e by a t r e l l i s 

or canopy. 



133 

5.1.3 DWELLING UNITS  

5.1.3.1 F u n c t i o n a l Components 

The p r i n c i p a l form of s h e l t e r i n the Independent L i v i n g Com-

ponent of the CCC w i l l be a d w e l l i n g u n i t . Spaces i n a d w e l l i n g 

u n i t w i l l embody the b a s i c a c t i v i t i e s of everyday l i v i n g such 

as: s l e e p i n g , l e i s u r e , p e r s o n a l hygiene, food p r e p a r a t i o n and 

d i n i n g . These a c t i v i t i e s are common to a l l r e s i d e n t s and they 

determine the r e l a t i o n s h i p between spaces as w e l l as the s i z e , 

shape, equipment and c h a r a c t e r of the space. Each u n i t w i l l 

i n c l u d e components such as an e n t r y area, d i n i n g / l i v i n g room, 

k i t c h e n , bathroom, bedroom(s), storage space, and balcony or 

p a t i o . 

5.1.3.2. Category of users and t h e i r needs 

G e n e r a l l y the users w i l l f a l l i n t o three c a t e g o r i e s : the 

e l d e r l y couple, the s i n g l e e l d e r l y person ( u s u a l l y women) and 

two e l d e r l y r e l a t i v e s or f r i e n d s s h a r i n g a u n i t . S i n g l e s u s u a l l y 

w i l l l i v e i n the one-bedroom u n i t s while couples i n one-bedroom 

or two-bedroom s u i t e s with enough space i n the bedroom f o r 

double or twin beds. However, each of the 3 Types of housing 

development d e s c r i b e d e a r l i e r should o f f e r v a r i o u s forms of one 

and two bedroom d w e l l i n g u n i t s i n order to accommodate a wider 

range of housing needs and l i f e - s t y l e s . 

These needs can i n c l u d e ease of maintenance, f l e x i b i l i -
t y i n f u r n i t u r e arrangements f o r hobbies, space f o r en-
t e r t a i n i n g l a r g e groups of f a m i l y and f r i e n d s , o p t i o n s 
f o r e a t i n g , adequate storage f o r valued p o s s e s s i o n s and 
convenient and safe access between rooms without s a c r i -
f i c i n g p r i v a c y ( Z e i s e l 1987, p.20). 



134 

S t u d i e s have shown c o n s i d e r a b l e d i f f e r e n c e s i n need between 

c o n v e n t i o n a l housing p r o v i s i o n s and the requirements of d i s a b l e d 

people. In keeping with the L i v i n g Environment o b j e c t i v e s 

(Chapter 3). each of the u n i t s should be adaptable f o r use by 

handicapped persons. The Co-op and S t r a t a - t i t l e townhouses 

should be designed as o n e - l e v e l u n i t s to f a c i l i t a t e a c c e s s i b i -

l i t y . The d w e l l i n g u n i t s p r o v i d e d by the BCHMC Program have to 

comply with the BCHMC Design G u i d e l i n e s (5% of u n i t s wheelchair 

a c c e s s i b l e ) . 

One of the most c r i t i c a l , yet overlooked, aspects of the 

p h y s i c a l environment i s the matching of equipment, f u r n i s h i n g 

and design d e t a i l s to the s p e c i a l p h y s i o l o g i c a l needs of the 

o l d e r person. S a f e t y f e a t u r e s and design s o l u t i o n s t h a t support 

independence and reduce p h y s i c a l and sensory b a r r i e r s f o r o l d e r 

persons should be implemented. The k i t c h e n and bathroom are 

e x p e c i a l l y c r i t i c a l , because design mistakes i n the k i t c h e n or 

bathroom l a y o u t can p o t e n t i a l l y t h r e a t e n s a f e t y or endanger the 

l i f e of o l d e r persons (Regnier and Pynoos 1987). The k i t c h e n 

design should r e s p e c t the anthropometric c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of the 

e l d e r l y . Bathroom design should emphasize convenience and s a f e t y 

( p r o v i s i o n of grab bars, adequate l i g h t l e v e l s and f i x t u r e s , 

c a l l b u t t o n s ) . 

5.1.4 PRIVATE OUTDOOR SPACES - INDEPENDENT LIVING HOUSING  

5.1.4.1 I n t r o d u c t i o n 

Landscape design, although only one of many aspects of a 

housing p r o j e c t , p l a y s a s u b s t a n t i a l r o l e i n c r e a t i n g h i g h - q u a l i 



135 

t y housing f o r the o l d e r people. Designing outdoor spaces f o r 

the e l d e r l y demands s p e c i a l a t t e n t i o n f o r s e v e r a l reasons. 

F i r s t l y , an a p p r o p r i a t e l y designed environment t h a t meets 

e l d e r l y needs may e n r i c h t h e i r l i v e s and improve t h e i r 

independence. Secondly, " f u n c t i o n a l " landscape t h a t encourages 

p a r t i c i p a t i o n of the e l d e r l y i n i t s c r e a t i o n / c u l t i v a t i o n p l a y s a 

t h e r a p e u t i c r o l e . In the Independent L i v i n g c l u s t e r s a l l 

d w e l l i n g u n i t s w i l l have p r i v a t e outdoor spaces (see F i g . 5-5). 

In the r e n t a l apartment b u i l d i n g each d w e l l i n g u n i t w i l l have 

balcony or p a t i o . 

5.1.4.2 Elements of P r i v a t e Spaces 

a. The f r o n t yard should not o n l y be an a t t r a c t i v e , person-

able s i d e of a d w e l l i n g u n i t , but a l s o a t r a n s i t i o n zone between 

a very p r i v a t e d w e l l i n g u n i t and a very p u b l i c s t r e e t or access 

route. T h i s s e m i - p r i v a t e space may encourage s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n 

between neighbours and provide an o p p o r t u n i t y f o r s e l f - e x p r e s -

s i o n . The r e s i d e n t s ' gardens may serve f o r t h e r a p e u t i c a c t i v i -

t i e s . 

b. The f r o n t porch, a s m a l l outdoor space with a roof s h e l -

t e r , may p r o v i d e r e s i d e n t s with an easy h a l f step between s o l i -

tude and s o c i a b i l i t y . T h i s p l a c e may serve as a comfortable 

s i t t i n g spot i n one's own t e r r i t o r y to watch outdoor a c t i v i t i e s 

or to chat with the neighbours. In many r e c e n t developments f o r 

the e l d e r l y , the f r o n t porch becomes one of the most d e s i r a b l e 

a r c h i t e c t u r a l f e a t u r e s ( A r c h i t e c t u r a l Record 1988.Nov., p.120). 



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C O M M O N ! 
S P A C ^ 

COMMUNITY I 
O U T P O O R | 
S P A C E S J 

F i g . 5-5 Independent L i v i n g Outdoor Spaces. 



137 

because people l i k e to watch common area a c t i v i t y . In F i n l a n d , 

i n the c o m p e t i t i o n f o r an old-age home, the i n s t i t u t i o n a l 

atmosphere was e l i m i n a t e d by u s i n g v a r i o u s homelike u n i t models 

with i n d i v i d u a l i t y and o r i e n t a t i o n supported by the f r o n t porch 

f o r every room-unit ( K o t i l a i n e n 1987, pp. 52-56). 

c_. The back y a r d / p a t i o i s the i n f o r m a l p r i v a t e s i d e of a 

d w e l l i n g . T h i s space may be used i n many ways: as a summer 

d i n i n g room, or as a p l a c e to r e s t , read, e n t e r t a i n guests or 

simply grow p l a n t s . However, t h i s p l a c e r e q u i r e s p e c i a l c o n s i -

d e r a t i o n i n terms of a c c e s s i b i l i t y , s e c u r i t y and p r i v a c y . 

d_. The Balcony may serve s i m i l a r i l y as p r i v a t e outdoor 

spaces f o r growing p l a n t s , having s o c i a l g a t h e r i n g or simply 

e n j o y i n g a view and a l s o 

A balcony which i s not too f a r removed from the ground 
(one i s able to g r e e t a f r i e n d ) and which i s not ex-
tremely enclosed, can c r e a t e a sense of "connectedness" 
to the o u t s i d e world (Shack 1977, p.61). 

5.1.4.3 Issues i n Designing P r i v a t e Outdoor Spaces 

The most important design i s s u e s i n c r e a t i n g p r i v a t e outdoor 

spaces are: a c c e s s i b i l i t y , s e c u r i t y and p r i v a c y . The p r i v a t e 

outdoor spaces should be d i r e c t l y a c c e s s i b l e to the L i v i n g Room 

of the d w e l l i n g u n i t . There may a l s o be d i r e c t access to the 

s l e e p i n g area (Green 1974). The p a t i o or garden should be 

planned so i t can be e a s i l y maintained by the r e s i d e n t . In 

order to p r o v i d e a c c e s s i b i l i t y and s e c u r i t y and to p r o t e c t the 

p r i v a c y of p r i v a t e outdoor areas the f o l l o w i n g g u i d e l i n e s have 

to be developed: 



138 

a. P r i v a t e outdoor spaces on the ground f l o o r l e v e l : 

these area should be a c c e s s i b l e to wheelchair r e s i d e n t s , 

to those u s i n g walkers and o c c a s i o n a l l y to bedridden 

r e s i d e n t s . 

d i r e c t access from the p u b l i c outdoor area should be 

avoided by c r e a t i n g an i d e n t i t y f o r the outdoor p r i v a t e 

areas. 

there should be no d i r e c t a c c e s s i b i l i t y between the 

p r i v a t e outdoor areas of separate d w e l l i n g u n i t s , 

i n s p e c i a l l o c a t i o n s design should provide f o r p r i v a c y 

from adjacent walks or d r i v e s by p r o v i d i n g berms and 

screens. 

views on and o f f the s i t e should be maximized, while a t 

the same time l o s s of p r i v a c y should be minimized, 

v i s u a l a c c e s s i b i l i t y between the l i v i n g room and the 

g e n e r a l outdoor area should not be impaired by the design 

of the p r i v a t e outdoor area. 

b. p r i v a t e outdoor spaces above grade - r a i s e d t e r r a c e s and  

b a l c o n i e s : 

b a l c o n i e s must not o n l y be s a f e , but they must a l s o f e e l 

s a f e . 

whenever p o s s i b l e b a l c o n i e s should be r e c e s s e d behind the 

main face of the b u i l d i n g to provide a s t r o n g sense of 

e n c l o s u r e , p r i v a c y and s e c u r i t y . 

b a l c o n i e s should be p r o t e c t e d from p r e v a i l i n g c o l d autumn 

and s p r i n g winds, and a l l o w maximum sun p e n e t r a t i o n . 



139 

provide f o r p l a n t e r boxes or pots. 

be of a rough t e x t u r e on the underside to d i s p e r s e 

i n c i d e n t sounds. 

have a minimum t h r e s h o l d h e i g h t to a l l o w easy access from 

the u n i t . 

On grade p r i v a t e space w i l l have a paved p a t i o of a t l e a s t 100 

square f e e t (9.2 m2). The remaining area should be designed f o r 

lawn or p l a n t i n g beds. B a l c o n i e s w i l l have a t l e a s t c l e a r d i -

mension of no l e s s than 5m2 f o r one-bedroom u n i t s (BCMHC Design 

G u i d e l i n e s ) or be of a minimum width of 1500 mm c l e a r to provide 

space f o r s e v e r a l c h a i r s and access to the wheelchair and i t s 

t u r n around (CMHC 1983). 



140 

5.2 DEPENDENT LIVING - INTERMEDIATE CARE FACILITY 

5.2.1 F u n c t i o n a l Components 

The Intermediate Care f a c i l i t y w i l l be developed i n the form 

of r e s i d e n t i a l c l u s t e r s f o r the e l d e r l y who can not l i v e on 

t h e i r own. Three l e v e l s of i n t e r m e d i a t e care w i l l be o f f e r e d : 

l e v e l 1, 2 and 3 (Appx.#0-1). A c c o r d i n g to the Vancouver Health 

Department, Report 1986 (Chapter 2, F i g . 2-6) there i s a g r e a t 

demand i n the C i t y of Vancouver f o r long term care f a c i l i t i e s , 

e s p e c i a l l y a t the Intermediate Care l e v e l s (694 c l i e n t s on the 

w a i t i n g l i s t with a r a t i o of 37% f o r l e v e l 1, 29% f o r l e v e l 2, 

20% f o r l e v e l 3 and remaining 14% f o r p e r s o n a l and extended 

c a r e ) . Research has shown ( P r i e s t 1985, p.7; C i t y P l a n n i n g 

Department data 1986) t h a t 10% of the e l d e r l y p o p u l a t i o n i s 

e v e n t u a l l y f o r c e d to move i n t o long-term care f a c i l i t i e s when 

t h e i r h e a l t h d e c l i n e . For the purpose of t h i s t h e s i s we can 

assume t h a t about 10% (231 persons) of the e l d e r l y p o p u l a t i o n i n 

the P o i n t Grey Area w i l l be seeking such long-term care. 

However, there w i l l be a l s o e l d e r l y r e s i d e n t s l i v i n g i n 

K e r r i s d a l e , K i t s i l a n o and Dunbar who e v e n t u a l l y w i l l be 

t r a n s f e r r e d to long-term care f a c i l i t i e s . With the e x i s t i n g 202 

beds of Intermediate Care i n the West Side of Vancouver we can 

assume t h a t a " t y p i c a l " three l e v e l care f a c i l i t y with an 

average of 30 beds per l e v e l would be s u f f i c i e n t to meet the 

c u r r e n t needs. 

Intermediate Care F a c i l i t y r e s i d e n t s w i l l be u s i n g common 

f a c i l i t i e s i n the Core Centre such as: R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Centre, 



141 

C l i n i c , Auditorium and Programs, A r t s & C r a f t s , L i b r a r y and the 

Main Concourse with i t s s e r v i c e s . The l i v i n g q u a r t e r s of the IC 

w i l l be i n the form of separate r e s i d e n t i a l c l u s t e r s with b a s i c 

care and treatment rooms p l u s c l u s t e r support a c c e s s o r y spaces 

(Nurses S t a t i o n with M e d i c a t i o n Room, Wheelchair Shower, L i n e n 

Storage, J a n i t o r Room, Residents'Laundry, S t a f f Washroom, Wheel-

c h a i r S t o r a g e ) . L i v i n g u n i t s are s i m i l a r i n a l l l e v e l s of 

i n t e r m e d i a t e care and are e i t h e r p r i v a t e or s e m i - p r i v a t e , each 

with a washroom (which i n c l u d e s wash-basin i n a v a n i t y and 

t o i l e t but no bath-tub), entrance h a l l , c l o t h e s c l o s e t . I n t e r -

mediate Care Components w i l l be s u b - d i v i d e d i n t o three n u r s i n g 

s e c t i o n s each comprising of 28 rooms. The 84 u n i t c l u s t e r (90 

r e s i d e n t s ) w i l l comprise the f u n c t i o n a l components as shown i n 

t a b l e 5-4. 

The l i v i n g u n i t s i n the IC f a c i l i t y w i l l be arranged i n 

c l u s t e r s of 9-10 u n i t s around common area. Each c l u s t e r , i n a 

s o c i a l sense, w i l l c r e a t e a l a r g e " v o l u n t a r y f a m i l y " . 

The common area w i l l be comprised of a lounge which w i l l 

serve a l s o as a d i n i n g room l i n k e d to the r e s i d e n t k i t c h e n and 

s e r v i n g area. The outdoor a c t i v i t y area - open shared space 

w i l l be i n c o r p o r a t e d i n t o each c l u s t e r by d i r e c t access from the 

l i v i n g u n i t s and l o u n g e / d i n i n g area. T h i s arrangement w i l l 

provide a s m a l l e r , human s c a l e to the whole f a c i l i t y and w i l l 

c r e a t e a " r e s i d e n t i a l neighbourhood" w i t h i n the f a c i l i t y . T h i s 

arrangement w i l l a l s o promote s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n and o p p o r t u n i -

t i e s f o r mutual awarness. The IC Component w i l l comprise 9 

l i v i n g c l u s t e r s and 3 support areas. 



Table 5-4.--Intermediate Care C l u s t e r 
Space Program 

142 

Component Q-ty Net Area T o t a l Net Area Remarks: 

C l u s t e r Type I 
T o t a l number of r e s i d e n t s : 10 

1 BR S i n g l e 8 18.0 m2 144. 0 m2 
1 BR Double 1 25.0 m2 25. 0 m2 
Loung/Dining 1 30.0 m2 30. 0 m2 3 m2/ person 
S.Kitch./Serv. 1 10.0 m2 10. 0 m2 
Bathing Room 1 8.4 m2 8. 4 m2 

T o t a l : 217. 4 m2 
TOTAL NUMBER OF CLUSTERS: 6 1,304. 4 m2 

C l u s t e r Type I I 
T o t a l number of r e s i d e n t s : 10 

1 BR S i n g l e 10 18.0 m2 180. 0 m2 
Lounge/Dining 1 30.0 m2 30. 0 m2 
S.Kitch./Serv. 1 10.0 m2 10. 0 m2 
Bathing Rm. 1 10.0 m2 10. 0 m2 Therap. Bath 

T o t a l : 230. 0 m2 
TOTAL NUMBER OF CLUSTERS: 3 690. 0 m2 

C l u s t e r Support : 

Nurse S t a t i o n 1 10.0 m2 10. 0 m2 
Med. Room 1 5.6 m2 5. 6 m2 
W.chair shower 1 3.3 m2 3. 3 m2 
L i n e n Storage 1 5.6 m2 5. 6 m2 
S o i l e d U t i l i t y 1 11.0 m2 11. 0 m2 
J a n i t o r Rm/St. 1 3.0 m2 3. 0 m2 
Res. Laundry 1 10.0 m2 10. 0 m2 
S t a f f Washroom 1 3.0 m2 3. 0 m2 
W.chair storage 1 12.0 m2 12. 0 m2 

T o t a l : 63. 5 m2 
TOTAL NUMBER OF CLUSTER SUPPORT: 3 190. 5 m2 

TOTAL AREA: 2,184. 9 m2 

GROSS AREA (40 m2 x 90 r e s i d e n t s ) 3,600. 0 m2 
P i r v a t e outdoor spaces: 84 x 6 m2 504. 0 m2 

References: 

B.C. Reg. 536/80. Community Care F a c i l i t y Act. 1980. 

CMHC. Nursing Homes and H o s t e l s : Design G u i d e l i n e s . 1979. 



143 

5.2.2 LIVING UNITS -- PATTERN AND CRITICAL ISSUES  

Issue #1 Sense of r e s i d e n c y 

The general o b j e c t i v e i n d e s i g n i n g long term f a c i l i t i e s i s 

to c r e a t e a " r e s i d e n t i a l " q u a l i t y and adequate space f o r 

s o c i a l i z a t i o n on a spontaneous b a s i s . In most of the e x i s t i n g 

f a c i l i t i e s the l i v i n g u n i t s have a form of h o t e l - l i k e rooms 

d e s p i t e the dramatic attempts of many d e s i g n e r s to achieve a 

"home-like" q u a l i t y and atmosphere. Indeed, those attempts were 

o f t e n addressed i n main lounges, e n t r y areas and common d i n i n g 

spaces. However, those f e a t u r e do not p r o v i d e a sense of 

r e s i d e n c y , because they are not w i t h i n the c o n t r o l of the 

p a t i e n t s - r e s i d e n t s . A c c o r d i n g to K o n c e l i k (1976) c o n t r o l over 

one's own p h y s i c a l environment i n a long-term care f a c i l i t y 

depends l a r g e l y upon f i v e f a c t o r s : 

1. M o b i l i t y s t a t u s . Four d i s t i n c t l e v e l s of m o b i l i t y are found 

i n the long-term care s e t t i n g : f u l l ambulatory, d i s a b l e d 

ambulatory (walk with canes and w a l k e r s ) , semiambulatory 

(wheelchair bound), and nonambulatory (bedridden). 

2. P e r s o n a l i z a t i o n . The a b i l i t y of the r e s i d e n t to manipulate 

a r t i f a c t s w i t h i n h i s p h y s i c a l environment, to b r i n g i n 

p e r s o n a l o b j e c t s , to a f f e c t the c h a r a c t e r of h i s or her 

surroundings i n a way t h a t i s sympathetic to p e r s o n a l 

p r e f e r e n c e . 

3. S o c i a l i z a t i o n . The a b i l i t y to communicate with others both 

i n p u b l i c areas i n groups and i n p r i v a c y , without 

r e g u l a t i o n , t h r e a t or i n t e r f e r e n c e . 



144 

4. P r i v a c y . There must be a p l a c e where every r e s i d e n t can go 

to or r e t r e a t t o , t h a t w i l l permit s e c l u s i o n f o r m e d i t a t i o n , 

c o n s u l t a t i o n , i n t i m a t e d i s c u s s i o n , p e r s o n a l a c t i v i t i e s and 

r e s t . The most l o g i c a l p l a c e f o r t h i s c a p a b i l i t y i s the 

r e s i d e n t room. 

5. I d e n t i f i c a t i o n . The r e s i d e n t must f e e l t h a t he or she 

belongs i n the f a c i l i t y and the f a c i l i t y belongs to 

him/her. T h i s can not o n l y be aided through d e v i c e s i n the 

p h y s i c a l environment i t s e l f , but a l s o by i n c l u d i n g the 

r e s i d e n t i n p l a n n i n g and d e c i s i o n making at the s t a f f and 

a d m i n i s t r a t i v e l e v e l . 

M o b i l i t y s t a t u s , however, i s the most important determining 

f a c t o r i n c o n t r o l l i n g the p e r s o n a l surroundings and the o v e r a l l 

f a c i l i t y . M o b i l i t y s t a t u s i s o f t e n the f a c t o r used i n determin-

i n g the v a r i o u s s e g r e g a t i o n s of people w i t h i n the f a c i l i t y . In 

"Designing the Open Nursing Home" K o n c e l i k makes r e f e r e n c e to a 

study done by P a s t a l a n (1974) which d i s c u s s e s the a c c e s s i b i l i t y 

model i n a t y p i c a l n u r s i n g home (see diagram: F i g . 5-6). The 

space i n a f a c i l i t y i s d i v i d e d i n t o two groups a c c o r d i n g to 

r e s i d e n t access. The f i r s t one, i s a Primary Access Group which 

comprises of the " c o r r i d o r neighbourhood": Resident Rooms, 

Lounges, Bathroom, D i n i n g Room and C o r r i d o r s . The second, i s a 

Secondary Access Group with T h e r a p e u t i c areas. In order to 

c r e a t e a r e s i d e n t i a l surrounding and a home-like atmosphere, the 

p h y s i c a l arrangement of the Primary Access Group spaces should 

be c o n s i d e r e d as the most important i s s u e . 



145 

F i g . 5-6 Long Term Care F a c i l i t y Access Model 
Source: K o n c e l i k , Joseph. Designing the Open Nursing Home. 

1976, p. 46. 



146 

The CCC Intermediate Care r e s i d e n t i a l c l u s t e r s w i l l c r e a t e a 

primary access group space i n the form of "homes" f o r ten 

r e s i d e n t s . Each u n i t w i l l open onto a shared l o u n g e / d i n i n g room 

and not onto a c o r r i d o r , which i s t y p i c a l of i n s t i t u t i o n a l s o l u -

t i o n s . T h e i r s p a t i a l h i e r a r c h y w i l l resemble a normal home with 

p r i v a t e space i n the r e s i d e n t ' s room and washroom and s e m i - p r i -

vate area i n the shared " l i v i n g / d i n i n g " room. The i n d i v i d u a l i t y 

and o r i e n t a t i o n w i l l be supported by g i v i n g i d e n t i t i e s to the 

entrance of one's room, f o r example, by s m a l l porches, and by 

making rooms of d i f f e r e n t shape. The i n d i v i d u a l p r i v a t e outdoor 

p a t i o s w i l l be another f e a t u r e of t h i s "home-like" environment 

(See F i g . 5-8) . 

Issue #2 F l e x i b i l i t y 

The p r i n c i p l e of space f l e x i b i l i t y has been implemented by a 

c l u s t e r approach to the f a c i l i t y programming. R e s i d e n t i a l 

c l u s t e r s of 9-10 u n i t s around common areas, a l l o w f o r change of 

use i n terms of r e q u i r e d l e v e l of care (3 l e v e l s ) depending on 

the a c t u a l needs. The management has the o p t i o n a t any given 

time to decide on the number of beds and c l u s t e r s i n any l e v e l 

of c a r e , without any need of change i n the p h y s i c a l i n f r a s t r u c -

t u r e of the b u i l d i n g s . T h i s p r i n c i p l e f o l l o w s the o v e r a l l p o l i c y 

of the CCC f a c i l i t y , which i s based on a smooth t r a n s i t i o n of 

p a t i e n t s from one l e v e l of care to another. A change i n the 

r e s i d e n t s c o n d i t i o n w i l l not r e q u i r e moving them from t h e i r 

u n i t s , so long as the necessary care can be provided. 



147 

Issue #3 L i n k with the Core Centre -- Way f i n d i n g w i t h i n the  

CCC f a c i l i t y . 

The f u n c t i o n a l connection with the Core Centre, p a r t i c u l a r l y 

with the R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Centre, C l i n i c and Main Concourse, w i l l 

be very important. S e v e r a l s t u d i e s (Regnier and Pynoss 1987) of 

e l d e r l y people's environments have shown t h a t beside c r e a t i o n of 

a b a r r i e r - f r e e a c c e s s i b l e environment, the l e g i b i l i t y of 

s e t t i n g s has an impact on goal s a t i s f a c t i o n , sense of c o n t r o l , 

s t r e s s and s a f e t y . S t u d i e s have shown t h a t the problem of 

d i s o r i e n t a t i o n i n c r e a s e s among r e s i d e n t s of long-term care 

f a c i l i t i e s , because of the e l d e r l y ' s reduced l e v e l of competence 

and c o g n i t i v e f u n c t i o n i n g as w e l l as the new u n f a m i l i a r s e t t i n g 

of n u r s i n g homes. The post-occupancy e v a l u a t i o n of s e v e r a l 

e l d e r l y f a c i l i t i e s assessed the e f f i c i e n c y of design f e a t u r e s to 

f a c i l i t a t e wayfinding among r e s i d e n t s . There are f o u r c l a s s e s 

of environmental v a r i a b l e s , which have p o t e n t i a l impact upon 

o r i e n t a t i o n and wayfinding i n the e l d e r l y environment: s i g n s , 

p e r c e p t u a l access, a r c h i t e c t u r a l d i f f e r e n t i a t i o n and p l a n 

c o n f i g u a r a t i o n (Regnier and Pynoos 1987, p.445). The use of 

s i g n s can impact the l e g i b i l i t y of a s e t t i n g by p r o v i d i n g 

d i r e c t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n . In the CCC f a c i l i t y there w i l l be 

l a r g e g r a p h i c s i g n s i n a l l f u n c t i o n a l components as w e l l as i n 

the open spaces. The p e r c e p t u a l access to the long term care 

c l u s t e r s as w e l l as to the Core Centre w i l l be enhanced by 

p r o v i d i n g views to f a m i l i a r e x t e r i o r landmarks or views to other 

l o c a t i o n s w i t h i n the b u i l d i n g such as a c e n t r a l atrium (Winter 



148 

Garden) or a common l o u n g e / d i n i n g area w i t h i n r e s i d e n t i a l 

c l u s t e r s . Since the a r c h i t e c t u r a l c h a r a c t e r of each f u n c t i o n a l 

component w i l l be d i f f e r e n t i t can a l s o c o n t r i b u t e to e f f e c t i v e 

way-finding. F i n a l l y , the o v e r a l l plan c o n f i g u r a t i o n of 

b u i l d i n g s , t h e i r shape or l a y o u t may i n f l u e n c e the ease of 

way-finding. The long-term care f a c i l i t i e s w i l l be designed i n 

the form of r e s i d e n t i a l c l u s t e r s connected to the main walkways, 

which w i l l l e a d to the Core Centre. T h i s "feeder system" of the 

c i r c u l a t i o n p a t t e r n w i l l promote way-finding. The "promanade" 

as a main walkway with a g l a s s w a l l i n s t e a d of the s t e r o t y p e 

i n s t i t u t i o n a l c o r r i d o r w i l l provide views to e x t e r i o r landmarks 

( t r e e s or surrounding a c t i v i t y a r e a s ) , which w i l l help r e s i d e n t s 

i n o r i e n t i n g . The l a y o u t of the r e s i d e n t i a l areas, c l u s t e r i n g 

s l e e p i n g u n i t s around common shared l o u n g e / d i n i n g areas, w i l l 

a l s o promote way-finding. These open s o c i a l areas w i l l i n c r e a s e 

r e s i d e n t s ' s p a t i a l p e r c e p t i o n . The v i s u a l access to the open 

c e n t r a l area w i l l d i m i n i s h the e f f e c t s of d i s o r i e n t a t i o n and may 

l e a d to a d e s i r e to explore f u r t h e r p a r t s of the f a c i l i t y . At 

the entrance to each r e s i d e n t i a l c l u s t e r , there w i l l be l a t e n t 

cues such as p l a n t s , d i f f e r e n t c o l o u r scheme i n f u r n i t u r e and on 

the w a l l , which w i l l a l s o c o n t r i b u t e to the l e g i b i l i t y of 

s e t t i n g s . 



TO CORE CENTRE 

LEGEND-
c s - C L U S T E R . supporeT 
CT1 - C L U S T E R T Y P E 1 
CT2 - C L U S T E R T Y P E Z 
O S - OUTDOOR S P A C E S 

F i g . 5-7 Intermediate Care F a c i l i t y 



150 

TO CLUSTER. 
S U P P O R T 

LEGEND--
1 & 1 BEDROOM 
ZB Z BEDROOM 
BTH BATHROOM 
D/L DINING/LI VI NO 
K K-lTCHEN/SERVlrAGr 
OS OUTDOOR. SPACES 
P PATIO 

F i g . 5-8 Intermediate Care C l u s t e r Type 1 



151 

TO C O R E C E N T R E 

WC 

MP 

N O 

CU 

CH NS VJ/6 L S RL 

C T 1 CT1 C T 2 

L E G E N D : 
C-H MEDITATION QVCMAPEL 
NS NUfeSE 5TAT10H 
KIO HEAbM.OH=ICE 
H P MEMCJIME PfcEPAKATiOVi 
WC STAFF WASHfcOOH 
CU CLEAN UTILITY 

Vv/S WHEELCHAIR. STORAGE 
L 5 UN EH SUPPLY 

3 lANlTOt? ROOM 
RL * E £ \ D £ U LAUNDRY 

CT1 CLUSTER- TYPE 1 
CTZ CLUSTEe TYPE 2 

F i g . 5-9 Intermediate Care C l u s t e r Support 



152 

5.3 DEPENDENT LIVING - EXTENDED CARE FACILITY 

5.3.1. F u n c t i o n a l Components 

The Extended Care F a c i l i t y Program has been based on the 

Design G u i d e l i n e s of the M i n i s t r y of Health ( H o s p i t a l Programs). 

The Extended Care F a c i l i t y has been programmed f o r 36 p a t i e n t s 

p l u s 6 beds i n the o b s e r v a t i o n u n i t s . 

The Extended Care component d i f f e r s from the Intermediate 

Care component because of the f a c t t h a t the p h y s i c a l , mental or 

emotional c o n d i t i o n s of the E.C. r e s i d e n t s r e q u i r e ongoing 

assesment and i n t e r v e n t i o n by many d i s c i p l i n e s e.g.: n u r s i n g , 

d i e t a r y , and medical (Appx. # 0-1). The Extended Care f a c i l i t y 

w i l l serve the e l d e r l y with a "high l e v e l " of dependence who 

r e q u i r e p r o f e s s i o n a l n u r s i n g s e r v i c e s on a twenty-four hour 

b a s i s and r e g u l a r continuous medical s u p e r v i s i o n (Appx. #0-1). 

The Extended Care component w i l l provide p r i v a t e or 

s e m i p r i v a t e l i v i n g u n i t s , each with washroom. There w i l l be one, 

two and four-bedroom wards. However, accommodation f o r a s i n g l e 

occupant w i l l be a minimum of 60% of a l l r e s i d e n t s . The L i v i n g 

u n i t s w i l l be comprised of an e n t r y area, l i v i n g - s l e e p i n g area, 

washroom and a c l o s e t f o r the r e s i d e n t ' s c l o t h i n g and p e r s o n a l 

belongings. 

5.3.2. L i v i n g U n i t s P a t t e r n and C r i t i c a l Issues. 

Issue #1 - C l u s t e r approach 

Groups of 9 - 10 rooms w i l l be c l u s t e r e d with a lounge space and 

d i n i n g area, thus c r e a t i n g a "neighbourhood of 12 r e s i d e n t s " . 



153 

There w i l l be three c l u s t e r s with one Support Area. That area 

w i l l i n c l u d e a Nurses S t a t i o n with M e d i c a t i o n P r e p a r a t i o n and 

Storage Room; Head Nurse's O f f i c e ; S t a f f Washroom; Clean 

U t i l i t y Rooms; Linen Storage; J a n i t o r Room; R e s i d e n t s ' Laundry; 

and F u r n i t u r e / w h e e l c h a i r Storage (see F i g s . 5-11, 5-12, 5-13). 

Issue #2 - R e s i d e n t i a l c h a r a c t e r 

In a c h i e v i n g a r e s i d e n t i a l c h a r a c t e r f o r the EC there are 

two important f u n c t i o n a l elements: a l i v i n g - u n i t and the 

c l u s t e r ' s lounge. Older people d e s i r e a choice i n l i v i n g 

accommodations. T h e r e f o r e , the design has to provide a v a r i e t y 

of l i v i n g - u n i t c o n f i g u r a t i o n s . Furtheremore, the e l d e r l y look 

f o r a sense of autonomy and they need an environment t h a t 

extends and enhances t h e i r independence. T h e r e f o r e , i n each 

l i v i n g - u n i t as w e l l as i n the whole f a c i l i t y s p e c i a l design 

f e a t u r e s and d e t a i l s w i l l be provided i n order to improve t h e i r 

independence, e.g.: supplementary l i g h t sources, h a n d - r a i l s , 

" f r i e n d l y " f u r n i t u r e . The r e s i d e n t s w i l l be a b l e , to some 

extent, to p e r s o n a l i z e t h e i r l i v i n g - u n i t s with t h e i r own 

f u r n i t u r e and other p e r s o n a l belongings. However, the most 

important f a c t o r a f f e c t i n g the e l d e r l y i s t h e i r l i m i t e d 

m o b i l i t y . The Extended Care F a c i l i t y w i l l be wheelchair 

a c c e s s i b l e throughout. 

One of the most important spaces w i l l be the c l u s t e r ' s main 

lounge. T h i s area w i l l p l a y a m u l t i f u n c t i o n a l r o l e : as a d i n i n g , 

l e i s u r e and a c t i v i t y area. As r e s e a r c h has shown ( K o n c e l i k 1976) 

many r e s i d e n t s of the EC w i l l stay i n t h e i r rooms without being 



154 

w i l l i n g to p a r t i c i p a t e i n any common a c t i v i t i e s . Approximately 

20% of the p a t i e n t s i n an Extended Care f a c i l i t y are expected to 

be unable to p a r t i c i p a t e i n any type of a c t i v e program. The 

remaining 80% of p a t i e n t s w i l l be capable of p a r t i c i p a t i n g i n 

the programs developed f o r them. I t should be recognized t h a t 

the m a j o r i t y of the p a t i e n t s w i l l r e q u i r e a s s i s t a n c e i n g e t t i n g 

to the main lounge (BCHP EC Design G u i d e l i n e s 1988). T h e r e f o r e , 

i t i s important to encourage r e s i d e n t s to get up, get dressed 

and proceed i n t o the lounge a c t i v i t y area each day. The more 

approachable the lounge area the more f r e q u e n t l y i t w i l l be 

used. T h i s area should a c t as a s u b s t i t u t e l i v i n g room of a 

normal f a m i l y house. I t should provide a normal, i n v i t i n g 

ambience which w i l l appeal to r e s i d e n t s . 

There are s e v e r a l c r i t i c a l i s s u e s i n d e s i g n i n g such space. 

Although the main t h e r a p e u t i c s e r v i c e s w i l l be a v a i l a b l e i n the 

Core Centre i t w i l l a l s o be necessary to provide a supplementary 

space i n the c l u s t e r ' s lounges. T h i s space w i l l be used not o n l y 

as a l e i s u r e / d i n i n g space but a l s o as P h y s i c a l E x e r c i s e and 

O c c u p a t i o n a l Therapy Area f o r a very small group of r e s i d e n t s 

( b a s i c a l l y f o r those who don't l i k e to mingle with the r e s t of 

the EC community). 

Issue #3 Home l i k e environment 

C r i t i c a l design i s s u e s f o r c r e a t i n g a home-like environment 

i n the r e s i d e n t i a l c l u s t e r s : 

1. S c a l e of the c l u s t e r 

The way space i s enclosed, i t s s i z e and shape, the h e i g h t of 



155 

the room, p l a y s an important p a r t i n c r e a t i n g a home-like 

environment i n the EC f a c i l i t y . S c a l e can give a f a c i l i t y a 

r e s i d e n t i a l or i n s t i t u t i o n a l atmosphere. Proper s c a l e i n the 

r e s i d e n t i a l c l u s t e r can be achieved by: 

a. p r o v i d i n g the l o u n g e / d i n i n g area d i v i d e d i n t o f u n c t i o n a l 

a l c o v e s f o r v a r i o u s a c t i v i t i e s . 

b. the space w i l l have v a r i e t y of c e i l i n g h e i g h t s by p r o v i d i n g 

sky l i g h t s i n the l o u n g e / d i n i n g area and lower c e i l i n g i n 

the r e s t , p a r t of the c l u s t e r . 

c. the s i z e and shape of f u r n i t u r e , equipment, r a i l i n g s , 

e l e c t r i c a l switches and other d e t a i l s w i l l be designed i n 

accordance with the e l d e r l y ' s antropometrics. 

2. P r o x i m i t y to l i v i n g u n i t s 

A l l l i v i n g u n i t s w i l l have d i r e c t access to the 

l o u n g e / d i n i n g area. 

3. Connection with the outdoor a c t i v i t i e s 

A l l l i v i n g u n i t s w i l l have d i r e c t access to p r i v a t e outdoor 

space. The l o u n g e / d i n i n g area w i l l have connection to the 

shared outdoor space. 

Issue #4 Resident L i v i n g U n i t . 

C r i t i c a l design i s s u e s i n the r e s i d e n t u n i t : 

1. p r i v a c y i n two and f o u r bed rooms ( s e t t i n g up one's 

t e r r i t o r y ) . A l l two and f o u r bed rooms w i l l be designed to 

p r o v i d e one's r e s i d e n t t e r r i t o r y by b i a x a l ownership 

arrangement. 

2. view from the bed: windows and c e i l i n g become important 



156 

space elements of bedridden r e s i d e n t ' s environment. Windows i n 

the r e s i d e n t s ' rooms w i l l have a s i l l h e i g h t which w i l l allow a 

view through the window to the o u t s i d e world (see p r i v a t e out-

door space). C e i l i n g s w i l l be enhanced by p r o v i d i n g s t i m u l a t i n g 

i n t e r i o r design f e a t u r e s such as p a i n t i n g s or s c u l p t u r e d sus-

pended c e i l i n g s . 

5.3.3 P r i v a t e outdoor spaces i n the Dependent L i v i n g - Long  

Term Care F a c i l i t y 

At the time of w r i t i n g t h i s t h e s i s there i s no s p e c i f i c 

l e g i s l a t i o n i n B r i t i s h Columbia nor any g u i d e l i n e s , which s p e c i -

f i c a l l y determine the landscape requirements f o r each l e v e l of 

care. There i s b a s i c i n f o r m a t i o n and common requirments i n the 

Community Care F a c i l i t y Act, Extended Care Design G u i d e l i n e s and 

CMHC Design G u i d e l i n e s i n terms of v a r i e t y of outdoor spaces, 

p r i v a c y and some p h y s i c a l c o n d i t i o n s . However, there i s r e l a -

t i v e l y l i t t l e i n f o r m a t i o n r e g a r d i n g s p e c i f i c approaches to the 

design f o r e l d e r l y r e s i d e n t s i n the h i g h e r l e v e l s of dependency. 

In the a n a l y s i s of outdoor spaces i n the case s t u d i e s of 

three d i f f e r e n t l e v e l s of care (Appx. #5-2) I found t h a t o n l y 

Parkwood Manor, congregate housing i n Coquitlam, B.C. p r o v i d e s 

d w e l l i n g u n i t s with p r i v a t e b a l c o n i e s or p a t i o s . In the 

Intermediate Care f a c i l i t y i n H o l l y b u r n House and i n the 

U n i v e r s i t y H o s p i t a l , UBC S i t e Extended Care U n i t there i s no 

d i r e c t access from i n d i v i d u a l s l e e p i n g u n i t s to open outdoor 

spaces. Although a l l Intermediate Care u n i t s i n H o l l y b u r n House 



157 

are l o c a t e d on the ground f l o o r l e v e l the o n l y access to the 

shared p a t i o i s through the e x i t of the f a c i l i t y . The UBC S i t e 

Extended Care U n i t i s a s i x s t o r e y b u i l d i n g without any p r i v a t e 

b a l c o n i e s . The o n l y small (too small f o r a l l r e s i d e n t s ) outdoor 

p a t i o i s adjacent to the common spaces on the ground f l o o r l e v e l 

and not e a s i l y a c c e s s i b l e to the r e s i d e n t s . T h e r e f o r e , t h i s 

p a t i o i s u n d e r u t i l i z e d . 

The n u r s i n g home i n the Motion P i c t u r e Country House i n 

Woodland H i l l s C a l i f o r n i a i s an i n t e r e s t i n g example of a new 

approach to the design of outdoor p r i v a t e spaces i n a long-term 

care f a c i l i t y a t the extended care l e v e l . The c l u s t e r i n g of 

f o u r p a t i e n t rooms around an i n t e r i o r v e s t i b u l e c r e a t e s a 

geometry t h a t accommodates shared b a l c o n i e s l i n k e d to each u n i t 

(see F i g . 5-10). While having p r i v a t e rooms the r e s i d e n t s have 

an o p p o r t u n i t y f o r s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n i n an adjacent 

s e m i - p r i v a t e outdoor space. 

Since e l d e r l y people i n Long Term Care f a c i l i t i e s are l e s s 

mobile, d i r e c t access from t h e i r s l e e p i n g u n i t s to the outdoor 

spaces as w e l l as views from t h e i r u n i t w i l l keep them i n touch 

with the o u t s i d e world. 

In the CCC long term r e s i d e n t i a l c l u s t e r s a l l s l e e p i n g u n i t s 

w i l l have d i r e c t access to the outdoor spaces. A p l a n t i n g area 

o u t s i d e each u n i t w i l l d e f i n e p e r s o n a l t e r r i t o r y and minimize 

chance f o r p r i v a c y i n v a s i o n . However, a l l r e s i d e n t s w i l l share 

a l s o common outdoor space, which may be claimed by s e v e r a l 

r e s i d e n t s . These arrangement w i l l g i v e the r e s i d e n t s a choice 



158 

F i g . 5-10 P r i v a t e Outdoor Spaces i n Nursing Home 
Source: Bobrow/Thomas A r c h i t e c t s , Motion P i c t u r e Country House 

Woodland, C a l i f o r n i a . 



159 

to be i n p r i v a t e t e r r i t o r y , or have an o p p o r t u n i t y to meet other 

r e s i d e n t s and to watch an a c t i v i t y i n the nearest common open 

areas. 

For those who are unable to go o u t s i d e views of a t t r a c t i v e 

outdoor spaces w i l l be e s p e c i a l l y important ( K o n c e l i k 1976). 

Views from the windows are important ways f o r r e s i d e n t s to f e e l 

connected with the r e s t of the world. A t t r a c t i v e views provide 

r e l i e f and p l e a s u r e . There i s evidence i n r e s e a r c h ( R e i z e n s t e i n 

Carpman et a l . 1986) t h a t p l e a s a n t views can i n c r e a s e the r e s i ^ 

dent's sense of w e l l - b e i n g and decrease recovery time and need 

f o r p a i n - r e l i e f medication. 

Outdoor views remind the e l d e r l y of the season, time of 
a day and weather. These are important " r e a l i t y cues" 
f o r long-term, c r i t i c a l l y i l l r e s i d e n t s ( R e i z e n s t e i n 
Carpman et a l . 1986, p. 211). 

The flow of time i s the most b a s i c and continuous of n a t u r a l 

phenomena. The r e p e t i t i v e rhythm of dawn, daytime, evening, 

sunset and n i g h t has marked t h e r a p e u t i c a l value. Confined to 

bed a r e s i d e n t can l o s e t h i s rhythm of moving on, of p r o g r e s s -

i n g . T h e r e f o r e , i t should be e s s e n t i a l i n the new development 

to provide t r e e s and p l a n t s which b r i n g out t h i s rhythm through 

the e f f e c t of changing shadows, and c o l o u r s i n the v a r i o u s 

seasons of the year. 

T h e r e f o r e , the CCC open spaces w i l l be v i s u a l l y s t i m u l a t i n g 

with a view of a c t i v i t y i n the surrounding areas. A l l s l e e p i n g 

u n i t s w i l l have window s i l l h e i g h t s which allow bedridden 

r e s i d e n t s see out the window e a s i l y . 



160 

Table 5-5.--Extended Care C l u s t e r 
Space Program 

Component Q-ty U n i t Net 
Area 

T o t a l Net 
Area 

Remarks: 

C l u s t e r Type I 

T o t a l number of r e s i d e n t s : 12 

1 - Bedroom 8 18 m2 144 m2 
4 - Bedroom 1 47 m2 47 m2 
Lounge/dining 1 48 m2 48 m2 4 m2 per bed 
S a t e l l i t e k i t c h e n 1 10 m2 10 m2 
Bathing f a c i l i t i e s 1 26 m2 26 m2 3 bath f i x . 
S o i l e d u t i l i t y 1 11 m2 11 m2 

T o t a l : 286 m2 
T o t a l number of c l u s t e r s : 2 572 m2 

C l u s t e r Type I I 

T o t a l number of r e s i d e n t s • 12 

1 Bedroom 8 18 m2 144 m2 
2 Bedroom 2 30 m2 60 m2 
Lounge/dining 1 48 m2 48 m2 
S a t e l l i t e K i t c h e n 1 10 m2 10 m2 
Bathing f a c i l i t i e s 1 26 m2 26 m2 3 bath f i x . 
S o i l e d u t i l i t y 1 11 m2 11 m2 

T o t a l : 

C l u s t e r Support 

Nurses s t a t i o n : 
C o n t r o l 
Clean u t i l i t y & 
Medicine prep. 
Head N. O f f i c e 
Staff'washroom 

Medit.Rm/Chapel 
Linen Supply 
J a n i t o r Rm 
Resid. Laundry 
W.chair Store 

299 m2 

38 m2 38 m2 

30 m2 
14 m2 
6 m2 
6 m2 

22 m2 

30 m2 
14 m2 
6 m2 
6 m2 

22 m2 

T o t a l : 112 m2 



Table 5-5.--Extended Care C l u s t e r (Cont'd) 
Space Program 

161 

Component Q-ty U n i t Net T o t a l Net Remarks: 
Area Area 

Observation U n i t f o r 6 beds 

1 Bedroom 4 18 m2 72 m2 
2 Bedroom 1 30 m2 30 m2 
Lounge/Dining 1 24 m2 24 m2 
Linen Supply 1 10 m2 10 m2 
S o i l e d U t i l i t y 1 11 m2 11 m2 
Bathing f a c i l i t y 1 23 m2 23 m2 2 f i x . 
Storage 1 10 m2 10 m2 

T o t a l : 180 m2 

Grand T o t a l : 1, 153 m2 

Gross Area: 36 m2 x 42 beds = 1,512 m2 

References: 

BCHP. Extended Care Design G u i d e l i n e s . 1988. 

CJP A r c h i t e c t s Calberg Jackson P a r t n e r s . St. V i n c e n t ' s Extended  
Care H o s p i t a l - Space Program. 1987. 

Gardiner Thornton P a r t n e r s h i p . St. Michael's Centre - F u n c t i o n a l 
and Space Program. 1977. 



162 

LEGEND • 
CS 
CTi 
CT2 
OS 

CLUSTER SUPPORT 
CLUSTER TYPE 1 
CLUSTER. TYPE 2 
OUTDOOR. SPACES 
OBSERVATION UNIT 
SECURITY CONTROL 

F i g . 5-11 Extended Care F a c i l i t y 



163 

LEGEND: 
1B 1BEDROOM 
4B 4 BEDROOM 
T y L DINING/LIVING 
K S . K l T C ^ r ^ / S E R V I U G -
BTH BATHING feOOH 
SU SOILED UTILITY 
P PATIO 
OS OUTDOOR SPACES 

F i g . 5-12 Extended Care C l u s t e r Type 1 



164 

TO C O R E C E N T R E 

RL LS W5 SU 

C T 1 C T 1 C T 2 

LEGEND • 
CT1 CLUSTER TVPE1 
CTZ CLUSTER TYPE2. 
W/6 WHEELCHAIR STORAGE 
NS NURSE STATION 
MR MEDICATION PJDOM 
WC STAFF WASHROOM 
RL RESIDENTS' LAUNDRY 
LS LINEN STORAGE 
WS WHEELCHAIR SHOWER 
3 JANITOR ROOV1 
SU SOILED UTILITY 

F i g . 5-13 Extended Care C l u s t e r Support 



165 

5.4 CORE CENTRE 

In keeping with the o b j e c t i v e s of the CCC, the Core Centre w i l l 

provide s e r v i c e s f o r the r e s i d e n t s of the f a c i l i t y and to some 

extent f o r the e l d e r l y from the Community of the West P o i n t Grey 

area. 

The Core Centre w i l l be comprised of 15 major f u n c t i o n a l 

components and each of them w i l l i n c l u d e s e v e r a l a c t i v i t y 

c e n t r e s . There w i l l be two types of components: 

1. Components s e r v i n g the CCC f a c i l i t y o n l y e.g.: M a t e r i a l 

S e r v i c e s , Maintenance S e r v i c e s , P l a n t S e r v i c e s , S t a f f 

Support and Laundry; 

2. Components which w i l l serve the r e s i d e n t s of the CCC and the 

e n t i r e community: R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Centre, C l i n i c , Pharmacy, 

A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , Main Concourse, Food S e r v i c e s , Food F a i r , 

A r t s and C r a f t s , L i b r a r y , Auditorium and Indoor R e c r e a t i o n 

Programs; 

The Core Centre w i l l r e q u i r e l a r g e open spaces f o r a v a r i e t y of 

group a c t i v i t i e s . There w i l l have to be a l s o ample grounds 

around the b u i l d i n g f o r important supplementary f u n c t i o n s l i k e : 

p a r k i n g , s e r v i c e & d e l i v e r y and r e c r e a t i o n . 



166 

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167 

5.4.1. MAIM CONCOURSE 

A complex of b u i l d i n g s with no c e n t e r i s 
l i k e a man without a head. 

Alexander, A P a t t e r n Language 

1) Purpose 

One of the major f u n c t i o n a l components of the Core Centre 

w i l l be the Main Concourse, which w i l l c r e a t e a c e n t r a l forum 

( P u b l i c Place) f o r the f a c i l i t y . There o l d e r people may come to 

meet each other, to chat with c l o s e f r i e n d or c a s u a l l y t a l k with 

new acquaitances i n an a t t r a c t i v e , comfortable s e t t i n g . I t w i l l 

a l s o be a p l a c e f o r b a s i c commercial s e r v i c e s . 

2) F u n c t i o n a l D e s c r i p t i o n 

a. Winter Garden - Conservatory 

The landscape may be brought i n s i d e the b u i l d i n g so t h a t i t 

can be enjoyed d u r i n g the winter months and d u r i n g the time of 

bad weather (Gruffydd 1967). Although i t may be very c o s t l y to 

b u i l d a landscaped i n t e r i o r atrium, i t would be worthwhile to 

compare the b e n e f i t s i t b r i n g s f o r r e s i d e n t s i n terms of t h e i r 

human needs, a g a i n s t the i n i t i a l c a p i t a l c o s t . The i n s t i t u -

t i o n a l f e e l i n g would be decreased, because the p l a n t s provide a 

"home l i k e " atmoshpere. B r i n g i n g nature indoors may h o l d 

s i m i l a r p s y c h o l o g i c a l b e n e f i t s to a c c e s s i n g nature outdoors. 

P l a n t s are s o o t h i n g and r e s t f u l , e s p e c i a l l y f l o w e r i n g ones. 

They r e p r e s e n t l i f e , hope and growth. T h e r e f o r e , a green i n t e r i 



168 

or may become a key element i n the environment f o r the e l d e r l y . 

In the Core Centre, i n the heart of the Main Concourse, the 

Conservatory w i l l be one of the most a t t r a c t i v e components. 

During many r a i n y days i n Vancouver, there w i l l be a c h e e r f u l , 

p l e a s a n t atmosphere c r e a t e d by p l e n t y of p l a n t s , (some of the 

e x i s t i n g b e a u t i f u l t r e e s can be i n c o r p o r a t e d w i t h i n t h i s p l a c e ) , 

water f e a t u r e and l i v e f i s h and b i r d s . E s p e c i a l l y a l i v e fauna 

w i l l p l a y a s i g n i f i c a n t r o l e i n t h i s environment. 

Recent s t u d i e s have shown t h a t the bond with animal com-

panions i s s t r o n g e r and more profound a t o l d e r age (Bustad 1983; 

S a v i s h i n s k y 1985). T h e r e f o r e , i n many f a c i l i t i e s f o r the 

e l d e r l y a new program c a l l e d "Pet Therapy" has been i n t r o d u c e d . 

T h i s program has confirmed the p o s i t i v e e f f e c t s of pets therapy 

on the e l d e r l y ' s mental and p h y s i c a l h e a l t h . Although i n the 

CCC Conservatory o n l y b i r d s and f i s h are planned they w i l l 

n e v e r t h e l e s s provide s t r o n g v i s u a l s t i m u l a t i o n and o p p o r t u n i t i e s 

to s t a r t a c o n v e r s a t i o n with another observer. L o n e l i n e s s i s a 

problem f o r many o l d e r people. Nonverbal communication can 

decrease the e l d e r l y ' s sensory d e p r i v a t i o n . The idea of 

c r e a t i n g the winter garden i n the Core Centre was not only to 

provide green area i n s i d e the f a c i l i t y to enjoy i t d u r i n g the 

r a i n , but a l s o to c r e a t e a " f r i e n d l y environment" with as much 

as p o s s i b l e o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n . 

b. M a i l Boxes 

The Main Concourse, being l o c a t e d on a busy c i r c u l a t i o n 

route, r i g h t i n the heart of the f a c i l i t y , w i l l be an i d e a l 



169 

l o c a t i o n f o r the M a i l Boxes f o r f a c i l i t y r e s i d e n t s . I t w i l l be 

a d a i l y d e s t i n a t i o n f o r almost every h a b i t a n t . 

c. Commercial Components 

Commercial components such as Beauty and H a i r Salon, Royal 

Bank Annex f o r example and General Store w i l l c r e a t e an 

environment of "an a c t i o n t a k i n g p l a c e " as w e l l as w i l l enhance 

business i n t e g r a t i o n with the P o i n t Grey Community. 

d. S e n i o r s ' Day Care 

For S e n i o r s l i v i n g i n the neighbourhood, the Main Concourse 

w i l l provide a S e n i o r s ' Day Care Centre with easy access to 

D i n i n g areas, Food F a i r component, s p e c i a l programs, R e h a b i l i -

t a t i o n Centre, C l i n i c and outdoor a c t i v i t i e s areas. 



Table 5-6.--Main Concourse 
Space Program 

COMPONENTS: NET AREA REMARKS: 

1. Main Entrance 10. 0 m2 

2. Coat Room 26. 0 m2 

3. Conservatory 100. 0 m2 

4. A r t s E x i b i t i o n 30. 0 m2 

5. Bank 20. 0 m2 

6. Beauty Salon 26. 0 m2 4 c h a i r s , 3 s i n k s with 
counters, h a i r d r y e r s . 

7. Day Care 60. 0 m2 f o r p a r t i c i p a n t s who 
r e q u i r e r e s t p e r i o d 
d u r i n g the day 

8. Washrooms M&F&Hand'd 40. 0 m2 

9. Storage/Maintenance 6. 0 m2 

10. M a i l Boxes Rm f o r EC,IC, RC 12. 0 m2 f o r 152 r e s i d e n t s 

11. General S t o r e : 24 Hrs 20. 0 m2 "Max" or "7&11" 

TOTAL: 350. 0 m2 

GROSS AREA: 350 x 1.3 = 455. 0 m2 

References: 

APRA. F a c i l i t i e s Program f o r the George Derby Long Term Care  
S o c i e t y . 1982, p.G41. 

G a r d i n e r Thornton P a r t n e r s h i p . St. Michael's Centre F u n c t i o n a l  
and Space Program. 1975, p.8.1. 

Northwood Multi-Purpose Centre, P h y s i c a l F a c i l i t i e s Data L i s t . 



171 

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172 

5.4.2. FOOD FAIR - DINING 

Without communal e a t i n g , no human group can 
h o l d together. 

Alexander, A P a t t e r n Language 

Purpose 

In keeping with the o b j e c t i v e s of c r e a t i n g an i n f o r m a l 

community network of f r i e n d s and r e l a t i v e s , the CCC Food F a i r 

component w i l l become an a t t r a c t i v e and u s e f u l p l a c e f o r the 

e l d e r l y . 

Four p r i n c i p a l components make up the scheduled group 

a c t i v i t y programs at most S e n i o r Centres: d i n i n g , s p e c i a l 

programs, meeting/classes and a r t s / c r a f t s . The D i n i n g component 

p r o v i d e s o p p o r t u n i t i e s to meet new people and to share p l e a s a n t 

experience. Lunch o f t e n becomes one of the major programs of the 

day, with other a c t i v i t i e s scheduled around i t . I t can be a 

f e s t i v e o c c a s i o n so the d i n i n g area should r e f l e c t i t s impor-

tance. (Jordan 1978, pp.62-63). 

While most Centres c o n f i n e t h e i r d i n i n g a c t i v i t i e s to a 

r e g u l a r luncheon program, i n the case of the CCC Food F a i r 

b r e a k f a s t s , d i n n e r s and even snacks w i l l a l s o be a v a i l a b l e . 

Annual banquets and s p e c i a l h o l i d a y d i n n e r s , such as Thanks-

g i v i n g or Christmas, may b r i n g a l a r g e turnout of p a r t i c i p a n t s . 

Such meals are o f t e n served banquet-style and need a room l a r g e 

enough to h o l d a l l of the p a r t i c i p a n t s . Monthly meetings of a 

c i v i c group or the CCC Board of D i r e c t o r s may be h e l d there 

i n c l u d i n g a luncheon or dinner. 



173 

For the purpose of t h i s t h e s i s I assume t h a t up to 50% (100) 

of r e s i d e n t s i n the Independent L i v i n g C l u s t e r s and t h e i r 

o c c a s i o n a l guests w i l l be i n t e r e s t e d i n the Food S e r v i c e s . 

Beside t h a t number, there w i l l a l s o be Day Care p a r t i c i p a n t s and 

v i s i t o r s from the community. A c c o r d i n g to a study conducted by 

p r o f e s s o r F r a n c i s Carp on l i f e s a t i s f a c t i o n of V i c t o r i a P l a z a 

r e s i d e n t s ( h i g h - r i s e s e n i o r s apartment b u i l d i n g i n San Antonio, 

Texas with S e n i o r Centre on the ground f l o o r ) , 83 per cent of 

respondents " s t r o n g l y and p e r s u a s i v e l y d e s i r e d " i n c l u s i o n of 

some p l a c e they c o u l d buy meals a t reasonable c o s t . 

The most common improvement suggested f o r the S e n i o r 
Centre was a d d i t i o n of c a f e t e r i a , c o f f e e shop or c a f e . 
The p r o v i s i o n of a p l a c e to buy meals was suggested by 
49 per cent of respondents while a d d i t i o n of food s e r -
v i c e s was recommended by about 90 per cent (Carp 1987, 
P.74) . 

2) F u n c t i o n a l D e s c r i p t i o n 

The Food F a i r w i l l be l o c a t e d i n the Core Centre area c l o s e 

to the Food S e r v i c e s component and adjacent to the Main Con-

course. There w i l l be easy access from the v i s i t o r s p a r k i n g 

s i n c e i t w i l l be a d e s t i n a t i o n f o r people from the P o i n t Grey 

neighbourhood. In most s e n i o r s ' f a c i l i t i e s there i s a problem 

of a premeal l i n u p . For the CCC r e s i d e n t s and t h e i r guests who 

may come before the doors of the r e s t a u r a n t are open, there w i l l 

be p l e n t y of room w i t h i n the Main P l a z a Conservatory f o r 

w a i t i n g . 



174 

a. Restaurant 

The Food F a i r w i l l i n c l u d e a r e s t a u r a n t with w a i t r e s s s e r v i -

ces. A study of Seton V i l l a r e s i d e n t s p r e f e r e n c e s (Gutman 1983, 

p.141) showed t h a t about h a l f (55.6 per cent) expressed a c l e a r 

preference f o r w a i t r e s s s e r v i c e , while 33.3 per cent chose 

c a f e t e r i a s e l f - s e r v i c e and 11.1 per cent chose c a f e t e r i a with 

t r a y s e r v i c e . 

The r e s t a u r a n t w i l l accommodate 125 guests i n a comfortable 

environment f o r d i n i n g . Table spacing w i l l be generous enough to 

a v o i d crowding (1.5 m2 to 1.6 m2 per person). There w i l l be 

wide gangways to accommodate wheel-chairs. A v a r i e t y of s e a t i n g 

arrangements, which w i l l permit groupings of two, f o u r , s i x or 

more at <a t a b l e w i l l c r e a t e p r i v a c y , encourage i n t e r a c t i o n or 

even provide anonymity f o r those who p r e f e r i s o l a t i o n . Some d i n -

i n g t a b l e s w i l l be r e c t a n g u l a r ; others round and w i l l i n c l u d e 

t a b l e s a c c e s s i b l e to wheelchair users. For l a r g e r groups, there 

w i l l be banquet t a b l e s i n the a l c o v e s . On the t a b l e s , there 

w i l l be c o l o u r f u l l i n e n c l o t h s and f r e s h f l o w e r s . A p l e a s a n t , 

c h e e r f u l ambience i n the r e s t a u r a n t w i l l a l s o be c r e a t e d by 

having a b r i g h t c o l o u r and p i c t u r e s on the w a l l s . The r e s t a u r a n t 

w i l l have l a r g e windows f o r d i n e r s to see the o u t s i d e while they 

are e a t i n g . During good weather, there w i l l be an o p p o r t u n i t y 

to eat outdoor on the t e r r a c e and enjoy a view at the outdoor 

a c t i v i t i e s . 

b. Coffee-shop 

For those who l i k e to drop i n j u s t f o r a cup of c o f f e e or 



175 

t e a , there w i l l be an adjacent coffee-shop with 30 seats over-

l o o k i n g the main a c t i v i t i e s w i t h i n the Main Concourse. People 

w i l l have an o p p o r t u n i t y to " s i t s t i l l , r e l a x , be on view and 

watch the world go by". T h i s place may help to i n c r e a s e the 

i d e n t i t y of a community. I t w i l l be one of the p l a c e s where 

newcomer to the CCC may s t a r t meeting the people who have been 

there many years. 

c. Bar/Pub 

The Bar/Pub w i l l provide y e t another o p p o r t u n i t y f o r the CCC 

e l d e r l y , as w e l l as, v i s i t o r s from the community to be i n a 

p u b l i c p l a c e and to f i n d companionship. The 14 seat Pub w i l l 

provide s e a t i n g f o r f o u r to s i x people i n a s e t i n open a l c o v e s 

o v e r l o o k i n g a c t i v i t i e s i n the c e n t r a l p l a z a . 



176 

Table 5-7.--Food F a i r 
Space Program: 

COMPONENTS NET AREA REMARKS: 

1. Restaurant: 125 seats 200 m2 min. 1.5 m2 per seat 

2. S e r v i c e area 35 m2 

3. Cafe-shop: 30 seats 30 m2 min. 0.75 m2 per seat 

4. S e r v i c e area 10 m2 

5. Pub: 14 s e a t s 24 m2 

TOTAL 299 m2 

Parking requirements: A minimum of one space f o r the f i r s t 111 
m2 and one e x t r a f o r each a d d i t i o n a l 37 m2 of gross f l o o r area 
( C i t y of Vancouver Parking BY-law,1987) . 

Thus, 18 spaces. However, most of the s e n i o r s w i l l walk to the 
CCC t h e r e f o r e we can reduce i t to 5 spaces = 25% of c l i e n t s may 
d r i v e . 

References: 

De C h i a r a , J and C a l l a n d e r , J . Time-Saver Standards f o r  
B u i l d i n g Types. 1980. 

Jordan, Joe. S e n i o r Centre Design. 1978, p.62. 

Northwood Multi-Purpose Centre, P h y s i c a l F a c i l i t i e s Data. 



177 

5.4.3. FOOD SERVICES FACILITY  

O b j e c t i v e s 

The o b j e c t i v e of the Food S e r v i c e s f a c i l i t y w i l l be to 

prepare wholesome a p p e t i z i n g food. Residents w i l l be provided 

with s a f e , n u t r i t i o u s and a t t r a c t i v e food which w i l l accommodate 

s p e c i a l d i e t s (e.g.: s a l t f r e e ; sugar f r e e ; low c h o l e s t e r o l ) . 

General Concept 

One c e n t r a l k i t c h e n w i l l serve the whole CCC. In terms of 

t e c h n i c a l requirements i t w i l l be necessary i n the Design Stage 

to c o n s u l t Food S e r v i c e s and D i e t a r y S p e c i a l i s t s i n order to 

e s t a b l i s h exact space and equipment needs. 

Feeding Requirements: Number of R e s i d e n t s : 

1 Extended Care Residents 42 3 6 + 6 

2. Intermediate Care 90 

3. Day Care 20 

4. R e s p i t e Care 10 

5. V i s i t o r s , Independent L i v . 150 f l e x i b l e 

6. S t a f f & v o l u n t e e r s 80 f l e x i b l e 

TOTAL approximately 392 

...and a l s o : 

7. T h e r a p e u t i c d i e t s as needed by the Extended and Intermediate 

Care r e s i d e n t s 

8. D i e t a r y c o u n s e l l i n g as r e q u i r e d f o r those on t h e r a p e u t i c 

d i e t s , such as d i a b e t i c s , p l u s g e n e r a l n u t r i t i o n a l c o u n s e l -

l i n g f o r the r e s i d e n t s , day care c l i e n t s and v i s i t o r s . 



178 

F u n c t i o n a l D e s c r i p t i o n 

The K i t c h e n b u i l d i n g w i l l c o n s i s t of one c e n t r a l p r e p a r a t i o n 

area which w i l l serve the Intermediate and Extended Care f a c i l i -

t i e s and the Food F a i r i n the Core Centre area. Meals w i l l be 

served at s a t e l l i t e d i n i n g areas i n the E.C and I.C. and i n the 

r e s t a u r a n t w i t h i n the Food F a i r . 

R e c e i v i n g , Storage, P r e p a r a t i o n 

Goods w i l l be r e c e i v e d a t the r e c e i v i n g p l a t f o r m and s t o r e d 

i n the day s t o r e s , f r e e z e r s , c o o l e r s , and i f r e q u i r e d i n the 

c e n t r a l s t o r e room. Soups, e n t r e e s , v e g e t a b l e s , s a l a d s , baked 

goods, d e s s e r t s w i l l be prepared i n the p r o d u c t i o n area of the 

k i t c h e n f o r d i s p a t c h i n g to the s a t e l l i t e s e r v e r i e s i n food c a r t s 

or d i r e c t l y to the r e s t a u r a n t s e r v e r y or coffee-shop ( d e s s e r t s 

and baked goods). A f t e r meals, c o n t a i n e r s , d i s h e s and u t e n s i l s 

w i l l be r e t u r n e d to the k i t c h e n area f o r c l e a n i n g and h o l d i n g 

before being r e t u r n e d to the s a t e l l i t e areas. 

Intermediate Care D i n i n g 

In the c l u s t e r , l o u n g e / d i n i n g areas t a b l e s w i l l be prepared 

with c h i n a , s i l v e r w a r e , l i n e n c l o t h s and f r e s h f l o w e r s . Meals 

w i l l be d e l i v e r e d by food c a r t s and served from steam t a b l e s i n 

the s a t e l l i t e s e r v e r y / k i t c h e n . Dishes w i l l be c o l l e c t e d i n t o 

s o i l e d d i s h c a r t s and washed i n dishwashers i n the c e n t r a l 

k i t c h e n , and then r e t u r n e d to the Tray P r e p a r a t i o n / C a r t Loading 

area. 

There w i l l be an emergency n i g h t nourishment s e r v i c e f o r r e -

s i d e n t s i n one of the s a t e l l i t e k i t c h e n s . The d i n i n g area w i l l 



179 

be of s u f f i c i e n t s i z e to accommodate 6 wheel-chair r e s i d e n t s a t 

the same time. 

Extended Care D i n i n g 

P a t i e n t s w i l l be fed i n the c l u s t e r l o u n g e / d i n i n g areas 

s i m i l a r to the I.e. or by u s i n g i n d i v i d u a l t r a y s f o r bedside 

f e e d i n g where r e q u i r e d . 

R e s p i t e Care 

As i n the I.C. and E.C. f a c i l i t i e s . 

S t a f f Meals 

Meals f o r s t a f f w i l l be served i n the area adjacent to the 

c e n t r a l k i t c h e n on a s e l f - s e r v e b a s i s , but with s t a f f on duty. 

Day Care 

Since the Day Care component belongs to the Main Concourse 

and w i l l be l o c a t e d c l o s e to the Food F a i r , d i n i n g f o r Day Care 

w i l l take p l a c e i n the Restaurant's s p e c i a l l y a l l o c a t e d a l c o v e s . 



180 

Table 5-8.--Food S e r v i c e s F a c i l i t y 
Space Program 

COMPONENTS NET AREA REMARKS: 

1. Manager O f f i c e 11.0 m2 

2. D i e t i c i a n , C l e r k O f f i c e 9.5 m2 

3. S t a f f Changing Rms F&M 12.0 m2 1 m2/person 

4. S t a f f Lounge/Dining 50.0 m2 E.C. and I.C. 

5. P r e p a r a t i o n 25.0 m2 

6. P r o d u c t i o n 134. 0 m2 

7. Tray Prep/Cart Loading 44. 5 m2 

8. Dishwashing 30. 0 m2 

9. Pot Washing 6.0 m2 

10. C a r t Washing 4.5 m2 

11. C a r t Storage 19.0 m2 

12. Waste 2.0 m2 

13. C o o l i n g Storage 46. 0 m2 

14. F r e e z e r Storage 46.0 m2 

15. Dry Storage 25.0 m2 

16. Day Storage 9.0 m2 

TOTAL 473. 5 m2 

Comparison: 

BCHP Extended Care Design G u i d e l i n e s - f o r 75 beds: 140 m2 

St. M i c h a e l ' s Centre - f o r 120 people: 168 m2 

George Derby L.Term Care - f o r 300 people: 412 m2 

Jordan, S e n i o r Centre Design - 500 meals a day:198 m2 



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F i g . 5-16 Food S e r v i c e s 

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182 

5.4.4. REHABILITATION CENTRE 

1) Purpose 

One of the most a t t r a c t i v e and unique f e a t u r e s of the CCC 

w i l l be the R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Centre. T h i s Centre w i l l c o n s i s t of 

c e n t r a l i z e d f a c i l i t i e s f o r r e h a b i l i t a t i o n s e r v i c e s which are not 

o f f e r e d a t the C l u s t e r Support l e v e l . I t w i l l serve both the 

r e s i d e n t s of the CCC and r e s i d e n t s of the P o i n t Grey neighbour-

hood. T h i s Centre w i l l operate w i t h i n the Core Centre h e a l t h 

s e r v i c e s programs. However, i t may be simply used as a r e c r e a -

t i o n a l area without any s p e c i a l medical s u p e r v i s i o n . 

2) F u n c t i o n a l D e s c r i p t i o n 

The R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Centre w i l l be l i n k e d with the C l i n i c and 

Main Concourse of the Core Centre. There i s a l s o an easy access 

f o r the r e s i d e n t s of the IC and EC f a c i l i t i e s . The Centre w i l l 

be connected with outdoor a c t i v i t i e s areas (bowling, m i n i - g o l f , 

croquet and o t h e r s ) . 

a. Swimming Pool F a c i l i t i e s 

The main f e a t u r e of t h i s Centre w i l l be a swimming pool with 

an adjacent sauna. The swimming pool w i l l be planned as a b r i g h t 

area with a major s k y l i g h t , evergreen p l a n t s i n s i d e and c o l o r f u l 

comfortable "beach" f u r n i t u r e . Large wall-windows with a view to 

the o u t s i d e w i l l p l e a s a n t l y l i n k the outdoor and the indoor 

environments and give many an o p p o r t u n i t y to watch people 

walking around, while e n j o y i n g the warm water. The swimming pool 

w i l l be shaped purposely to allow the e l d e r l y to move s l o w l y 



183 

from shallow to deeper zones. Even person u s i n g a wheel-chair 

w i l l be able to enter the pool without s p e c i a l a s s i s t a n c e . There 

w i l l be no d i v i n g boards which may c r e a t e hazards. Underwater 

l i g h t i n g w i l l improve the ambience of the pool and w i l l 

encourage the t i m i d to a c t i v e l y p a r t i c i p a t e . Close to the p o o l , 

there w i l l be a whirpool with adjacent "Bar" which w i l l serve 

non- a l c o h o l i c d r i n k s . Within the same f a c i l i t i e s , one can go to 

a sauna or gymnasium or even go o u t s i d e to e x e r c i s e and take the 

f r e s h a i r . 

b. F i t n e s s and Dancing Club 

The F i t n e s s and Dancing Club w i l l provide p h y s i c a l e x e r c i s e s 

and therapy f o r the r e s i d e n t s and v i s i t o r s . The Club w i l l be 

l i n k e d with outdoor a c t i v i t y areas to promote f i t n e s s a c t i v i t i e s 

d u r i n g sunny days. The r e s i d e n t s w i l l come here f o r p a r t of 

t h e i r d a i l y program which may be expanded by physiotherapy i n 

the Centre's Treatment Area. However, f o r the more a c t i v e 

e l d e r l y dancing w i l l be e s p e c i a l l y popular. "While ballroom 

dancing i s o f t e n the f a v o r i t e , square dancing and f o l k dancing 

a l s o have t h e i r fans" (Jordan 1978). The Changing Rooms w i l l 

serve both the swimming pool f a c i l i t i e s and F i t n e s s Club. An 

O f f i c e f o r the a d m i n i s t r a t i v e work r e l a t e d to the a c t i v i t y 

programs w i l l accommodate spaces f o r the t h e r a p i s t s and program 

workers. I t w i l l have v i s u a l access to the treatment area. 

c. The Treatment U n i t 

The Treatment U n i t , p r o v i d e s physiotherapy and speech 

pathology treatment f o r the r e s i d e n t s and the Day Care c l i e n t s . 



184 

Wheel-chair a c c e s s i b l e washroom w i l l be l o c a t e d adjacent to t h i s 

area. O c c u p a t i o n a l therapy f o r more f r a g i l e r e s i d e n t s of the IC 

and EC f a c i l i t i e s w i l l be provided i n t h e i r r e s p e c t e d lounges, 

while f o r more a c t i v e r e s i d e n t s and v i s i t o r s the Core Centre 

programs and s e r v i c e s (e.g.: A r t s and C r a f t s , games, l i b r a r y ) 

w i l l be a v a i l a b l e . 



185 

Table 5 - 9 . - - R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Centre 
Space Program 

COMPONENTS NET AREA REMARKS: 

1. Physiotherapy 30.0 m2 6 s t a t i o n s 

2. Washroom 2.8 m2 

3. O f f i c e 14. 0 m2 

4. F i t n e s s and Dancing 60.0 m2 Ballroom 

5. Changing Room F 40.0 m2 

6. Changing Room M 40. 0 m2 

7. Swimming Pool 12.5 x 25 = 
2.5 x 12.5 + 3.0 m x 25 = 

312. 5 
106. 2 

m2 
m2 

+ pool-surround 

8. Equipment Storage 10. 0 m2 

9. Sauna 17.0 m2 

10. Gymnasium 20. 0 m2 

11. S t a f f Room 10. 0 m2 

TOTAL 662. 5 m2 

Parking requirements: A minimum of one space f o r each 18.6 m2 of 
Gross F l o o r Area ( C i t y of Vancouver, Parking BY-law, 1987). 
36 p a r k i n g spaces x 26.5 m2 = 954.0 m2 

References: 
De C h i a r a , J . and C a l l e n d e r , J . Time-Saver Standards f o r  
B u i l d i n g Types. 1980. 

APRA. F a c i l i t i e s Program f o r the George Derby Long Term Care  
S o c i e t y . 1982, p.G58-63. 

P a t r i c , Thomas. S e l e c t e d R e h a b i l i t a t i o n F a c i l i t i e s i n the United  
S t a t e s . 1971, p.53. 

CMHC. Nursing Home and H o s t e l s with Care S e r v i c e s f o r the 
E l d e r l y Design G u i d e l i n e s . 1979. 



186 

|440RnCULj 
I THERAPY 
I J 

MAl N I 
I CONCOORSEl 
I 1 

F i g . 5-17 R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Centre 



187 

5.4.5. ARTS AND CRAFTS 

1) Purpose 

A need of some o l d e r people f o r p e r s o n a l e x p r e s s i o n may be 

s a t i s f i e d by a v a r i e t y of programs i n the A r t s and C r a f t s 

Rooms. Faced with the r e a l i t y of d e c l i n i n g p h y s i c a l s t r e n g t h , 

l o s s of job, income and perhaps death of a spouse or f r i e n d s , 

many o l d e r people t u r n to new p u r s u i t s i n order to r e i n f o r c e 

t h e i r s e l f - i m a g e . A r t s and C r a f t s programs g i v e t h e i r p a r t i c i -

pants a chance to engage i n a group e f f o r t , develop c r e a t i v i t y , 

cooperate and compete with o t h e r s . 

2) F u n c t i o n a l D e s c r i p t i o n 

The CCC A r t s and C r a f t s a c t i v i t i e s w i l l be i n c l u d e d i n the 

a d u l t e d u c a t i o n programs i n the Core Centre. Those programs 

w i l l be o f f e r e d on a r e g u l a r b a s i s . Thus, r e s i d e n t s and 

v i s i t o r s w i l l be able to spend a g r e a t d e a l of time i n an 

environment t h a t i s s u p p o r t i v e and rewarding. C l a s s e s w i l l tend 

to range from 10 to 25 p a r t i c i p a n t s , t h e r e f o r e a l l rooms w i l l 

be s i z e a b l e , b r i g h t and c h e e r f u l . C r a f t s rooms w i l l be grouped 

t o g e t h e r to p r o v i d e f l e x i b i l i t y i n case of changing c l a s s s i z e s 

and d i f f e r e n t c r a f t uses. T h i s p a r t i c u l a r program component w i l l 

be l o c a t e d a s i d e to p r o t e c t the r e s t of the Core Centre from 

n o i s e , or dust which may be generated by c r a f t s rooms. The rooms 

w i l l be workshops r a t h e r than showplaces. However, there w i l l 

be a v i s u a l c o n n e c t i o n with the hallway i n the Main Concourse. 



188 

T h i s f e a t u r e w i l l allow p o t e n t i a l p a r t i c i p a n t s to observe o t h e r s 

a t work u n t i l they decide to take p a r t themselves. F i n i s h e d 

works of the p a r t i c i p a n t s w i l l be e x i b i t e d i n the main p l a z a -

A r t s E x i b i t i o n area. 

The A r t s and C r a f t s area c o n s i s t s of s i x rooms: woodwork, 

dyeing, weaving, p o t t e r y , work t a b l e s t h a t i n c l u d e needlework, 

c r e a t i v e a r t s and h a n d c r a f t s , as w e l l as, p a i n t i n g / s k e t c h i n g . 

However, some of the rooms can be converted to other c r a f t s such 

as photography, ceramics or c h i n a p a i n t i n g . M a t e r i a l s and 

equipment w i l l be s t o r e d on open s h e l v e s , i n an adjacent storage 

room, to p r o v i d e a c c e s s i b i l i t y . 



Table 5 - 1 0 . — A r t s and C r a f t s 
Space Program 

COMPONENTS UNIT AREA m2 REMARKS: 

1. O f f i c e 10.0 m2 

2. S t a f f Washroom & Chg. rm. 12. 5 m2 

3. Dyeing 35.0 m2 

4. Weaving 40. 0 m2 

5. P o t t e r y 50.0 m2 

6. Worktables 40.0 m2 

7. Woodwork 30.0 m2 

8. P a i n t i n g & S k e t c h i n g 30.0 m2 

9. Storage 34.0 m2 

TOTAL: 281. 5 m2 

GROSS AREA: 281.5 X 1.4 = 393.0 m2 

References: 

Jordan, Joe. S e n i o r Centre Design. 1978, p.64. 

APRA. F a c i l i t i e s Program f o r the George Derby Long Term Care  
S o c i e t y . 1982, p. G75-87. 

Northwood Multi-Purpose Centre, P h y s i c a l F a c i l i t i e s Data. 

Seton V i l l a , M u l t i - l e v e l Care F a c i l i t y i n Burnaby, B.C. 



190 

WOOD-
w o r k 

s t o r . 

WOOD-
w o r k 

s t o r . s t o r . 

POTTE-
RY 
POTTE-
RY 

PAINT 
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WEAV 
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1 NET-

STOR. STOR. 

WORK 
TABLES 

STOR. 

WORK 
TABLES 

TMAIKI , 
I C O N C O U R S E I 

VISUAL ACCESS TO 
PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION 

I 

F i g . 5-18 A r t s and C r a f t s 



5.4.6. AUDITORIUM AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS 

1) Purpose 

The Auditorium with S p e c i a l Programs w i l l p r o v i d e e d u c a t i o n , 

i n f o r m a t i o n and entertainment to a l l users of the CCC f a c i l i t y . 

T h i s embraces a d i v e r s e group of a u d i e n c e - r e l a t e d a c t i v i t i e s , 

i n c l u d i n g l e c t u r e s , movies, c o n c e r t s , and programs f o r group 

a c t i v i t i e s such as b r i d g e c l a s s e s , c a r d p a r t i e s , bingo and 

o t h e r s . C l a s s e s and meetings w i l l provide a d u l t education and 

w i l l develop d i v e r s e i n t e r e s t s and p r e f e r e n c e s , f o r example: 

Poetry w r i t i n g , S i n g - a - l o n g , C h o r a l group, Typing, L o c a l 

H i s t o r y , Greenhouse workshop and many o t h e r s . 

2) F u n c t i o n a l D e s c r i p t i o n 

The Auditorium w i l l be l o c a t e d i n the Core Centre with an 

easy access from the Main Concourse. The p r i n c i p a l component 

w i l l be the Assembly H a l l which w i l l accommodate approximately 

200 people. T h i s T h e s i s assumes t h a t there w i l l be frequent 

p a r t i c i p a t i o n drawn from the P o i n t Grey community. T h e r e f o r e , 

an Auditorium with a stage, back stage and p r o j e c t o r booth w i l l 

be w e l l equipped to c r e a t e the best environment f o r s e n i o r s i n 

terms of s e e i n g as w e l l as f o r h e a r i n g . Furthermore, the Audi-

torium w i l l be designed as f u l l y a c c e s s i b l e space f o r wheel-

c h a i r r e s i d e n t s . Here, a l l a c t i v i t i e s as l i s t e d e a r l i e r , w i l l 

take p l a c e . In f r e e time, between the scheduled events, the 

Auditorium w i l l be used by r e s i d e n t s f o r r e h e a r s a l s of the i n -

strumental, t h e a t r e and c h o r a l groups. Close to the Auditorium, 



192 

there w i l l be l o c a t e d a number of classrooms with a view and 

access to outdoor a c t i v i t i e s . Storage f o r f u r n i t u r e and 

equipment w i l l be l o c a t e d c o n v e n i e n t l y a l s o near t h a t area. 

Washroom f a c i l i t i e s f o r men and women and a cloak-room w i l l be 

c l o s e i n the Main Concourse. The Auditorium w i l l be l e a s e d to 

other o r g a n i z a t i o n s as w e l l i n order to keep t h i s f a c i l i t y 

f i n a n c i a l l y f e a s i b l e . T h i s may be an a d d i t i o n a l f a c t o r i n the 

r e l a t i o n s h i p between the CCC and the business community. 

Table 5-11.--Auditorium and S p e c i a l Programs 
Space Program 

COMPONENT NET UNIT AREA m2 REMARKS 

1. Auditorium 224. 0 m2 1.12 m2/person 

2. Stage 24. 0 m2 

3. Backstage 32. 0 m2 

4. Storage 30. 0 m2 

5. P r o j e c t i o n Booth 6.0 m2 

6. Classroom 25.0 m2 5-10 persons 

7. Classroom 40. 0 m2 10-20 persons 

8. Meeting Rm/Game Rm 60.0 m2 20-40 persons 

TOTAL: 441. 0 m2 

References: 
Jordan, Joe. S e n i o r Center Design. 1978, p.60. 

Burris-Mayer, Harold and E. Cole. Theatres and Auditoriums. 
1975. 



BACK STA&E 
STAGE 

PROX 
E.O0TH 

AUDl-1 
T O R I U M ^ 1 ™ 1 ^ " 

STOR. 

C L A S S 
R M . 

MEET. 
GAME 

RM. 

PRO&. 
JDIR. 

T MAIN ~ j 
[CONCOURSEj 

F i g . 5-19 Auditorium and S p e c i a l Programs 



194 

5.4.7. ADMINISTRATION  

1. O b j e c t i v e s 

The main o b j e c t i v e of the A d m i n i s t r a t i o n S u i t e i s to provide 

f o r the o v e r a l l monitoring and c o n t r o l of the CCC f a c i l i t y . T h i s 

u n i t w i l l be r e s p o n s i b l e f o r the g e n e r a l s u p e r v i s i o n of the 

s t a f f , management of f i n a n c e s , l i a i s o n with the p u b l i c and 

c o o r d i n a t i o n among a l l major u n i t s of the CCC. The s t a f f w i l l 

need numerous o f f i c e s to c a r r y out t h e i r d u t i e s e f f i c i e n t l y . At 

t h i s stage of the program I assume o n l y g e n e r a l g u i d e l i n e s i n 

terms of the f u n c t i o n and q u a n t i t y . 

2) F u n c t i o n a l D e s c r i p t i o n  

a. Access 

The A d m i n i s t r a t i v e S u i t e w i l l be l o c a t e d i n the Core Centre, 

c l o s e to the main entrance and adjacent to the Main Concourse. 

The g e n e r a l a d m i n i s t r a t i o n o f f i c e s need l i t t l e c o n t a c t with the 

day-to-day a c t i v i t i e s of the f a c i l i t y , n e v e r t h e l e s s d i r e c t r e l a -

t i o n s h i p s are necessary f o r the e x e c u t i v e s . The E x e c u t i v e 

D i r e c t o r - C o o r d i n a t o r w i l l need an easy access to the g e n e r a l 

p u b l i c and to the s e n i o r s t a f f . The Programs D i r e c t o r w i l l need 

to be c l o s e to the hub of a l l d a i l y a c t i v i t i e s , s t a f f , p a r t i c i -

pants and v o l u n t e e r s . The C l i n i c and R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Centre 

D i r e c t o r w i l l have an access to Programs D i r e c t o r and to C l i n i c . 

The D i r e c t o r of Home Care and Support w i l l have an access to the 

D i r e c t o r of the Long Term F a c i l i t y and D i r e c t o r of S o c i a l 

Programs. The Long Term Care D i r e c t o r w i l l have an easy access 



195 

to the Intermediate, Extended and R e s p i t e Care f a c i l i t i e s . The 

Food D i r e c t o r w i l l have access to the Food S e r v i c e s and Food 

F a i r u n i t s . The A d m i n i s t r a t i v e S u p e r v i s o r w i l l be l o c a t e d c l o s e 

to the General O f f i c e and C o o r d i n a t o r . Waiting space w i l l be 

s u f f i c i e n t enough, with a d i r e c t access to the v i s i t o r s 

washrooms, and l o c a t e d c l o s e to the main entrance. 

b. P r i v a c y 

The A d m i n i s t r a t i v e S u i t e w i l l be d i v i d e d i n t o three p a r t s i n 

terms of p r i v a c y . 

Planned as P r i v a t e O f f i c e s are those of the: E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r , 

Long Term Care D i r e c t o r , Programs D i r e c t o r , Home Care and 

Support D i r e c t o r , Accountant, C l i n i c and R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Centre 

D i r e c t o r , Food S e r v i c e s D i r e c t o r . 

Planned as Semiprivate O f f i c e s are those of the: A d m i n i s t r a t i v e 

A s s i s t a n t , Program S u p e r v i s o r s , N u t r i t i o n i s t , Bookkeepers, 

Custodians, Home Care S u p e r v i s o r s , Home Support S u p e r v i s o r s , 

M a i l Room-Newsletter O f f i c e , D i r e c t o r of V o l u n t e e r s . 

General Open O f f i c e Space: S e c r e t a r i e s , C l e r i c a l A s s i s t a n t s , 

R e c e p t i o n i s t , V o l u n t e e r s . 



196 

Table 5-12.--Administration 
Space Program 

ACTIVITY CENTRE NET AREA m2 REMARKS 

1. C o o r d i n a t o r 15.0 m2 

2. E x e c u t i v e S e c r e t a r y 12.0 m2 

3. A d m i n i s t r a t i v e s u p e r v i s o r 12.0 m2 

4. Long Term Care D i r e c t o r 12. 0 m2 

5. Programs D i r e c t o r 12.0 m2 

6. Home Care and Support D i r . 12.0 m2 

7. Reception and Waiting 20. 0 m2 

8. General O f f i c e 36. 0 m2 3 x 12. 0 m2 

9, Accounting and Personnel 19.0 m2 2 x9.5 m2 

10. Records 8.5 m2 

11. C l i n i c & Rehab.Centre D i r . 12.0 m2 

12. M a i l Room 12.0 m2 

13. V o l u n t e e r s ' C o o r d i n a t o r 8.0 m2 

14. Volunteers* Room 12.0 m2 

15. V o l u n t e e r C l e r k 8.0 m2 

16. S t a f f Lounge 22.0 m2 

17. S t a f f Washrooms 5.0 m2 

18 V i s i t o r s Washrooms 5.0 m2 

19. Board Room 20.0 m2 

TOTAL: 262.5 m2 

References: 

Jordan, Joe. S e n i o r Center Design. 1978, p.68; 

G a r d i n e r Thornton P a r t n e r s h i p 1970, p. 43. 



197 

ADMIW. 

SUPERVf 

EXEC. 
SECRE 

COORD 
RM. 

STAFF 
LOUNGE 

S T A F F 
WASH. 

M A I L 
RM 

BOARD 
RM. 

DIR.. 
L . T 
C A R E 

DIR. 
h i .SEN • 

CEHTR. 

VOLUN VOL. VOL. 
RfA. COORD CLERK 

F i g . 5-20 A d m i n i s t r a t i o n S u i t e 



198 

5.4.8 CLINIC 

1) Purpose 

An ambulatory care centre i n the CCC w i l l provide medical, 

d e n t a l and c o u n s e l i n g s e r v i c e s f o r the r e s i d e n t s and the e l d e r l y 

from the P o i n t Grey community. The p r i n c i p a l o b j e c t i v e i s to 

provide h e a l t h maintenance and h e a l t h promotion. 

T h i s u n i t f u n c t i o n s w i t h i n the Core Centre a c t i v i t i e s . 

Residents or p a r t i c i p a n t s i n the CCC programs w i l l be making 

appointments to come here f o r medical examination, c o u n s e l i n g , 

and d e n t a l work. Other s p e c i a l i s t s such as an o p t o m e t r i s t and 

d i e t i c i a n w i l l a l s o be a v a i l a b l e by scheduled appointments. 

2) F u n c t i o n a l D e s c r i p t i o n 

A c t i v i t i e s i n the C l i n i c w i l l i n c l u d e : r e c e p t i o n of pa-

t i e n t s , d o c t o r s ' c o n s u l t a t i o n , u n d r e s s i n g , p h y s i c a l examination, 

d i a g n o s t i c t e s t s , minor procedures, d r e s s i n g , g i v i n g advice and 

i n s t r u c t i o n s . The main a c t i v i t y sequences w i l l i n v o l v e p r o f e s -

s i o n a l and n o n - p r o f e s s i o n a l s t a f f . In any of these a c t i v i t i e s 

the C l i n i c w i l l be planned to achieve the f o l l o w i n g o b j e c t i v e s : 

an easy access f o r the CCC p a t i e n t s or those from the 

Community a r r i v i n g by p r i v a t e or p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t a t i o n . 

to r e s p e c t the d i g n i t y and p r i v a c y of the p a t i e n t . 

to s a t i s f y the needs of handicapped p a t i e n t s . 

the p o s s i b i l i t y of regrouping of f u n c t i o n s w i t h i n the c l i n i c 

thus to provide space f l e x i b i l i t y . 



199 

to make sure t h a t the b u i l d i n g be of n o n - i n s t i t u t i o n a l 

c h a r a c t e r . 

a. Access 

The r e c e p t i o n i s t ' s counter w i l l be e a s i l y a c c e s s i b l e from 

the Main Concourse as w e l l as from the Intermediate and Extended 

Care f a c i l i t i e s . I t w i l l be connected with the R e h a b i l i t a t i o n 

Centre and Pharmacy U n i t s , thus c r e a t i n g one h e a l t h care block. 

The s o c i a l w e l f a r e and c o u n s e l i n g o f f i c e w i l l have a convenient 

access to p a t i e n t s from the w a i t i n g / r e c e p t i o n area, but w i l l be 

l o c a t e d away from other a c t i v i t i e s . There w i l l be separate 

entrances f o r the s t a f f and p u b l i c . G e n e r a l l y , three f u n c t i o n a l 

zones i n t h i s U n i t w i l l be d i s t i n g u i s h e d : 

p u b l i c zone - the entrance lobby, w a i t i n g area, p u b l i c 

washrooms, 

shared use zone - the r e c e p t i o n area, examination rooms, 

s t a f f zone - s t a f f washrooms, workrooms, storages 

b. P r i v a c y 

Doctor o f f i c e s and examination room w i l l be grouped around 

the w a i t i n g area. P a t i e n t s ' routes w i t h i n the c l i n i c w i l l not 

c r o s s s t a f f routes and w i l l not allow f o r views i n t o o f f i c e s , 

s t o r e s and s t a f f rooms. Documents f o r f i l i n g , blood and u r i n e 

samples; instruments and s t e r i l i z e r s w i l l remain concealed from 

the p u b l i c view. There w i l l be a s e p a r a t i o n of incompatible 

types of p a t i e n t s . The w a i t i n g area w i l l be screened v i s u a l l y 

and a c o u s t i c a l l y . 



200 

Table 5 - 1 3 . - - C l i n i c 
Space Program 

ACTIVITY CENTRE NET UNIT AREA m2 REMARKS 

1. W a i t i n g / r e c e p t i o n 25 m2 

2. Doctor o f f i c e s 56 m2 4 x 14 m2 

3. Examination/treatment room 18 m2 

4. D e n t i s t room 18 m2 

5. Dental l a b o r a t o r y 8 m2 

6. S o c i a l worker o f f i c e 14 m2 

7. C o u n s e l l i n g o f f i c e 12 m2 

8. P u b l i c washrooms F&M 10 m2 2 x 5 m2 
t o i l e t s 

each 

9. 

10. 

S t a f f washroom F&M 

L i n e n supply 

5 

3 

m2 

m2 

2 t o i l e t s 
wash-basin 

wit: 

11. Clean u t i l i t y 12 m2 

12. S o i l e d u t i l i t y 12 m2 

13. Equipment storage 10 m2 

TOTAL: 203 m2 

GROSS AREA: 203 m2 X 1 .4 = 284 m2 

References: 

Putsep, E r v i n . Modern H o s p i t a l - I n e r n a t i o n a l P l a n n i n g Prac-
t i c e s . 1979, pp. 606-630; 

APRA. F a c i l i t i e s Program f o r the George Derby Long Term Care  
S o c i e t y " 1982, pp. G66-74. 



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202 

5.4.9 PHARMACY 

1) Purpose 

To provide pharmaceutical s e r v i c e s f o r the CCC r e s i d e n t s and 

the P o i n t Grey area r e s i d e n t s . T h i s f u n c t i o n a l component w i l l 

be r e s p o n s i b l e f o r e n s u r i n g t h a t medications p r e s c r i b e d by 

p h y s i c i a n s are a v a i l a b l e to the r e s i d e n t s / p a t i e n t s i n a t i m e l y 

and e f f i c i e n t manner. The b a s i c f u n c t i o n of the Pharmacy w i l l 

be: 

to c o n t r o l medications i n a l l M e d i c a t i o n Rooms of the Long 

Term Care f a c i l i t i e s : from r e c e i v i n g through storage and 

d i s t r i b u t i o n ; 

the r e q u i s i t i o n , storage, compounding, packaging, l a b e l l i n g 

and d i s p e n s i n g of pharmaceutical items to the r e s i d e n t s and 

the customers from the Community. 

2) F u n c t i o n a l D e s c r i p t i o n 

The CCC Pharmacy system w i l l be d i v i d e d i n t o two sub-

systems. The f i r s t one w i l l c o n s i s t of medication rooms i n the 

Long Term Care f a c i l i t i e s - - i n C l u s t e r Support areas. A monitored 

usage system f o r d i s p e n s i n g and d i s t r i b u t i n g medications w i l l be 

used. D a i l y d e l i v e r y to medication rooms w i l l ensure t h a t 

necessary medications are a v a i l a b l e . However, a l i m i t e d amount 

of ward stock w i l l be kept i n medication rooms. T h e r e f o r e , the 

Pharmacist's o f f i c e i n the Core Centre w i l l c a r r y out o r d e r i n g 

and s u p p l y i n g of the medications. The second one, w i l l c o n s i s t 



203 

of the Pharmacy and D i s p e n s i n g i n the Core Centre a v a i l a b l e to 

a l l : the CCC r e s i d e n t s and Community customers. T h i s component 

w i l l i n c l u d e : r e t a i l space, s m a l l l a b o r a t o r y and storage. 

a. Access 

The Pharmacy must be c o n v e n i e n t l y l o c a t e d to C e n t r a l Receiv-

i n g , the C l i n i c , the r e s i d e n t s and v i s i t o r s , and the C e n t r a l 

Supply - M a t e r i a l S e r v i c e s . To accommodate t h i s , a l o c a t i o n 

c l o s e to the Main Concourse, adjacent to the C l i n i c and with 

easy access to M a t e r i a l S e r v i c e s i s necessary. 

b. F u n c t i o n 

The Pharmacy i s going to be d i v i d e d i n t o f o u r main f u n c t i o n -

a l areas: a d m i n s t r a t i o n , d i s p e n s i n g , p r o d u c t i o n and storage. 

1. The ADMINISTRATIVE area w i l l c o n s i s t o f : 

C h i e f P h a r m a c i s t ' O f f i c e , away from the stream of a c t i v i t y 

but w i t h i n s i g h t of the the p r o d u c t i o n area 

R e t a i l - c o n t r o l - r e c e p t i o n , f o r r e c e i p t of r e q u i s i t i o n s , 

v i s i t o r s to the component and c o n t r o l of w a i t i n g area 

Waiting area, designed f o r employees w a i t i n g f o r drugs 

and f o r r e s i d e n t s and v i s i t o r s 

Employee's washrooms 

2. The PRODUCTION area w i l l be designed to a l l o w a f r e e flow of 

r e c e i v i n g , p r e p a r i n g , l a b e l l i n g , r e c o r d i n g , and d i s t r i b u t i n g 

of r e q u i r e d orders or p r e s c r i p t i o n s . 

3. The STORAGE area w i l l be l a r g e enough to accommodate pharma-

c e u t i c a l s i n a volume t h a t i s economical to buy and dispense 

w i t h i n a g i v e n p e r i o d of time. I t w i l l be open d i r e c t l y i n t o 



204 

the working area and c o n t a i n a walk-in r e f r i g e r a t o r with 

storage and drawers f o r i n s i d e l o a d i n g , storage and a v a u l t 

f o r n a r c o t i c s and other c o n t r o l l e d substances. 

Table 5-14.—Pharmacy and Dispensary 
Space Program 

COMPONENT NET UNIT AREA m2 REMARKS 

1. P r o d u c t i o n 18 m2 

2. Storage 30 m2 

3. R e t a i l Space 8 m2 

4. Pharmacist's O f f i c e 12 m2 

5. Waiting Area 15 m2 

6. S t a f f Washroom 3 m2 

TOTAL: 86 m2 

GROSS AREA: 86 m2 x 1.3 = 112 m2 

7. M e d i c a t i o n Room * 37 m2 5 x 7.4 m2 

* Area accommodated i n C l u s t e r Support components. 

References: 

G a r d i n e r Thornton P a r t n e r s h i p . Burnaby General H o s p i t a l Program  
f o r Expansion. 1970, v o l . 2 . 

APRA. F a c i l i t i e s Program f o r the George Derby Long Term Care  
S o c i e t y . 1982. 

D i s c u s s i o n s with Pharmacy S t a f f i n London Drugs Store; 600 W. 
Broadway St. 



205 

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5.9.10. LIBRARY 

1) Purpose 

Reading i s an important l e i s u r e - t i m e a c t i v i t y f o r the e l d e r -

l y . Current magazines may be kept i n the c l u s t e r s ' lounges or i n 

the Main Concourse s i t t i n g area. More s e r i o u s r e a d i n g needs a 

separate l i b r a r y . Only a few r e s i d e n t s w i l l use t h i s space a t 

one time, so i t does not need be l a r g e . For those who are 

s e r i o u s l y i n t e r e s t e d i n music there w i l l be an o p p o r t u n i t y to 

l i s t e n to music c a s s e t t e s (headphone l i s t e n i n g ) i n a s p e c i a l l y 

designed R e a d i n g / L i s t e n i n g space i n the L i b r a r y . 

2) F u n c t i o n a l D e s c r i p t i o n 

The L i b r a r y w i l l be comprised of 3 a c t i v i t y c e n t r e s : L i b r a r y 

Stacks, R e a d i n g / L i s t e n i n g Space and Work Area. 

1. L i b r a r y Stacks w i l l be a s e m i - p u b l i c space f o r storage of 

books or c a s s e t t e tapes. T h i s space w i l l provide wheelchair 

access between s h e l v e s . The l i g h t i n g system w i l l be designed 

to minimize shadows and to a l l o w f l e x i b i l i t y i n l a y o u t . 

2. R e a d i n g / L i s t e n i n g space w i l l be spacious enough to accom-

modate t a b l e s with power sources f o r tape decks. Room w i l l 

have a c o u s t i c i n s u l a t i o n , wheelchair access and a view to 

the outdoor r e c r e a t i o n a l areas. 

3. The Work Area w i l l be the s t a f f w o r k s t a t i o n f o r s i g n i n g 

out, r e c e i v i n g , r e p a i r s and monitoring of a c t i v i t i e s . I t 

w i l l have v i s u a l access to the R e a d i n g / L i s t e n i n g Space and 

L i b r a r y Stacks. 



207 

a. Access 

The L i b r a r y w i l l be s i t u a t e d c l o s e to the main a c t i v i t y area 

i n the Core Centre. There w i l l be an easy access from the Conser-

v a t o r y as w e l l as from other Main Concourse components. 

Table 5-15.--Library 
Space Program 

COMPONENT NET UNIT AREA m2 REMARKS 

1. L i b r a r y Stacks 55 m2 

2. R e a d i n g / L i s t e n i n g Area 20 m2 

3. Work Area 12 m2 

TOTAL 87 m2 

GROSS AREA: 87 m2 x 1.3 = 113 m2 

References: 

APRA. F a c i l i t i e s Program f o r the George Derby Long Term Care  
S o c i e t y . 1982. 

D i s c u s s i o n s with the Woodwards' L i b r a r y S t a f f , UBC. 



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209 

5.4.11. STAFF SUPPORT FACILITIES 

1) Purpose 

To provide f a c i l i t i e s ( l o c k e r s , washrooms and lounges) to be 

used by the s t a f f f o r changing, s t o r i n g c l o t h e s and as a r e s p i t e 

from r e s i d e n t s , v i s i t o r s and o t h e r s t a f f d u r i n g breaks i n work-

i n g hours. 

2) F u n c t i o n a l D e s c r i p t i o n 

The S t a f f Support f u n c t i o n a l component w i l l provide 

f a c i l i t i e s f o r the M e d i c a l S t a f f , P r o f e s s i o n a l Female and Male 

S t a f f , N o n - p r o f e s s i o n a l Female and Male S t a f f . Lockers w i l l be 

c e n t r a l i z e d f o r the m a j o r i t y of s t a f f but d e c e n t r a l i z e d f o r the 

f o l l o w i n g program components: 

- M a t e r i a l S e r v i c e s 

- B u i l d i n g S e r v i c e s 

- P l a n t S e r v i c e s 

A. In the Intermediate Care f a c i l i t y , there w i l l be approxima-

t e l y 55 f u l l time s t a f f with the f o l l o w i n g s u b d i v i s i o n : 

30% - l e v e l 1 

40% - l e v e l 2 

30% - l e v e l 3 

T o t a l p r o f e s s i o n a l s t a f f = 5 (9% of the e n t i r e s t a f f ) . Data 

from Mrs. Barbara Parson, R e h a b i l i t a t i o n C o n s u l t a n t , Vancouver 

Health Department). 

B. In the Extended Care f a c i l i t y , there w i l l be aproximately 22 

s t a f f (data from Ms. June Nakamoto, D i r e c t o r Nursing 



210 

S e r v i c e s , Long Term Care, U n i v e r s i t y H o s p i t a l , UBC S i t e ) 

Note: a t the present time there are no o f f i c i a l g u i d e l i n e s f o r 

s t a f f i n g Extended Care U n i t s ( i n f o r m a t i o n from Ms. Leah H o l l i n s , 

Nursing C o n s u l t a n t , M i n i s t r y of Health, V i c t o r i a ) . 

a. Access 

The S t a f f Support f u n c t i o n a l component w i l l be l o c a t e d 

convenient to s t a f f p a r k i n g and to p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t a t i o n . I t 

w i l l have an easy access to a l l work areas. 

b. F a c i l i t i e s 

A. P r o f e s s i o n a l Male S t a f f Locker Room, Shower/Washroom 

and Lounge w i l l be l o c a t e d i n c l o s e to the C l i n i c , 

Pharmacy and R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Centre, as w e l l as, to the 

Intermediate and Extended Care f a c i l i t i e s . 

B. P r o f e s s i o n a l Female S t a f f Locker Room, Shower/Washroom 

and Lounge f o r the r e g i s t e r e d n u r s i n g s t a f f ; a l l are 

p a r t of the c e n t r a l i z e d s t a f f f a c i l i t i e s , w i l l be 

l o c a t e d i n c l o s e p r o x i m i t y to the Intermediate and 

Extended Care f a c i l i t i e s , as w e l l as, to the C l i n i c and 

R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Centre. 

C. N o n - p r o f e s s i o n a l Female S t a f f f a c i l i t i e s f o r Nursing 

support s t a f f w i l l be l o c a t e d as i n p o i n t B. 

D. N o n - p r o f e s s i o n a l Male S t a f f f a c i l i t i e s f o r Nursing 

support s t a f f and o t h e r male personnel w i l l be l o c a t e d 

as i n p o i n t B. 

G e n e r a l l y , l o c k e r rooms w i l l be designed as open areas d i v i d e d 

by arrangements of banks of l o c k e r s . Lockers to be 12"x 21"x 72" 

high with space between f o r a bench f o r changing shoes. 



211 

Table 5 - 1 6 . — S t a f f Support F a c i l i t i e s 
Space Program 

COMPONENTS NET AREA m2 REMARKS 

P r o f e s s i o n a l Male: 

Locker Room 10. 0 
Shower/Washroom 12. 0 1 shower, 2 l a v a 

t o r i e s + t o i l e t s . 
Lounge 20. 0 

P r o f e s s i o n a l Female S t a f f : 

Locker Room 10. 0 
Shower/Washroom 12. 0 2 showers + 2 l a v a 

t o r i e s + 2 t o i l e t s 
Lounge 20. 0 Common. 

N o n - p r o f e s s i o n a l Female S t a f f : 

Locker Room 10. 0 
Shower/Washroom 12. 0 
Lounge 20. 0 

N o n - p r o f e s s i o n a l Male S t a f f 

Locker Room 10. 0 
Shower/Washroom 12. 0 2 showers, 2 l a v a 

t o r i e s + 2 t o i l e t s 
Lounge 20. 0 Common f o r a l 

s t a f f . 

TOTAL: 168. 0 m2 

GROSS AREA: 168.0 X 1.2 201. 6 m2 

References: 

APRA. F a c i l i t y Program f o r the George Derby Long Term Care  
S o c i e t y . 1982. 

G a r d i n e r Thornton P a r t n e r s h i p . Burnaby General H o s p i t a l Program 
f o r Expansion. 1970, v o l . 2 . 



5.4.12 LAUNDRY SERVICES 

1) Purpose 

To p r o v i d e f o r Laundry S e r v i c e s f o r the Intermediate and 

Extended Care c l u s t e r s by r e c e i v i n g , c l e a n i n g and d i s t r i b u t i n g 

of r e s i d e n t s ' p e r s o n a l c l o t h i n g . Laundry s e r v i c e s w i l l a l s o 

monitor the c o l l e c t i o n and d i s t r i b u t i o n of ward l i n e n s , the 

p r o c e s s i n g of which w i l l be c o n t r a c t e d out to other Commercial 

Laundry s e r v i c e s and w i l l u t i l i z e a l i n e n c a r t system. 

2) F u n c t i o n a l D e s c r i p t i o n 

Clean l i n e n c a r t s from the Loading Dock w i l l be h e l d i n the 

Clean L i n e n Area a w a i t i n g d i s t r i b u t i o n to the Clean Supply 

Rooms. S o i l e d l i n e n w i l l be c o l l e c t e d i n designated S o i l e d 

U t i l i t y Rooms f o r pick-up and d e l i v e r e d to the S o i l e d H o l d i n g 

Area i n the Main Laundry near the Loading Dock. R e s i d e n t s ' items 

w i l l be p i c k e d up from the r e s i d e n t c l u s t e r s , s o r t e d f o r 

p r o c e s s i n g and minor r e p a i r s , then w i l l be washed and d r i e d i n 

the laundry f a c i l i t i e s on s i t e . However, f o r the Intermediate 

Care r e s i d e n t s there w i l l be an a d d i t i o n a l p e r s o n a l laundry 

f a c i l i t i e s a v a i l a b l e (1 washer and 1 dryer) i n each C l u s t e r 

Support to p r o v i d e an o p p o r t u n i t y f o r r e s i d e n t s to wash t h e i r 

p e r s o n a l c l o t h i n g by themselves. 

a. Access 

The Laundry S e r v i c e s f a c i l i t y w i l l be l o c a t e d i n the Core 

Centre with an easy access to a l l Intermediate and Extended Care 



213 

c l u s t e r s as w e l l to M a t e r i a l S e r v i c e s with S h i p p i n g and Receiv-

i n g Area. 

Table 5-17.--Laundry S e r v i c e s 
Space Program 

COMPONENT NET UNIT AREA m2 REMARKS 

1. Clean L i n e n H o l d i n g 32. 5 ra2 

2. S o i l e d L i n e n H o l d i n g 16. 5 m2 

3. Resident Laundry 65.0 m2 

4. C a r t C l e a n i n g 10. 0 ra2 

TOTAL 124. 0 m2 

GROSS AREA: 124 m2 X 1.3 = 161.0 m2 

References: 

APRA. F a c i l i t i e s Program f o r the George Derby Long Term Care 
S o c i e t y . 1982. 



214 

5.4.13 PLANT SERVICES 

1) O b j e c t i v e s ; 

1. To provide f a c i l i t i e s r e q u i r e d f o r the maintenance, 

o p e r a t i o n and s e c u r i t y of the whole CCC: 

2. R e s p o n s i b l i t y to maintain a l l b u i l d i n g s and equipment i n 

good c o n d i t i o n and f u n c t i o n i n g ; 

3. R e s p o n s i b l i t y f o r the o p e r a t i o n of b o i l e r s , pumps, fans, 

e l e v a t o r s and other mechanical equipment; 

4. R e s p o n s i b l i t y f o r the ground-maintenance, p a r k i n g c o n t r o l , 

f i r e s a f e t y and watchman s e r v i c e ; 

2) F u n c t i o n a l d e s c r i p t i o n 

B a s i c a l l y the f u n c t i o n s may be s u b d i v i d e d i n t o two groups: 

1. P l a n t Maintenance 

2. P l a n t O p e r a t i o n 

In t h i s s e c t i o n the P l a n t Maintenance F a c i l i t i e s are d e s c r i b e d 

o n l y ( o f f i c e space and workshops). For the P l a n t Operation 

please r e f e r to the B u i l d i n g and M a t e r i a l S e r v i c e s S e c t i o n s 

r e s p e c t i v e l y . 

b. Access 

The P l a n t S e r v i c e s f a c i l i t y w i l l be l o c a t e d i n the Core 

Centre i n c l o s e p r o x i m i t y to the M a t e r i a l and B u i l d i n g S e r v i c e s 

f a c i l i t i e s . I t w i l l provide an o f f i c e f o r the P l a n t - S u p e r i n t e n d -

ent who w i l l be r e s p o n s i b l e f o r the Maintenance Department; 

r e p o r t s to and works with the A d m i n i s t r a t i o n Department to main-

t a i n p l a n t e f f i c i e n c y . T h i s o f f i c e w i l l be adjacent to the work-

shops. Lockers, Lounge and Washroom F a c i l i t i e s which w i l l serve 



215 

a l l maintenance personnel. M a t e r i a l Storage w i l l accommodate 

space f o r lumber, e l e c t r i c a l s u p p l i e s , plumbing s u p p l i e s and 

p a i n t , while the general workshop w i l l provide space f o r a l l 

maintenance t a s k s . S t a f f w i l l a l s o be i n v o l v e d i n the grounds 

care and maintenance, with a l l necessary equipment and m a t e r i a l s 

being s t o r e d i n Grounds Maintenance Storage. The V e h i c l e Holding 

area f o r the enclosed storage and washing of v e h i c l e s w i l l a l s o 

be provided w i t h i n t h i s f u n c t i o n a l component. 

Table 5-18.--Plant S e r v i c e s 
Space Program 

COMPONENT NET UNIT AREA m2 REMARKS 

1. P l a n t - S u p e r i n t e n d e n t O f f i c e 12.0 m2 

2. Lockers 10.0 m2 up to 10 l o c k e r s 

3. Washroom/Shower 12.0 m2 2 T, 2 S, 2 W6 

4. General Workshop 46. 0 m2 

5. M a t e r i a l Storage 28. 0 m2 

6. Grounds Mainten.Storage 35. 0 m2 

7. V e h i c l e H o l d i n g 46. 0 m2 

TOTAL 189. 0 m2 

References: 

APRA. F a c i l i t i e s Program f o r the George D e r b y L o n g Term Care 
S o c i e t y . 1982. 



216 

5.4.14 BUILDING SERVICES 

1) Purpose 

To maintain c l e a n and s a n i t a r y c o n d i t i o n s throughout the 

Continuum of Care Complex. (The Independent L i v i n g c l u s t e r s are 

served s e p a r a t e l y ) . A l s o , to c o l l e c t and dispose of a l l r e f u s e . 

2) F u n c t i o n a l D e s c r i p t i o n 

The B u i l d i n g S e r v i c e s f a c i l i t y w i l l u t i l i z e the c e n t r a l i z e d 

f a c i l i t i e s f o r storage and c l e a n i n g equipment with s a t e l l i t e 

J a n i t o r s Rooms throughout the f a c i l i t y . 

a. Access 

T h i s f a c i l i t y w i l l be l o c a t e d i n the Core Centre c e n t r a l 

area ( i n the basement) with an easy access to the M a t e r i a l 

S e r v i c e s f a c i l i t y . S t a f f w i l l r e p o r t at the beginning of each 

s h i f t to a c e n t r a l area to r e c e i v e i n s t r u c t i o n s and p i c k up 

equipment as may be r e q u i r e d . There w i l l be s t o r e s f o r supply 

and the housekeeping u t i l i t y c a r t s . The E x e c u t i v e Housekeeper's 

O f f i c e w i l l d i r e c t and c o - o r d i n a t e the housekeeping program. I t 

w i l l be l o c a t e d adjacent to the A s s i s t a n t and C l e r i c a l O f f i c e 

which i n t u r n w i l l prepare work schedules, time schedules and 

r e p o r t s . In the v i c i n i t y , there w i l l be Mattress and Bed Storage 

Room to s t o r e spare or broken mattresses and beds. Housekeeper 

w i l l arrange r e p a i r s . Garbage w i l l be c o l l e c t e d by j a n i t o r s a t 

r e s i d e n t s c l u s t e r s and t r a n s p o r t e d by c a r t s to I n c i n e r a t o r Room. 

I t w i l l be l o c a t e d adjacent to the maintenance workshops and 



217 

c o n v e n i e n t l y f o r garbage c o l l e c t i o n . 

Throughout the Core Centre area, there w i l l be J a n i t o r Rooms 

a t the r a t e of one per 550 m2 of f l o o r area minimum. In the 

Intermediate and Extended Care f a c i l i t i e s , there w i l l be a 

J a n i t o r Room i n each C l u s t e r Support. 

Table 5 - 1 9 . — B u i l d i n g S e r v i c e s 
Space Program 

COMPONENT NET UNIT AREA m2 REMARKS 

1. E x e c u t i v e Housekeeper's O f f i c e 10. 0 m2 

2. A s s i s t a n t and C l e r i c a l O f f i c e 15. 0 in 2 

3. Housekeeping Supply Room 10. 0 m2 

4. Housekeeping Equipment Room 20. 0 m2 

5. Mattress and Bed Stg. Room 20. 0 m2 

6. I n c i n e r a t o r Room 20. 0 m2 

TOTAL: 95. 0 m2 

GROSS AREA: 95 m2 X 1.3 = 123. 0 m2 

References: 

G a r d i n e r Thornton P a r t n e r s h i p . Burnaby General H o s p i t a l Program  
f o r Expansion. 1970, v o l . 2 . 



218 

5.4.15. MATERIAL SERVICES 

1) Purpose 

G e n e r a l l y to provide f o r the r e c e i p t , d i s t r i b u t i o n and 

d i s p o s a l of a l l s u p p l i e s , equipment and s e r v i c e s f o r the e n t i r e 

CCC f a c i l i t y . S p e c i f i c a l l y : to review, approve, buy and d e l i v e r 

a l l s u p p l i e s ordered by a l l f a c i l i t i e s ; to r e c e i v e , s o r t , weigh, 

and uncrate a l l goods d e l i v e r e d ; to s t o r e new and o b s o l e t e goods 

and dispose of the l a t t e r ; to arrange f o r r e p a i r s which can not 

be done by the CCC maintenance; to maintain an i n v e n t o r y of 

equipment and s u p p l i e s i n s t o r e s ; to d i s t r i b u t e goods to a l l 

f u n c t i o n a l components. 

2) F u n c t i o n a l D e s c r i p t i o n 

A l l d e l i v e r i e s and pick-up of s u p p l i e s and equipment w i l l be 

through the M a t e r i a l S e r v i c e s f a c i l i t y . The M a t e r i a l s Management 

Manager w i l l be r e s p o n s i b l e f o r c o - o r d i n a t i o n and c o n t r o l of a l l 

s u p p l i e s , purchasing and storage. As a supply s e r v i c e , t h i s 

Department w i l l maintain c l o s e a r e l a t i o n s h i p with the Pharmacy, 

General S t o r e , and L i n e n S e r v i c e s . A l l goods w i l l pass through 

C e n t r a l R e c e i v i n g and S h i p p i n g with the e x c e p t i o n of Food Ser-

v i c e s and Pharmacy. In the S h i p p i n g Counter incoming shipments 

w i l l be opened and checked before d i s t r i b u t i o n . I t w i l l have 

m o n i t o r i n g and c o n t r o l l i n g access to and from the Loading Dock, 

C e n t r a l S t o r e s with S h i p p i n g and R e c e i v i n g . C e n t r a l General 

S t o r e s w i l l provide storage f o r a l l n o n - d i e t a r y s u p p l i e s 



219 

goods. In p r o x i m i t y to r e c e i v i n g and adjacent to the Food 

S e r v i c e s F a c i l i t y , there w i l l be the Bulk Food Storage. 

P e r i s h a b l e s w i l l be s t o r e d w i t h i n the Food S e r v i c e s F a c i l i t y . 

Used Equipment Storage w i l l p r o v i d e space f o r used f u r n i t u r e and 

equipment p r i m a r i l y from the Core Centre f u n c t i o n a l components. 

There w i l l a l s o be the V o l a t i l e L i q u i d Storage used by the 

Pharmacy and Flammable Store f o r flammable m a t e r i a l s . L o c a t i o n 

of these w i l l have to comply with the B u i l d i n g and F i r e Code 

R e g u l a t i o n s . The Resident S t o r e s ( a c c e s s i b l e to r e s i d e n t s ) w i l l 

provide storage space f o r the IC and EC r e s i d e n t s ' p e r s o n a l 

belongings such as l a r g e s u i t c a s e s , f u r n i t u r e which can't be 

kept or s t o r e d i n the long term care r e s i d e n t i a l c l u s t e r s . 



220 

Table 5-20.--Material S e r v i c e s 
Space Program 

COMPONENTS NET UNIT AREA m2 

1. M a t e r i a l Management Manager's O f f i c e 15.0 m2 

2. Purchasing Agent's O f f i c e 15.0 m2 

3. C l e r k O f f i c e 15.0 m2 

4. Storekeepers O f f i c e 8.0 m2 

5. D i s p a t c h e r s O f f i c e 8.0 m2 

6. R e c e i v i n g Area 28.0 m2 

7. S h i p p i n g Counter 9.0 m2 

8. General S t o r e s 180.0 m2 

9. Bulk Food S t o r e 95.0 m2 

10 .Used Equipment Storage 90.0 m2 

11 . V o l i t i l e L i q u i d Storage 27. 0 m2 

12 .Flammable Store 9.0 m2 

TOTAL 499. 0 m2 

GROSS AREA: 499.0 m2 x 1.3 648.0 m2 

References: 

G a r d i n e r Thornton P a r t n e r s h i p . Burnaby General H o s p i t a l Program  
f o r Expansion. 1970, v o l . 2 . 



5.5. FACILITY COMMON OUTDOOR SPACE 

1) Purpose 

In n i c e weather many o l d e r people take advantage of 
o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r outdoor a c t i v i t i e s p r o v i d i n g them 
with f r e s h a i r , e x e r c i s e , and change of environment. 
These a c t i v i t i e s i n c l u d e s o c i a l i z i n g , game p l a y i n g , 
and being seen ( Z e i s e l 1977, p.76). 

More h e a l t h y l i f e - s t y l e s and improved medical care have 

c o n t r i b u t e d to the c r e a t i o n of a new g e n e r a t i o n of a c t i v e and 

more mobile e l d e r l y . For them, r e c r e a t i o n a l and s o c i a l 

a c t i v i t i e s are a p p e a l i n g . 

The CC Complex w i l l provide a v a r i e t y of outdoor a c t i v i t i e s 

responding to the p r e f e r e n c e s and a b i l i t i e s of the CCC 

r e s i d e n t s . For a c t i v e "go-go" r e s i d e n t s and v i s i t o r s , there 

w i l l be f a c i l i t i e s s i m i l a r to those i n the e x i s t i n g r e t i r e m e n t 

communities. These f a c i l i t i e s w i l l p r o v i d e s t i m u l a t i o n , enhance 

r e s i d e n t s ' s e l f - e s t e e m and c r e a t e an o p p o r t u n i t y f o r s o c i a l 

i n t e r a c t i o n and i n t e g r a t i o n with the P o i n t Grey community. 

For l e s s mobile e l d e r l y , there w i l l be a " t h e r a p e u t i c park" 

designed to meet the needs of the p h y s i c a l l y f r a i l . For those 

who are i n t e r e s t e d i n h o r t i c u l t u r e the garden p l o t s area w i l l 

p r o v i d e e x e r c i s e , c o n t a c t with nature and p e r s o n a l reward and 

s a t i s f a c t i o n . 

2) F u n c t i o n a l D e s c r i p t i o n 

The f a c i l i t y common space w i l l be comprised of f o u r 

f u n c t i o n a l components: the Country Club, the R e h a b i l i t a t i o n 



222 

Outdoor Areas, the Garden Centre and Park. A l l these components 

w i l l form a continuous open space with v a r i e t y of f l o w e r i n g 

shrubs, p e r e n n i a l s , t r e e s and water f e a t u r e s to ensure v i s u a l 

d i v e r s i t y at a l l times of the year. 

a. The Country Club 

Along the main p e d e s t r i a n walkway, with an easy access to 

Auditorium and S p e c i a l Programs Component, v a r i o u s games w i l l be 

l o c a t e d : ( a c t i v e areas) croquet, bowling lawn, m i n i - g o l f , 

horseshoes, v o l l e y b a l l , badminton c o u r t s and s h u f f l e b o a r d . 

Those areas w i l l be supplemented with shaded s p e c t a t o r benches 

(passive a r e a s ) . Storage sheds f o r outdoor r e c r e a t i o n a l 

equipment w i l l be provided nearby. 

b. R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Outdoor Areas 

There w i l l be two components. The F i r s t - gymnastic lawn 

w i l l be a component of the R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Centre (the Core 

Centre) designed as an outdoor e x t e n s i o n of the f i t n e s s and 

gymnasium space. The Second component w i l l be s p e c i a l l y designed 

rose and herb gardens with r a i s e d p l a n t e r s . These gardens w i l l 

be developed w i t h i n the t h e r a p e u t i c park and w i l l help to 

organize h o r t i c u l t u r e therapy s e s s i o n s . Both w i l l be l o c a t e d 

near the Long Term Care r e s i d e n t i a l c l u s t e r s . 

Research has shown ( T a y l o r 1978) t h a t h o r t i c u l t u r e therapy 

g i v e s p a t i e n t s a l i n k with l i f e and a sense of being needed. I t 

a l s o p r o v i d e s an o p p o r t u n i t y f o r p h y s i c a l a c t i v i t i e s and s o c i a l 

i n t e r a c t i o n . For those with v i s u a l impairments, i t p r o v i d e s an 

absorbing a c t i v i t y t h a t does not s t r a i n t h e i r eyes. Although 

some of the e l d e r l y need a s s i s t a n c e i n working with p l a n t s , the 



223 

p l e a s u r e of working with p l a n t s i s not lessened by a d i s a b i l i t y . 

For example, i n the Extended Care U n i t at the UBC S i t e H o s p i t a l 

h o r t i c u l t u r e therapy has proved to be very s u c c e s s f u l . The 

i n t e r e s t i n gardening does not end when c l a s s i s over. People 

have p l a n t s on t h e i r window s i l l s and bedside t a b l e s and of 

course the care of them i s ongoing. P l a n t s do c r e a t e a homelike 

touch i n an i n s t i t u t i o n a l - h o s p i t a l s e t t i n g . Moreover, the 

i n t e r e s t i n gardening i s mentally s t i m u l a t i n g and the l e a r n i n g 

experience can be shared with others ( T a y l o r 1978). 

c. The Garden Centre 

For more a c t i v e r e s i d e n t s and v i s i t o r s i n t e r e s t e d i n 

gardening there w i l l be an o p p o r t u n i t y to maintain a "working" 

atmosphere i n the garden c e n t r e . Research has shown (Carstens 

85, p.113), t h a t there i s a growing i n t e r e s t i n gardening among 

e l d e r l y people. For example, i n L e i s u r e World - Laguna H i l l s i n 

C a l i f o r n i a , the a c t i v e r e t i r e m e n t community has two garden 

c e n t r e s . "The more recent one, approximately f i v e a c r e s , 

p r o v i d e s 500 garden p l o t s i n a d d i t i o n to p o t t i n g sheds, green-

houses and restrooms." 

The CCC garden centre w i l l be l o c a t e d some d i s t a n c e from 

the main a c t i v i t i e s to allow f o r easy v e h i c u l a r access f o r 

dropping o f f m a t e r i a l s and b e t t e r sun exposure. I t i s not the 

o b j e c t i v e of t h i s t h e s i s at t h i s stage of the Program develop-

ment to decide on the s i z e of the Garden Centre. We can assume 

however, t h a t 50 garden p l o t s 10'xl5' with a p o s s i b i l i t y f o r 

f u t u r e expansion w i l l be s u f f i c i e n t at the beginning. T h i s 

centre w i l l give the r e s i d e n t s an o p p o r t u n i t y to manage i t s 



224 

a f f a i r s by themselves. Minimal r e n t a l f e e s f o r the use of 

garden p l o t s may be charged to purchase community t o o l s and to 

cover maintenance c o s t s . 

d. Park 

A Park w i l l l i n k other a c t i v i t i e s together, but a t the same 

time w i l l p r o v i d e a d d i t i o n a l c h o i c e s f o r the r e s i d e n t s . During 

n i c e weather s p e c i a l c u l t u r a l events such as c o n c e r t s , drama 

performances or meetings w i l l take p l a c e i n the outdoor t h e a t r e 

designed f o r 100 s p e c t a t o r s . The park w i l l a l s o be a r e t r e a t f o r 

those who need more q u i e t and secluded areas. 

They o c c a s i o n a l l y r e t r e a t to these areas when they are 
i n a contemplative mood, want to take a walk without 
meeting o t h e r s , or need a change of scenery from t h e i r 
s m a l l apartment u n i t . An important aspect of r e t r e a t s 
i s t h a t they o f f e r a d d i t i o n a l c h o i c e s to o l d e r r e s i -
dents. While the goal of r e t r e a t may be a q u i e t n i c e 
p l a c e , the process of g e t t i n g there may be j u s t as 
important to o l d e r r e s i d e n t s ( Z e i s e l 1977, p. 90). 

The CCC s i t e o f f e r s a v a r i e t y of o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r r e s i d e n t s who 

want j u s t to walk on the grounds a t some d i s t a n c e from the 

housing, somewhat removed from s i g h t , who would l i k e to enjoy a 

n a t u r a l v i s t a to the North Shore Mountains. The program r a t i o -

nale i s t h a t the park be designed as a t h e r a p e u t i c park. In 

order to meet the s o c i a l , p s y c h o l o g i c a l and environmental needs 

of the r e s i d e n t s the park: 

1. w i l l o f f e r a v a r i e t y of nature environments such as rose 

garden, herb garden, p i c n i c areas with gazebo, ponds with 

water f e a t u r e s , ducks and geese. 



225 

2. w i l l maximize, p h y s i c a l and mental s t i m u l a t i o n by p r o v i d i n g 

v a r i e t y of walkway s u r f a c e s ( p r o s t h e t i c d e s i g n ) . For 

example, w e l l - t e x t u r e d s u r f a c e s allow r e s i d e n t s to f e e l the 

concrete under f o o t while reducing the p o s s i b i l i t y of 

s l i p p i n g . A wooden b r i d g e may heighten the a c c o u s t i c a l 

s t i m u l a t i o n of walking (Carsten 1985, p.110). 

3. w i l l provide f o r freedom of p h y s i c a l movement and at the 

same time w i l l secure p r o t e c t i o n . The Park w i l l be b a s i c a l -

l y w i t h i n the CCC f a c i l i t y , but there w i l l be a connection 

with the e x i s t i n g J e r i c h o Park. 

A supplementary i s s u e I would l i k e to review b r i e f l y i s pet 

therapy. Recent s t u d i e s draw a t t e n t i o n to the b e n e f i t s of the 

simple presence of companion animals without any d i r e c t c o n t a c t 

(watching)(Katchner 1982). In my r e s e a r c h paper on "Pet 

Therapy: P r e l i m i n a r y Research Study on E f f e c t i v e n e s s of Use of 

Animal L i v i n g outdoors w i t h i n I n s t i t u t i o n a l Environments", I 

found t h a t i n s p i t e of management d i f f i c u l t i e s , there was an 

i n t e r e s t among e l d e r l y r e s i d e n t s i n the model "zoo i d e a " on the 

grounds of a Long Term Care f a c i l i t y . One r e s i d e n t suggested 

roe-deer, peacocks or r a b b i t s as companions of the e l d e r l y 

r e s i d e n t s . At t h i s stage of program development I can o n l y 

suggest a need i n the next phase to review the p o s s i b i l i t y of 

p r o v i d i n g c o n t a c t with animals. A design response to t h i s 

o b j e c t i v e could be, f o r example, a pond with f i s h and b i r d s such 

as ducks or geese. 

The area requirements f o r the CCC F a c i l i t y Common Areas are 

summarized i n the t a b l e 5-21. 



226 

Table 5 - 2 1 . - - F a c i l i t y Common Space 
Space Program 

TYPE OF 
ACTIVITY 

DIMENSIONS 
IN FT. 

FT.SQ. m2 AVERAGE No.OF 
PARTICIPANTS 

1. Country Club -

Bowling lawn 
( e i g h t a l l e y s ) 

120 X 120 14,400 1,234 32-64 

Clock g o l f 30' ( c i r c l e ) 706 65 2-8 

M i n i g o l f 87,120 8,015 2-8 

Croquet 30 x 60 1,800 165 2-8 

Horseshoes 12 x 50 (x2) 1,200 110 2-4 

V o l l e y b a l l 50 x 80 (x2) 8,000 736 12-16 

S h u f f l e b o a r d 10 x 54 (x3) 1,620 58 2 or 4 

Badminton 25 x 60 1, 500 149 2 

2. R e h a b i l i t a t i o n 

Herbs garden 1,600 150 

Rose garden 1,600 150 

Gymnastic lawn 1,600 150 

3. Garden Centre 

Garden p l o t s 10 x 15 10,000 920 f o r 50 r e s . 

4. Park 

Picnics-BBQ 

3 acres 130,680 150 s e v e r a l 
r e t r e a t s . 
w i t h i n park 

Outdoor t h e a t r e 1,600 150 1.5 m2/ pers 

TOTAL: 260,300 = 6 acres 

References: 
Carstens 1985, p.113 
De C h i a r a , Joseph and Lee E. Koppelman. S i t e Planning Standards. 
1978. 



227 

3. GARDEN CENTRE 

P I C K 
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1. C O U N T R Y C L U B 

F i g . 5-24 Common Outdoor Space 



228 

5.6. PARKING AND ROAD NETWORK WITHIN THE FACILITY  

Purpose 

To provide an organized and c o n t r o l l e d system f o r accommo-

d a t i n g the v e h i c u l a r movement and p a r k i n g demands of the housing 

and long term care c l u s t e r s s t a f f and v i s i t o r s . Short term 

s e r v i c e p a r k i n g f o r c a r s , vans, t r u c k s making d e l i v e r y to the 

f a c i l i t y . 

F u n c t i o n a l D e s c r i p t i o n : 

A l l p a r k i n g areas w i l l be c l e a r l y i d e n t i f i e d f o r designated 

use and ease of access. R e s i d e n t i a l p a r k i n g w i l l be i n c o r p o r a t e d 

i n t o the Independent L i v i n g c l u s t e r area. S t a f f p a r k i n g w i l l be 

separated and l o c a t e d c l o s e to a s t a f f main e n t r y . P u b l i c Park-

i n g w i l l p r o v i d e a d i r e c t access to the Core Centre. S e r v i c e 

p a r k i n g w i l l provide a d i r e c t access to the s h i p p i n g / r e c e i v i n g 

area i n the Core Centre. 



229 

Table 5 - 2 2 . — P a r k i n g Areas Program 

COMPONENT NO OF PARKING SPACES AREA REMARKS 

Ind. L i v i n g Housing 

a. R e n t a l Housing 

b. Co-op Housing 

c. S t r a t a - T i t l e 

V i s i t o r s 

I.C. F a c i l i t y 
B.C. F a c i l i t y 
Core Centre 

S t a f f 

Approximately 

16 

50 

75 

50 
19 
18 

50 

424.0 m2 

1,325.0 m2 

1,987.0 m2 

1,325.0 m2 
503.5 m2 
477.0 m2 

1,325.0 m2 

1 space each 6 
u n i t s 
1 space each dw. 
u n i t 
1.5 space each 
dw. u n i t 

25% of r e q u i r e d 
number of spaces 

TOTAL: 253 7,366.5 m2 

References: 

C i t y of Vancouver P a r k i n g By-Law: 

1 space per 6 u n i t s i n BCMHC Housing. 
1 space per 1 S t r a t a T i t l e or Co-op Houisng 
1 space per 37 m2 s l e e p i n g area i n the IC f a c i l i t y 
1 space per 2 beds or f o r each 93 m2 gross area i n the EC 
f a c i l i t y . 
1 space f o r each 18.6 m2 of assembly area i n the Core Centre. 



230 

CHAPTER 6 - FEASIBILITY OF PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION ON THE  

SELECTED SITE: THESIS CONCLUSION: 

Chapter Summary: 

Chapter 6 c o n c e n t r a t e s on the f e a s i b i l i t y of implementing 

the F a c i l i t y Program on the s e l e c t e d t e s t s i t e . The e v a l u a t i o n 

has been based on o p p o r t u n i t i e s and c o n s t r a i n t s a s s o c i a t e d with 

the t e s t s i t e and how they a f f e c t program implementation. Guide-

l i n e s and recommmendations are l i s t e d as to how the program 

o b j e c t i v e s c o u l d be met. The housing development o p t i o n s have 

been presented i n the form of f o u r p a t t e r n s . The Chapter 

concludes with f i n d i n g s and the T h e s i s C o n c l u s i o n . 

EVALUATION #1: S i t e L o c a t i o n and S i z e . 

6.1.1 RATIONALE 

S t u d i e s have shown t h a t the l o c a t i o n of f a c i l i t i e s a f f e c t s the 

e l d e r l y ' s happiness, mental w e l l - b e i n g and even h e a l t h . For 

o l d e r people the a v a i l a b i l i t y of neighbourhood s u p p o r t i v e 

s e r v i c e s may make the d i f f e r e n c e between a p o s i t i v e and negative 

outcome or even between remaining i n the community and becoming 

i n s t i t u t i o n a l i z e d (Lawton 1986, p.51). In order to s a t i s f y the 

e l d e r l y ' s p s y c h o l o g i c a l and p h y s i c a l needs the most important 

c r i t e r i o n f o r e v a l u a t i n g a s i t e i s a c c e s s i b i l i t y to d e s i r e d 

s e r v i c e s and f a c i l i t i e s . Table 6-1 p r o v i d e s data from s e v e r a l 

s t u d i e s (Lawton 1986) and i n d i c a t e s the v a r i e t y of l i f e 



Table 6-1 Uses of Resources, T r a v e l Time and D i s t a n c e t o 
Resources. 

Resource 

Median % 

using 

Modal frequency 

of use (users) 

Modal frequency 

of use (all) 

Modal travel 

time (users) 

Modal use 

distance
1

" 

Modal nearest 

distance" 

Grocery 87 2/week 1 or 2/week 7 min. 1-3 blocks 1-3 blocks 

Physician 86 several/year several/year IS min. >20 blocks 4-10 blocks 

Visit one or more children 98- 1/week 1/week to never 20 min. < 10 blocks 

Shopping other than grocery 70 1 or 2/month never 

Church 67 1/week 1/week 12 min. 4-6 blocks 

Bank 64 1/month 4-6 blocks 4-10 blocks 

Visit friends 61 2 or 3/weck never 7 min. 4-6 blocks 

Visit relatives other 
than children 57 several/year never 35 min. 

Beauty/barber shop 40 1-3 blocks 

Restaurant 31 several/year >20 blocks 1-3 blocks 

Park 30 1-3 blocks 

Clubs, meetings 29 1/month never 15 min. >20 blocks 

Entertainment 19 1/month never 20 min. >20 blocks > 11 blocks 

Library 18 > 11 blocks 

•Data derived from estimates by Bourg (1975), Cantor (1975). Carp( 1974,1975c). Lawton and Nahemow( 1975), and Nahemow and Kogan (1971) unless otherwise noted. 

•"Cantor (in press). New York City poverty-area residents. 

'Newcomer (1976), public housing tenants. 

From Handbook of the Psychology of Aging, edited by James E . Birren and K. Warner Schaie. O 1977 by Litton Educational Publishing, Inc. Reprinted by permission of 
Van Nostrand Reinhold Company. 

Source: Lawton, Powell M. Environment and Aging. 1986, Table 
2-6. p. 41. 



232 

s u p p o r t i n g , l i f e e n r i c h i n g and s o c i a l resources used by the 

m a j o r i t y of independent o l d e r people. I t can be seen t h a t 

t w o - t h i r d s or more shop a t a grocery s t o r e , do r e g u l a r shopping, 

v i s i t c h i l d r e n and a t t e n d church. Almost a l l v i s i t a p h y s i c i a n 

and over 40% never v i s i t f r i e n d s , but those who do, v i s i t very 

f r e q u e n t l y . 

For most of these resources frequency of use was a s s o c i a t e d 

with d i s t a n c e . Since many e l d e r l y people may no longer own a 

c a r or can not d r i v e one, walking i s the e a s i e s t and l e a s t 

expensive means of t r a n s p o r t a t i o n . Distance i s t h e r e f o r e a 

c r i t i c a l f a c t o r . A c c o r d i n g to data p r o v i d e d by CMHC "Housing 

the E l d e r l y " 1983, p.32 there i s a s c a l e of importance f o r 

community f a c i l i t i e s and c r i t i c a l d i s t a n c e s p e r c e i v e d by o l d e r 

people: 

1. Grocery Store - 2-3 b l o c k s (240-360 m) 

2. Bus Stop - 1-2 b l o c k s (120-240 m) 

3. Church - 400-800 m 

4. Drug Store - 3 b l o c k s (360 m) 

5. C l i n i c or H o s p i t a l - 400-800 m 

6. Bank - 400 m 

7. S o c i a l Center - 360 m 

8. L i b r a r y -1600 m 

S t u d i e s have shown (Lawton 1988; CMHC 1988) t h a t the best 

l o c a t i o n f o r e l d e r l y l i v i n g i s a c e n t r a l urban s i t e t h a t i s con-

v e n i e n t to community s e r v i c e s and amenities and a l s o has a low 

l e v e l of t r a f f i c and c i t y n o i s e . The main f a c t o r i n l o c a t i o n of 



233 

housing f o r the e l d e r l y i s p r o x i m i t y to "where the a c t i o n i s " : 

shops, h e a l t h and s o c i a l s e r v i c e s and areas of i n t e r e s t . I d e a l -

l y , the e l d e r l y r e s i d e n t s should l i v e w i t h i n two block walking 

d i s t a n c e of a c t i v i t y c e n t e r s and p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t a t i o n . A good 

l o c a t i o n f e a t u r e s the f u r t h e r advantage of being a c c e s s i b l e to 

v i s i t i n g f r i e n d s and r e l a t i v e s . Easy access to p u b l i c t r a n s -

p o r t a t i o n and downtown amenities allows r e s i d e n t s to continue 

being a c t i v e members of the community. 

6.1.2 LOCATION (see F i g . 6-1) 

The " F e d e r a l N a t i o n a l Defence Lands" s i t e comprises 51.47 

acres of land and i s l o c a t e d w i t h i n the West P o i n t Grey area and 

has an unique s e t t i n g i n Vancouver c l o s e to J e r i c h o Beach. The 

s i t e i s bounded to the north by 4th Avenue; to the south by 8th 

Avenue; to the east by Highbury S t r e e t and to the west by 

J e r i c h o H i l l School. While zoned at present RS-1, the s i t e i s a 

s u b j e c t of many ideas f o r p o t e n t i a l f u t u r e development. The 

Vancouver P l a n n i n g Department, however, recommended t h i s s i t e as 

an i d e a l background f o r my t h e s i s becouse i t has a p o t e n t i a l f o r 

an e l d e r l y f a c i l i t y which can maintain l i v a b i l i t y , p r i v a c y and a 

sense of community by: 

1. r e d u c i n g s i t e coverage when an o p p o r t u n i t y e x i s t s to provide 

more useable and v i s u a l l y i n t e r e s t i n g open space or to open 

up q u a l i t y views from the CCC Community. 

2. p r o v i d i n g e n c l o s u r e elements such as w a l l s and p l a n t i n g f o r 

the p o r t i o n of the s u b j e c t s i t e with lower s i t e coverage 



234 

F i g . 6-1 L o c a t i o n and S i z e 



235 

where there i s a need f o r continuous w a l l s and s t r e e t d e f i n i -

t i o n , f o r example along 8th Avenue. 

3. emphasizing the main entrance to the Core Centre. 

4. p r o v i d i n g b u i l d i n g s i n c l u s t e r s , t h a t are compatible with 

the o v e r a l l neighbourhood c h a r a c t e r , maintain s t r e e t rhythm 

and c r e a t e useable open space. 

Although there has been c o n s i d e r a b l e d i s c u s s i o n s on a need 

to preserve Vancouver's s i n g l e f a m i l y neighbourhoods, there i s a 

growing need f o r new forms of housing on the West Side of 

Vancouver, which would allow people to s t a y i n t h e i r own 

neighbourhoods, when t h e i r s i n g l e f a m i l y houses are no longer 

s u i t a b l e . Moreover, the p o p u l a t i o n of t h i s area i s growing 

o l d e r and c r e a t e s a new need f o r a supply of necessary h e a l t h 

care s e r v i c e s . 

6.1.3 OPPORTUNITIES 

The s u b j e c t s i t e would make a p e r f e c t p l a c e f o r the f u t u r e 

development of m u l t i - f a m i l y housing as w e l l as a f a c i l i t y f o r 

s e n i o r s . The P l a n n i n g Department suggests F.S.R. = 1.00 and 

r e q u i r e s t h a t new development be compatible with the surrounding 

area i n f l u e n c e d b a s i c a l l y by apartment developments and s i n g l e 

f a m i l y housing. T h i s s i t e o f f e r s s e v e r a l advantages such as 

l o c a t i o n i n the core of the P o i n t Grey r e s i d e n t i a l area, easy 

access to shopping and community s e r v i c e s , walking d i s t a n c e to 

park and p u b l i c r e c r e a t i o n a l f a c i l i t i e s as w e l l as p r o x i m i t y to 

U.B.C. 



236 

6.1.4 CONSTRAINTS 

E x i s t i n g heavy t r a f f i c on 4th Avenue causes noise and 

p o l l u t i o n . S e v e r a l measures may be recommended at t h i s stage of 

program development i n order to minimize the p o t e n t i a l noise 

impact from 4th Avenue, as f o l l o w s : 

1. L o c a t i n g r e s i d e n t i a l p a r t of CCC away from the noise source. 

2. Using landscape treatment to help m i t i g a t e noise impacts-

green b u f f e r zone. 

3. Using m a t e r i a l c o n s t r u c t i o n methods t h a t l i m i t noise 

t r a n s m i s s i o n such as laminated double g l a z i n g . 

4. L o c a t i n g areas not a f f e c t e d by noise such as c o r r i d o r s 

-"promenades" to c r e a t e noise b u f f e r . 

6.1.5 CONCLUSION 

The b e a u t i f u l s e t t i n g and vast land ensures t h a t the CCC 

f a c i l i t y may maintain l i v a b i l i t y and p r i v a c y by p r o v i d i n g a 

v a r i e t y of space o p t i o n s from s i n g l e f a m i l y housing to the 

m u l t i p l e - u n i t housing and commensurate s u f f i c i e n t , v i s u a l l y 

i n t e r e s t i n g open outdoor areas. The s i z e of the s i t e and type of 

development a f f e c t the s i t e - p l a n n i n g p a t t e r n . In keeping with 

the recommendations of the C i t y Planning Department, the CCC 

should be a l o w - r i s e development compatible with the surrounding 

neighbourhoods (see F i g . 6-1) (RSI - on the South; RM - on the 

East and North). 



237 

EVALUATION #2: Land Use Context (see F i g . 6-2) 

6.2.1 OPORTUNITIES 

a. A v a i l a b l e s e r v i c e s 

On the corner of 4th Avenue and Highbury S t r e e t , there i s 

r e c e n t l y b u i l t commercial complex - J e r i c h o M a l l with l a r g e 

Grocery, Drug Mart and other r e t a i l and s e r v i c e o u t l e t s . Beside 

t h a t , i n c l o s e p r o x i m i t y , there are two shopping and s e r v i c e s 

areas. The f i r s t : on 4th Avenue to the e a s t of Alma S t r e e t 

which i s comprised of the Bank of Montreal, r e s t a u r a n t s , s e v e r a l 

boutiques and shops. The second: developed around the i n t e r -

s e c t i o n s of Alma S t r e e t and Broadway and 10th Avenue. I t i n c l u -

des a new r e t a i l m a l l and a v a r i e t y of r e t a i l o u t l e t s i n c l u d i n g 

the Bank of Nova S c o t i a and a post o f f i c e . Near the corner of 

Broadway and Alma S t r e e t , there i s the Canadian Legion B u i l d i n g 

which serves many of s e n i o r s c u r r e n t l y l i v i n g i n t h a t area. 

b. R e c r e a t i o n a l Amenities 

F u r t h e r to the n o r t h , there i s J e r i c h o Beach Park and a 

v a r i e t y of r e c r e a t i o n a l amenities i n c l u d i n g J e r i c h o Beach, the 

J e r i c h o Tennis Club, the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, Museum, and 

Brock House S e n i o r s Centre, which serves the growing s e n i o r s ' 

p o p u l a t i o n w i t h i n the P o i n t Grey communities and those l i v i n g i n 

the Vancouver West Side. 

6.2.2 CONSTRAINTS 

Although the F a c i l i t y Program p r o v i d e s f o r e x t e n s i v e , 

s p e c i a l l y designed Outdoor Spaces w i t h i n the s u b j e c t s i t e , 



238 

»•»/»«« 

f̂aprm: 
D G O D O O O O 

4th A v e . 

3 D O D D D Q D C D D O D 

' h b D O D o b b b a D ' a b l * 
> i . . * : 

" i S C H C W ! \S 

F i g . 6-2 Land Use Context 



239 

n e v e r t h e l e s s the p r o x i m i t y of J e r i c h o Beach Park and J e r i c h o 

Beach would a f f e c t the p h y s i c a l and p s y c h o l o g i c a l need of the 

CCC r e s i d e n t s . T h i s i s a very important f e a t u r e , s p e c i a l l y f o r 

the independently l i v i n g s e n i o r s , able and w i l l i n g to purchase 

t h e i r u n i t s . T h e r e f o r e , a l i n k should be p r o v i d e d between the 

new f a c i l i t y and the r e c r e a t i o n a l area on J e r i c h o Beach. T h i s 

l i n k c o u l d be a wide bridge o n l y f o r p e d e s t r i a n s or a tunnel 

(both of course handicapped a c c e s s i b l e ) . 

Option #1; Wide bridge with landscaping 

1. I t most s u c c e s s f u l l y extends the v i s u a l c o n t i n u i t y of the 

CCC to J e r i c h o Beach. 

2. I t appears, from the road, to be a s u b s t a n t i a l l i n k to the 

two p a r t s . 

3. I t allows f o r viewing the mountains on the North Shore. 

4. I t i s a safe and convenient p e d e s t r i a n connection. 

5. T r a f f i c volumes on 4th Avenue are u n a f f e c t e d . 

Option #2: Tunnel 

1. The tunnel c o u l d c r e a t e a s e c u r i t y problem. 

2. There would be an i n t e r r u p t i o n to t r a f f i c , while the tunnel 

was being c o n s t r u c t e d . 

3. The f e e l i n g of connection between two p a r t s would not be so 

apparent. 

4. Viewing p o t e n t i a l s while walking are e l i m i n a t e d . 

The l e s s expensive s o l u t i o n would be a p e d e s t r i a n c r o s s i n g , but 



240 

very i n c o n v e n i e n t f o r the e l d e r l y i n wheelchairs and handicapped 

persons. 

6.2.3. CONCLUSION 

A v a i l a b i l i t y of s e v e r a l b a s i c s e r v i c e s w i t h i n the walking 

d i s t a n c e and p r o x i m i t y to the r e c r e a t i o n a l amenities on J e r i c h o 

Beach w i l l s a t i s f y p s y c h o l o g i c a l and p h y s i c a l needs of the CCC 

r e s i d e n t s l i v i n g independently. P r o x i m i t y to U n i v e r s i t y 

H o s p i t a l UBC S i t e , acute care f a c i l i t y , w i l l be an a s s e t f o r the 

CCC long term care r e s i d e n t s . T r a n s f e r to t h i s f a c i l i t y by 

ambulance or other form of t r a n s p o r t a t i o n w i l l a l s o be r e q u i r e d 

f o r such s e r v i c e s as r a d i o l o g i c a l examinations and l a b o r a t o r y 

procedures as w e l l as f o r p a t i e n t admissions f o r acute medical, 

s u r g i c a l or p s y c h i a t r i c c o n d i t i o n s . The CCC f a c i l i t y l o c a t i o n 

w i t h i n walking d i s t a n c e to neighbourhood r e s i d e n t i a l areas, 

s p e c i a l l y to the surrounding housing o r i e n t e d to the e l d e r l y , 

w i l l encourage p o t e n t i a l v i s i t o r s to p a r t i c i p a t e i n the Core 

Centre programs and a c t i v i t i e s . The long term care f a c i l i t y , 

Day Care and R e s p i t e Care w i l l be very convenient f o r the f u t u r e 

r e s i d e n t s , p a r t i c i p a n t s and t h e i r f a m i l i e s . 

EVALUATION #3: P u b l i c T r a n s p o r t a t i o n , V e h i c u l a r and P e d e s t r i a n 

Access. 

6.3.1 OPPORTUNITIES 

a. P u b l i c T r a n s p o r t a t i o n (see F i g . 6-3) 

There are two easy accesses to p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t a t i o n , which 



241 

provide connection with the surrounding areas, K i t s i l a n o , 

Dunbar, K e r r i s d a l e , Downtown and UBC. The f i r s t i s on 4th 

Avenue with a bus stop on the north boundary of the s i t e . The 

second access i s l o c a t e d f u r t h e r to the south, on Broadway 

S t r e e t . 

b. V e h i c u l a r Access: (see F i g . 6-3) 

The present v e h i c u l a r access to the s u b j e c t s i t e i s provided 

from Highbury S t r e e t (three e n t r a n c e s ) , from 8th Avenue (one 

e n t r a n c e ) , and from 4th Avenue, i n the western p a r t of the s i t e 

(two e n t r a n c e s ) . 

c. P e d e s t r i a n Access: (see F i g . 6-4) 

P e d e s t r i a n movement from the s u b j e c t s i t e w i l l be i n two 

d i r e c t i o n s : the f i r s t , to the 4th Avenue and s e r v i c e area, bus 

stops and J e r i c h o r e c r e a t i o n a l amenities and the second, to the 

Broadway shopping area and bus stops. P e d e s t r i a n access to the 

s i t e should be provided from 4th Avenue (The Core Centre) and 

8th Avenue. Since the e x i s t i n g v e h i c u l a r t r a f f i c on 4th Avenue 

w i l l o b s t r u c t p e d e s t r i a n movement to J e r i c h o Park a l i n k (pedes-

t r i a n overpass) between the new f a c i l i t y and the r e c r e a t i o n a l 

area should be provided as i n d i c a t e d i n E v a l u a t i o n #2. P u b l i c 

access to the Core Centre should be e a s i l y i d e n t i f i e d from 4th 

Avenue. 

6.3.2. CONSTRAINTS: HEAVY VEHICULAR TRAFFIC 

The s u b j e c t s i t e i s bounded by a major a r t e r i a l route 4th 

Avenue with very heavy t r a f f i c and l o c a l d i s t r i b u t o r s Highbury 



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I I I I I I I I I 1 ' I I I I i i I I I ! ' 1 i I—1 I i- J _ ' _ ! _ l _ L . I 1 1 1 1 L L L U O K 

F i g . 6-3 P u b l i c T r a n s p o r t a t i o n and V e h i c u l a r Access 



243 

''ttEJoOpa 

d=- • i: i M F H , ; 

i n ' . 

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I I I I I I I I I » I I I I ' I I I ! i I : I 1 I ~ l ' 1 I I I " I I ' I I I T l h ^ J ^ J j P in rnoDonrCxn 

F i g . 6-4 P e d e s t r i a n Access 



244 

S t r e e t and 8th Avenue. The C i t y E n g i n e e r i n g Department does not 

have r e c e n t t r a f f i c data on 4th Avenue; however, the a v a i l a b l e 

1981 and 1982 data i n d i c a t e d t h a t the v e h i c u l a r t r a f f i c has a 

g r e a t impact on the q u a l i t y of l i f e i n the development along 4th 

Avenue. In the rush hours, f o r example, between 4 P.M. and 6 

P.M. outbound volumes away from the c i t y c e n t r e comprised 1000 

v e h i c l e s and i n the morning between 7 A.M. and 9 A.M. inbound 

volumes towards the c i t y centre comprised 800 v e h i c l e s . 

Other i n f o r m a t i o n from Automatic T r a f f i c Counts: 1976-1985 

( s e a s o n a l l y & d a i l y a d j u s t e d data) p r o v i d e s even more dramatic 

data. For example, i n rush hours between 7-9 A.M. outbound 

volumes away from the c i t y centre towards UBC amounted to a 

maximum of 2095 v e h i c l e s , while i n rush hours between 4-6 P.M 

o n l y maximum 1045 v e h i c l e s . On the other hand, the inbound 

volumes towards the c i t y c e n t r e between 7-9 A.M. amounted to a 

maximum of 808 v e h i c l e s , while i n rush hours between 4-6 P.M. i t 

amounted to maximum of 2380 v e h i c l e s . These data i n d i c a t e 

tremendous t r a f f i c flow i n the d i r e c t i o n of UBC Campus. Other 

data from the C i t y ' s E n g i n e e r i n g Department i n d i c a t e a s e r i o u s 

problem with the number of l e f t turns made from Alma S t r e e t to 

West 4th Avenue. T h i s i n t e r s e c t i o n i s extremely congested 

( e s p e c i a l l y i n summer time), because of i t s access to the beach 

as w e l l as to the UBC. The problem with l e f t t u r n can a l s o 

appear on the i n t e r s e c t i o n of 4th Avenue and Highbury S t r e e t . 

In order to reduce the heavy t r a f f i c on 4th Avenue and 

provide easy access to the s i t e the C i t y has recommended an 

access to the s u b j e c t s i t e from Highbury S t r e e t through S i x t h 



245 

Avenue. Moreover, i n g r e s s and egress to the p a r k i n g area must 

balance the impact on a r t e r i a l volumes and a b u t t i n g r e s i d e n t i a l 

p r o p e r t i e s . A l l e x i s t i n g p a r k i n g i n the neighbourhood occurs 

e i t h e r on the s t r e e t s , i n the f r o n t yards, or garages l o c a t e d on 

the s i d e , or r e a r yards. When c o n s i d e r i n g s e n i o r s o r i e n t e d 

housing, the i s s u e of p a r k i n g o f t e n a r i s e s . 

6.3.3 CONCLUSION 

Easy access to p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t a t i o n w i l l allow the CCC r e s i -

dents to continue to take an a c t i v e p a r t i n the community. S t a f f 

and s e n i o r s l i v i n g i n the community, but a t t e n d i n g o n - s i t e 

program may be u s i n g p u b l i c t r a n s p o r a t i o n , t h e r e f o r e an easy 

access to t h i s s e r v i c e w i l l be an a s s e t . I t i s l i k e l y t h a t 

v i s i t o r s to the e l d e r l y r e s i d e n t s w i l l r e l y on p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t a -

t i o n as w e l l . 

V e h i c u l a r Access - Each major component of the CCC w i l l have 

i t s own e x t e r n a l access. In order to reduce the heavy t r a f f i c 

on 4th Avenue and a v o i d congestion of t r a f f i c on the i n t e r s e c -

t i o n of 4th Avenue and Highbury ( l e f t t u r n ) , the main v e h i c u l a r 

access to the s i t e should be provided from Highbury S t r e e t 

through S i x Avenue a c c o r d i n g to recommendation of the C i t y 

E n g i n e e r i n g Department. 

T h i s access should be provided as a s e r v i c e access to the 

Core Centre f a c i l i t i e s i n c o n j u n c t i o n with p a r k i n g f o r v i s i t o r s . 

P a r k i n g should be s i t u a t e d c l o s e to the main entrance to pre-

clude v i s i t o r s from e n t e r i n g the f a c i l i t y through unauthorized 



246 

r o u t e s . Space p r o v i s i o n should be provided f o r the f u t u r e 

expansion of the parking area. 

The CCC development should employ a l s o e x i s t i n g v e h i c u l a r 

access from 8th Avenue to the independent housing r e s i d e n t i a l 

c l u s t e r s . The e x i s t i n g access from 4th Avenue should remain as 

an access to the long term care f a c i l i t i e s keeping i n mind the 

e a s i e s t c o n n e c t i o n with the H o s p i t a l and the UBC Campus. 

EVALUATION #4: S i t e P h y s i c a l C h a r a c t e r i s t i c . 

6.4.1. OPPORTUNITIES: SITE NATURAL RESOURCES 

a. Topography (see F i g . 6-5) 

The s i t e s l o p e s from the southwest to the n o r t h e a s t . There 

i s approximately a 120 f o o t change i n e l e v a t i o n across the sub-

j e c t s i t e . The e l e v a t i o n r i s e s from 110 f e e t to 230 f e e t . How-

ever, the s t e e p e s t p a r t of the s i t e i s l o c a t e d i n the southwest, 

where there i s almost an 8% slope. The n o r t h e a s t p a r t of the 

s i t e i s almost f l a t where the e l e v a t i o n r i s e s approximately 20' 

and the slope doesn't exceed 2%. 

b. V e g e t a t i o n and Landscaping: (see F i g . 6-6) 

The s u b j e c t s i t e i s a v a s t , green area i n P o i n t Grey. In 

the western p a r t of the s i t e , there i s a s u b s t a n t i a l q u a n t i t y of 

deciduous t r e e s , which provide a n a t u r a l b u f f e r zone from the 

adjacent J e r i c h o H i l l School and J u s t i c e I n s t i t u t e . Along 4th 

Avenue, there i s an e x i s t i n g green b u f f e r with deciduous t r e e s 

t h a t p r o v i d e s a b a r r i e r from the n o i s y 4th Avenue. Close to the 

i n t e r s e c t i o n of 4th Avenue and Highbury S t r e e t , there i s a beau 



247 

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249 

t i f u l a l l e y with many f e a t u r e t r e e s t h a t c r o s s the s i t e d i a g o n a l -

l y on the east-west a x i s . The new CCC development has a 

p o t e n t i a l to emphasize n a t u r a l beauty of the s i t e through 

l a n d s c a p i n g t h a t c r e a t e s v i s u a l i n t e r e s t and i d e n t i t y . T h i s can 

be achieved by: 

1. R e i n f o r c i n g and i n t e g r a t i n g with the p a t t e r n and c h a r a c t e r 

of the e x i s t i n g l a n d s c a p i n g . 

2. Provide l a n d s c a p i n g with a v a r i e t y of f l o w e r i n g shrubs, 

p e r e n n i a l s and t r e e s ; to be a t t r a c t i v e i n a l l f o u r seasons 

of the year. 

3. R e t a i n i n g e x i s t i n g mature t r e e s e s p e c i a l l y i n the a l l e y a t 

the i n t e r s e c t i o n of 4th Avenue and Highbury S t r e e t . 

4. I n c o r p o r a t i n g s p e c i a l open space f e a t u r e s such as ponds, 

f o u n t a i n s , arches, arbours to c r e a t e v i s u a l i n t e r e s t along 

the s t r e e t edge. 

5. I n c o r p o r a t i n g l i g h t i n g i n t o l a n d s c a p i n g to c r e a t e an 

a t t r a c t i v e n i g h t - t i m e appearance and i l l u m i n a t i n g a l l major 

walkways to allow safe use a t n i g h t . 

c. "Green O a s i s " i n the P o i n t Grey Area 

The F e d e r a l N a t i o n a l Defence Lands s i t e as can be seen now i s a 

l a r g e green open space i n the Community. The proposed CCC f a c i l i -

t y w i l l transform the land i n t o a medium d e n s i t y development but 

with an abundance of open spaces a c c e s s i b l e to a l l : r e s i d e n t s of 

the f a c i l i t y , the neighbourhood as a whole and the general 

p u b l i c . The proposed open spaces s h a l l c o n t r i b u t e to the neigh-

bourhood i d e n t i t y by: 



250 

1. C r e a t i n g l a r g e continous open space r a t h e r than a s e r i e s of 

s m a l l e r i s o l a t e d spaces. 

2. L i n k i n g the open spaces with J e r i c h o Park. 

3. C r e a t i n g a gradual t r a n s i t i o n from the p u b l i c realm of the 

s t r e e t to the p r i v a t e realm of the i n d i v i d u a l u n i t . 

4. P r o v i d i n g common (shared by r e s i d e n t s ) open space i n the 

form of c o u r t yards. 

5. M i n i m i z i n g the use of high, s o l i d fences along the s t r e e t 

edge. P r i v a c y f e n c i n g or l a n d s c a p i n g s c r e e n i n g should allow 

c o n t i n u i t y of open spaces between c l u s t e r s . 

6. P r i v a t e open spaces s h a l l be d i r e c t l y a c c e s s i b l e from each 

u n i t i n the form of a p a t i o or balcony. Ground l e v e l p r i v a t e 

open space s h a l l be d e f i n e d by s c r e e n i n g or l a n d s c a p i n g . 

7. On the sloped p a r t of the s i t e along 8th Avenue open space 

should be t e r r a c e d to complement e x i s t i n g topography and 

landscape. 

6.4.2 CONSTRAINTS 

The south-west p o r t i o n of the s i t e along 8th Avenue shows a 

very steep slope approx. 8%, which a f f e c t s any r e s i d e n t i a l , 

b a r r i e r - f r e e design f o r the e l d e r l y . The CCC development should 

concentrate i n the north e a s t e r n p o r t i o n of the s i t e to f a c i l i -

t a t e r e s i d e n t s walking without hazards. 

6.4.3 CONCLUSION 

The s i t e p r o v i d e s an o p p o r t u n i t y to c r e a t e a l a r g e c o n t i n 



251 

uous open space, which can be l i n k e d with J e r i c h o Park. T h i s 

c e n t r a l open space should be designed f o r the Country Club 

f a c i l i t i e s and Park. The e x i s t i n g t r e e s , e s p e c i a l l y i n the 

a l l e y , important f e a t u r e of the s i t e , should be preserved i n the 

f u t u r e development to c r e a t e v i s u a l i n t e r e s t and enhance q u a l i t y 

of the CCC p r i v a t e and common open space. 

EVALUATION #5: Space Character and Views 

6.5.1 OPPORTUNITIES 

a. Massing S c a l e and Housing Character 

In keeping with the recommendations of the C i t y Planning 

Department, the CCC should be a l o w - r i s e development compatible 

with the surrounding neighbourhoods (RS-on the South; RM-on the 

e a s t and n o r t h ) . 

South of 8th Avenue and west of Highbury i s the edge of the 

West P o i n t Grey s i n g l e f a m i l y neighbourhood. To the east of 

Highbury S t r e e t , there i s a m u l t i - f a m i l y housing zoned RM-3A1, 

which i n c l u d e s a new development of condominiums f o r o l d e r 

a d u l t s . On the corner of 4th Avenue and Highbury S t r e e t , there 

i s an 11-storey r e s i d e n t i a l b u i l d i n g under c o n s t r u c t i o n ( a d u l t 

o r i e n t e d ) . To the n o r t h , there i s m u l t i - f a m i l y housing zoned 

RM-3A, which comprises a l s o the r e n t a l housing f o r the e l d e r l y : 

b. P u b l i c and P r i v a t e Views; (see F i g . 6-7) 

There are o n l y l i m i t e d p u b l i c and p r i v a t e views i n the area 

due to the topography and e x i s t i n g t r e e s on the s i t e . The 

p r i v a t e view on the s u b j e c t s i t e i s only a v a i l a b l e i n the 



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253 

the southern p a r t of the s i t e (the h i g h e s t p o i n t ) and i n the 

northwest p a r t of the s i t e where i s a view of the mountains and 

J e r i c h o Park. The major p u b l i c view c o r r i d o r e x i s t s along 

Highbury S t r e e t , l o o k i n g n o r t h . The CCC development should 

ensure t h a t these views are preserved. 

T h i s can be achieved by: 

1. S i t i n g the b u i l d i n g mass away from the p o t e n t i a l view 

c o r r i d o r s . 

2. L i m i t i n g b u i l d i n g mass where i t blocks s i g n i f i c a n t views 

from adjacent b u i l d i n g s - e s p e c i a l l y i n the south p a r t of 

the s i t e . 

3. L i n k i n g open spaces to extend the new depth. 

4. L o c a t i n g landscaped open spaces c l o s e to windows i n u n i t s 

with l i m i t e d o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r d i s t a n c e views. 

6.5.2 CONSTRAINTS: COMPATIBILITY WITH NEIGHBOURHOOD 

The e x i s t i n g apartment b u i l d i n g s along 4th Avenue and 

Highbury S t r e e t are 3 s t o r e y b u i l d i n g s , which have no s p e c i a l 

a r c h i t e c t u r a l merit. Along 8th Avenue, there are one or two 

s t o r e y o l d e r houses b u i l t as s i n g l e f a m i l y homes. 

6.5.3 CONCLUSION 

In keeping with the community o b j e c t i v e (Chapter 3), N.D.O. 

#2, the new development on the s u b j e c t s i t e should achieve 

v i s u a l c o m p a t i b i l i t y with the surrounding housing. In terms of 

o v e r a l l massing, a new development should provide massing 

o p t i o n s from s i n g l e f a m i l y homes to m u l t i p l e - u n i t housing. The 



254 

f o l l o w i n g g u i d e l i n e s are recommended: 

1. S i n g l e f a m i l y housing forms i n the area adjacent to one 

f a m i l y detached houses, 1-2 s t o r e y high. 

2. Apartment b u i l d i n g forms along Highbury S t r e e t compatible 

with the new apartment b u i l d i n g s now under c o n s t r u c t i o n . 

While some f l a t r o o f s a l r e a d y e x i s t i n the apartment b u i l d -

i n g s , the new b u i l d i n g s should r e i n f o r c e the " h o u s e - l i k e " 

c h a r a c t e r by p r o v i d i n g p i t c h e d r o o f s , dormers, chimneys and 

porches. 

3. Emphasizing the c o n t i n u i t y of the commercial c h a r a c t e r of 

Alma S t r e e t and the 4th Avenue corner. 

The h e i g h t s should vary from 3 s t o r e y b u i l d i n g s along Highbury 

S t r e e t and 4th Avenue to 2-1 s t o r e y b u i l d i n g s along 8th Avenue. 

The CCC Independent L i v i n g r e n t a l (BCHMC) housing 

apartment b u i l d i n g , 3 s t o r e y height should be l o c a t e d along 

Highbury S t r e e t . One s t o r y h e i g h t co-op and s t r a t a t i t l e 

townhouses should be l o c a t e d along 8th Avenue. In keeping with 

the o b j e c t i v e N.D.O. #3, the Core Centre should be l o c a t e d on 

4th Avenue c l o s e to Highbury S t r e e t i n order to maintain a more 

urban s t r e e t s c a p e c h a r a c t e r i n the north east p a r t of the s i t e . 

C o n s i d e r a t i o n should be given to the views from the new 

development. In keeping with o b j e c t i v e N.D.O. #4, the CCC 

development should p l a c e r e s i d e n t i a l long term care c l u s t e r i n 

the north-west p a r t of the s i t e to take advantage of a wonderful 

view of the North Shore Mountains and J e r i c h o Beach. In the 

southern p a r t of the s i t e the Independent L i v i n g c l u s t e r s should 



255 

permit b u i l d i n g mass to preserve the p r i v a t e view. 

EVALUATION #6: Housing P a t t e r n s (see F i g . 6-8, 6-9, 6-10, 6-11) 

6.6.1 RATIONALE: 

P a t t e r n s of Housing w i t h i n the Continuum of Care Complex may 

be based on e i t h e r s e p a r a t i o n of the o n - s i t e f a c i l i t i e s f o r 

r e s i d e n t s with d i f f e r e n t a b i l i t y l e v e l or i n t e g r a t i o n of such 

f a c i l i t i e s . Both s o l u t i o n s have advantages and disadvantages. 

A c c o r d i n g to Carstens (1985) s e v e r a l p o i n t s can be noted i n 

f a v o r of the s e p a r a t i o n p a t t e r n : 

1. People tend n a t u r a l l y to group themselves. More able r e s i -

dents p r e f e r not to mingle with the l e s s competent. 

2. I n t e g r a t i o n of care f a c i l i t i e s with more independent l i v i n g 

may promote an " i n s t i t u t i o n a l " image r a t h e r than " r e s i d e n -

t i a l " . 

3. The s o c i a l c o s t of s e p a r a t i o n may be reduced by management 

p o l i c i e s t h a t encourage v o l u n t e e r i n t e r a c t i o n . 

In f a v o r of i n t e g r a t i o n p a t t e r n there are some s u p p o r t i v e 

f a c t o r s : 

1. A f i n a n c i a l r a t i o n a l e f a v o r s shared s e r v i c e s and f a c i l i t i e s . 

2. I n t e g r a t i o n promotes s h a r i n g , mutual a s s i s t a n c e , s e l f - h e l p 

and a l s o p r o v i d e s a powerful o p p o r t u n i t y f o r s o c i a l 

l e a r n i n g . 

3. Segregate f a c i l i t i e s o f t e n r e q u i r e the eventual movement of 

r e s i d e n t s and the s e p a r a t i o n of spouses and f r i e n d s . Such a 

move can have a very negative e f f e c t upon the r e s i d e n t s ' 

h e a l t h . 



256 

T h e r e f o r e , the d e c i s i o n to c r e a t e a separate or i n t e g r a t e d care 

f a c i l i t y must be c a r e f u l l y weighed. P a t t e r n o p t i o n s f o r housing 

arrangements (based on Carstens 1985) i n c l u d e the f o l l o w i n g : 

P a t t e r n No. 1: S e p a r a t i n g l i v i n g zones f o r independent, 

i n t e r m e d i a t e and dependent l i v i n g - n u r s i n g care 

(see F i g . 6-8). 

P a t t e r n No. 2: C l u s t e r i n g i n t e r m e d i a t e and extended care 

f a c i l i t i e s and a l s o support s e r v i c e s together 

while p r o v i d i n g a separate zone f o r independent 

l i v i n g r e s i d e n t s (see F i g . 6-9). 

P a t t e r n No. 3: Shared meeting and common spaces, but separate 

r e s i d e n t i a l areas and f a c i l i t i e s s u i t a b l e f o r 

each l e v e l of care (see F i g . 6-10). 

P a t t e r n No. 4: A r a d i a l arrangement with common f a c i l i t i e s and 

s o c i a l areas as the c e n t r a l core element. 

S e r v i c e s and f a c i l i t i e s common to v a r i o u s l e v e l s 

of care c r e a t e separate housing zones (see F i g . 

6-11). 

6.6.2 PATTERN No. 1: OBJECTIVES: 

1. Separate i d e n t i t i e s and independent f u n c t i o n i n g f o r each 

l e v e l of care. 

2. Complete s e p a r a t i o n of the extended care f a c i l i t y and i t s 

j u x t a p o s i t i o n to Independent housing attempts to reduce 

p s y c h o l o g i c a l a s s o c i a t i o n s of p h y s i c a l p r o x i m i t y to more 

i n t e n s i v e care f a c i l i t i e s a s s o c i a t e d with a p e r s o n a l 

nearness to death and dying. 



257 

F i g . 6-8 P a t t e r n No. 1 

E x i s t i n g S i t e at the Motion P i c t u r e and T e l e v i s i o n 
I n d u s t r y Fund Country House and H o s p i t a l , C a l i f o r n i a . 
Carstens, D. S i t e Planning and Design f o r the E l d e r l y 
- Issues, G u i d e l i n e s and A l t e r n a t i v e s . 1985, p~. 44~! 

Example -

Source: 



258 

F i g . 6-9 P a t t e r n No. 2 

Maple K n o l l V i l l a g e , Ohio. The Gruzen P a r t n e r s h i p 
A r c h i t e c t s and Planners, New York. 
Carstens, D. S i t e Planning and Design f o r the E l d e r l y 
- Issues, G u i d e l i n e s and A l t e r n a t i v e s . 1985, pT 3&~. 

Example -

Source: 



F i g . 6-10 P a t t e r n No. 3 

Example - Prototype of the E l d e r l y Housing. Oskar Newman 
A r c h i t e c t / P l a n n e r , New York. 

Source: Rush, R. The Age of the Aging. P r o g r e s s i v e 
A r c h i t e c t u r e . 1981, No. 8, p. 60. 



260 

F i g . 6-11 P a t t e r n No. 4 

Example - Regents P o i n t . Neptun and Thomas A s s o c i a t e s 
A r c h i t e c t s , Pasadena, C a l i f o r n i a . 

Source: Carstens, D. S i t e Planning and Design f o r E l d e r l y -
Issues, G u i d e l i n e s and A l t e r n a t i v e s . 1985, p. 48. 



261 

3. Shared a c t i v i t y space (the Core Centre) a f f o r d s some 

i n t e r a c t i o n between i n t e r m e d i a t e and independent l i v i n g . 

T h i s p a t t e r n was employed i n the proposed master p l a n f o r the 

Motion P i c t u r e and T e l e v i s i o n Fund Country House and H o s p i t a l , 

Los Angeles i n C a l i f o r n i a (see Chapter 1). 

6.6.3 PATTERN No. 2: OBJECTIVES 

1. Promote the image of independent l i v i n g i n a separate 

complex of the Independent r e s i d e n t i a l c l u s t e r . 

2. Provide o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r i n t e r a c t i o n f o r the Intermediate 

and Extended Care r e s i d e n t s with independent l i v i n g 

r e s i d e n t s i n common shared space (the Core C e n t r e ) . 

3. Separate the Extended Care from the Intermediate Care by 

shared space - the Core Centre to reduce p s y c h o l o g i c a l 

a s s o c i a t i o n with nearness to death and dying i n the Extended 

Care f a c i l i t y . 

T h i s p a t t e r n was employed i n Maple K n o l l V i l l a g e , Ohio (Carstens 

1985, p.38) and i n St. Michael's Centre, Burnaby, B.C. As an 

a l t e r n a t i v e arrangement the Independent L i v i n g and Intermediate 

Care can be c l u s t e r e d together with the common shared spaces i n 

the Core Centre, while Extended Care C l u s t e r may remain as a 

separate e n t i t y . For example, Independent L i v i n g Housing and 

Intermediate Care F a c i l i t y are c l u s t e r e d i n H o l l y b u r n House i n 

North Vancouver B.C. and South G r a n v i l l e Park Lounge, Vancouver, 

B.C. (see Chapter 1). 



262 

6.6.4 PATTERN No. 3: OBJECTIVES 

1. I n t e g r a t e a l l l e v e l s of care and shared common space - The 

Core Centre - i n one b u i l d i n g together to promote d i r e c t 

access to s e r v i c e s and a sense of s e c u r i t y among r e s i d e n t s . 

2. Promote a sense of s a f e t y and s e c u r i t y f o r more f r a i l 

r e s i d e n t s by l o c a t i n g independent l i v i n g c l o s e to dependent 

l i v i n g . 

3. Reduce s t r e s s of r e l o c a t i o n to separate zone on the s i t e 

when one's h e a l t h d e t e r i o r a t e s . Within the same b u i l d i n g 

s e r v i c e s can move e a s i l y to the r e s i d e n t s and while they can 

s t a y i n t h e i r d w e l l i n g u n i t s . 

4. Reduce s t r e s s of the s e p a r a t i o n of spouse and f r i e n d s i f 

movement would be necessary. 

T h i s p a t t e r n was employed i n Seton V i l l a i n Burnaby, B.C. 

( m u l t i - l e v e l f a c i l i t y ) ( S e e Chapter 1). D i f f e r e n t f l o o r s of t h i s 

h i g h r i s e d i f f e r e n t i a t e l e v e l of care (seven top f l o o r s - Indepen-

dent L i v i n g , next s i x f l o o r s - board r e s i d e n t s , the bottom f o u r 

f l o o r s accommodate PC-IC r e s i d e n t s ) . 

6.6.5 PATTERN No. 4: OBJECTIVES 

1. Maximize access to the common f a c i l i t y from each l e v e l of 

care i n r e s i d e n t i a l areas. 

2. Create a separate e n t i t y of each l e v e l of care i n separate 

r e s i d e n t i a l c l u s t e r s to promote "mini community f e e l i n g " . 

T h i s p a t t e r n was p a r t i a l l y employed i n the Regents P o i n t 

continuum of care environment community (see Chapter 1). I t can 

provide an a l t e r n a t i v e arrangement by lengthening f o r example 



263 

j u x t a p o s i t i o n of the Extended Care f a c i l i t y i n order to reduce 

p h y s i c a l p r o x i m i t y to more i n t e n s i v e care as w e l l as by prolong-

i n g a d i s t a n c e form Independent L i v i n g u n i t s to promote image of 

independent l i v i n g . 

6.6.6 CONCLUSION 

Housing P a t t e r n s have been presented i n E v a l u a t i o n #6 f o r 

the purpose of a general overview and comparison. I f i t was a 

r e a l - l i f e s i t u a t i o n , i t would be the moment when the major 

d e c i s i o n s r e g a r d i n g p r o j e c t development would have to be made. 

T h i s would be a t r a n s i t i o n a l phase from the f a c i l i t y program to 

the f e a s i b i l i t y study u s u a l l y undertaken by the B u i l d i n g 

Committee ( i n case of N o n - P r o f i t S o c i e t y ) or the Developer ( i n 

case of Market Housing) and then the A r c h i t e c t would be s t a r t i n g 

o f f with the Schematic Design and Design Development. Another 

i s s u e , which would have to be r e s o l v e d at t h a t time, i s the 

a c t u a l C i t y of Vancouver zoning, probably CD-Comprehensive 

Development D i s t r i c t , u s u a l l y developed and approved a f t e r a 

long process of the c i t y planners involvement and p u b l i c hear-

ings h e l d i n the s u b j e c t neighbourhood. 

For the purpose of t h i s t h e s i s , I would l i k e to present my 

own p e r s o n a l p o i n t of view on how the housing p a t t e r n s should be 

evaluated, which p a t t e r n I would p r e f e r myself and a l s o how I 

see the next step i n terms of a design a r c h i t e c t involvement 

three i s s u e s : 

Issue #1 - Steps f o r housing p a t t e r n s e v a l u a t i o n . 



264 

Issue #2 - Housing p a t t e r n s e l e c t i o n , my own c h o i c e . 

Issue #3 - Next steps to be taken by the Design A r c h i t e c t . 

Issue #1: Steps f o r Housing P a t t e r n s E v a l u a t i o n . 

P a t t e r n s e l e c t i o n would be the most important d e c i s i o n i n 

the e n t i r e f u t u r e p r o j e c t development. I t i s my understanding 

t h a t the e v a l u a t i o n process would have to be based on c l e a r l y 

s t r u c t u r e d methodology, aimed at the e v a l u a t i n g team r e p r e s e n t -

i n g a l l i n v o l v e d i n the s u b j e c t p r o j e c t : users of the f a c i l i t y 

( r e s i d e n t s , s t a f f , management); f i n a n c i n g i n s t i t u t i o n s ; develop-

e r s ; c i t y planners; governmental agencies (Long-Term Care) and 

a l s o l o c a l Community Leaders. E v a l u a t i o n should be based on 

r a t i n g so the f i n a l c o n c l u s i o n c o u l d be e a s i l y a r r i v e d a t . 

The development of c i t e r i a to be used i n the e v a l u a t i o n 

process, has to be based on Chapter 3 of t h i s t h e s i s - the CCC 

F a c i l t y O b j e c t i v e s ( f i v e groups). 

I t i s not the i n t e n t i o n of t h i s t h e s i s to develop d e t a i l e d 

e v a l u a t i o n c i r t e r i a of housing p a t t e r n s but o n l y to i n d i c a t e the 

process, which may be used by the e v a l u a t i n g team. 

One of the most important c i t e r i o n i n the e v a l u a t i o n of CCC 

F a c i l i t y Housing P a t t e r n s i s the Q u a l i t y Environment. I would 

recommend the f o l l o w i n g e v a l u a t i o n steps which would appraise 

the f o l l o w i n g c r i t i c a l i s s u e s : 

Step #1: A Q u a l i t y Environment i n terms o f : 

1. Increased o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r i n d i v i d u a l choice i n the CCC 

p h y s i c a l s e t t i n g . 



265 

2. Improved comprehension and o r i e n t a t i o n i n the new 

environment - wayfinding has been promoted. 

3. Encouraged s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n . 

4. Provided o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r i n d i v i d u a l p r i v a c y . 

Step #2: S a f e t y and S e c u r i t y 

1. L e v e l to which outdoor common areas used by r e s i d e n t s have 

been enclosed w i t h i n c l u s t e r s . 

2. How s u c c e s s f u l a c l e a r t r a n s i t i o n from neighbourhood p u b l i c 

space to p r i v a t e space has been achieved. 

3. How e f f e c t i v e i s the s i t e p l a n n i n g i n terms of c l e a r l y 

d e f i n e d edge c o n d i t i o n s such as fences. 

Step #3: A V a r i e t y of Environments 

A combination of d i f f e r e n t environments f o r the e l d e r l y 

should i n c l u d e : 

1. A 'home-like' environment i n the d w e l l i n g c l u s t e r s at a l l 

l e v e l s of care. 

2. A ' s o c i a l community* environment i n the amenity areas and 

outdoor a c t i v i t y c e n t r e . 

Step #4: S o c i a l Needs 

The p o t e n t i a l of a p a t t e r n to c r e a t e a s t r o n g community 

f e e l i n g by p r o v i d i n g a p h y s i c a l environment which w i l l 

f a c i l i t a t e s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n . 



266 

Issue #2: Housing P a t t e r n S e l e c t i o n - my own c h o i c e . 

I t i s my p e r s o n a l b e l i e f , t h a t P a t t e r n #2 r e p r e s e n t i n g 

s e p a r a t i o n of the independent l i v i n g q u a r t e r s and i n t e g r a t i o n of 

the Intermediate and Extended Care q u a r t e r s , should be implement-

ed i n the proposed Continuum of Care Complex i n P o i n t Grey. 

In making my own e v a l u a t i o n (note: t h i s i s o n l y a r c h i t e c t ' s 

p o i n t of view) I used the f o l l o w i n g c r i t e r i a ( C = C r i t e r i o n ) l i s t -

ed below as the c r i t i c a l i s s u e s : 

C#l T h i s p a t t e r n has the g r e a t e s t p o t e n t i a l to c r e a t e a 

q u a l i t y environment by: 

1. I n c r e a s i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r i n d i v i d u a l choice i n the CCC 

p h y s i c a l s e t t i n g . 

For example, a separate Independent L i v i n g zone would provide 

o p p o r t u n i t i e s to c r e a t e a choice i n l i v i n g arrangements such as 

townhouses or m u l t i p l e d w e l l i n g u n i t s . The c l u s t e r e d Interme-

d i a t e and Extended Care f a c i l i t y with the Core Centre would 

i n c r e a s e a l s o o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r i n d i v i d u a l c h o i c e . I t s r e s i d e n t s 

would change very e a s i l y (a r e l a t i v e l y s h o r t d i s t a n c e to the 

Core Centre) t h e i r "home-like" environment f o r a " s o c i a l 

community" environment. 

2. Improving comprehension and o r i e n t a t i o n (to promote 

w a y f i n d i n g ) . 

The separate Independent L i v i n g zone would allow to imple-

ment a c l u s t e r p a t t e r n which promotes a wayfinding. S i m i l a r l y , 

the c l u s t e r e d long-term care f a c i l i t i e s with the Core Centre 



267 

may s i g n i f i c a n t l y improve comrehension and o r i e n t a t i o n i n the 

environment. A d i r e c t connection with the Core Centre would 

f a c i l i t a t e a wayfinding not o n l y f o r long-term care f a c i l i t y 

r e s i d e n t s , but a l s o f o r Independent L i v i n g r e s i d e n t s , as t h i s 

p a t t e r n may c l e a r l y absorb a 'feeder system'-the CCC c i r c u l a t i o n 

network. 

3. Encouraging s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n between r e s i d e n t s and 

v i s i t o r s . 

T h i s housing o p t i o n , by p r o v i d i n g p o s s i b l i t y f o r r e s i d e n t i a l 

c l u s t e r p a t t e r n , would promote s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n between 

r e s i d e n t s . I t would a l s o c r e a t e an o p p o r t u n i t y f o r d e s i g n i n g 

outdoor common areas i n c l o s e p r o x i m i t y to the r e s i d e n t i a l zones 

and consequently provide f u r t h e r o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r s o c i a l 

i n t e r a c t i o n . 

4. P r o v i d i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r i n d i v i d u a l p r i v a c y : 

The c l u s t e r p a t t e r n would provide o p p o r u n i t i e s f o r i n d i v i d u -

a l p r i v a c y e.g. p r i v a t e outdoor spaces. 

5. P r o v i d i n g s a f e t y and s e c u r i t y . 

The outdoor common areas used by r e s i d e n t s would be enclosed 

w i t h i n safe r e s i d e n t i a l c l u s t e r s . The main p e d e s t r i a n walkways 

c o u l d be e a s i l y l a i d out to allow f o r v i s u a l s u r v e i l l a n c e by 

r e s i d e n t s and s t a f f (feeder system). 

C#2 T h i s p a t t e r n would e a s i l y achieve one of the major t h e s i s 

o b j e c t i v e s to c r e a t e a s t r o n g community f e e l i n g . 



268 

1. The s i t e p l a n implementing t h i s housing p a t t e r n would f o s t e r 

community f e e l i n g . The p r o x i m i t y to the Core Centre from 

long-term care r e s i d e n t i a l c l u s t e r s , may provide o l d e r 

people with the f e e l i n g of belonging to the CCC community. 

2. The c l u s t e r e d r e s i d e n t i a l components may be e a s i l y designed 

to f a c i l i t a t e s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n and a l s o to d i m i n i s h the 

stereotype of " o l d - f o l k s home" i n s t i t u t i o n a l c h a r a c t e r . 

3. The Core Centre with the Main Concourse component, c o u l d be 

designed as a very a t t r a c t i v e a r c h i t e c t u r a l environment. A 

p l a c e which may be a p p e a l i n g f o r many r e s i d e n t s from the 

P o i n t Grey community. 

C#3 T h i s p a t t e r n may e a s i l y c e n t r a l i z e a l l s u p p o r t i v e 

s e r v i c e s , but a t the same time, maintain home-like 

environment i n the e n t i r e CCC f a c i l i t y . 

1. By c l u s t e r i n g the long-term care f a c i l i t i e s , and the Core 

Centre, a r e d u c t i o n i n s u p p o r t i v e s e r v i c e s , s t a f f , and 

s e r v i c e s may be expected. T h i s i n t u r n , would l e a d to the 

o p e r a t i n g c o s t r e d u c t i o n of the e n t i r e CCC f a c i l i t y . 

2. T h i s p a t t e r n would allow f o r easy access f o r the long-term 

care r e s i d e n t s , as w e l l as s t a f f , to a l l c e n t r a l i z e d 

s e r v i c e s i n the Core Centre. 

C#4 Neighbourhood Development O b j e c t i v e s as d i s c u s s e d i n 

Chapter 3, of t h i s t h e s i s , c o u l d be achieved i n the most 

s a t i s f a c t o r y manner. 

1. P a t t e r n #2 would allow to maintain l i v a b i l i t y , p r i v a c y and a 



269 

sense of community. The Independent L i v i n g r e s i d e n t i a l 

c l u s t e r s , as w e l l as the long-term care f a c i l i t i e s , would 

provide high l e v e l s of l i v a b i l i t y . The long-term care 

f a c i l i t i e s , combined with the Core Centre, would r e i n f o r c e a 

sense of community. 

2. T h i s p a t t e r n would e a s i l y allow f o r c r e a t i o n of a cohesive 

neighbourhood c h a r a c t e r and achieve v i s u a l c o m p a t i b i l i t y 

with the surrounding housing. The Independent L i v i n g zone, 

with one s t o r e y townhouses may be l o c a t e d along 8th Avenue 

to comply with s i n g l e - f a m i l y homes, while BCMHC r e n t a l 

housing may be l o c a t e d along Highbury S t r e e t , where 

m u l t i p l e - u n i t housing i s dominat. The c l u s t e r e d long-term 

care f a c i l i t y , with the Core Centre, would provide v i s u a l 

c o m p a t a b i l i t y with e x i s t i n g housing l o c a t e d along 4th 

Avenue. 

3. T h i s p a t t e r n would c o n t r i b u t e b e t t e r to s t r e e t s c a p e 

c h a r a c t e r than o t h e r s . The Core Centre which may be l o c a t e d 

at the corner of 4th Avenue and Highbury S t r e e t , would 

c r e a t e an e x t e n s i o n of an e x i s t i n g commercial shopping and 

s e r v i c e development, while long-term care f a c i l i t i e s may 

c r e a t e r e s i d e n t i a l c h a r a c t e r f u r t h e r to the West, along 4th 

Avenue or on Highbury S t r e e t . The Independent L i v i n g would 

very e a s i l y provide b u i l d i n g treatment t h a t complements 

development on adjacent s i t e s and would c r e a t e v i s u a l 

rhythm. 

4. T h i s housing p a t t e r n would take the b i g g e s t advantage of the 

e x i s t i n g views. For example, the Independent L i v i n g c l u s t e r s 



270 

l o c a t e d on the southern p a r t of the s i t e would have a 

p r i v a t e view of the mountains and Downtown while long-term 

care f a c i l i t y , as w e l l as outdoor common spaces, l o c a t e d i n 

the northern p a r t of the s i t e may have a view of the 

mountains and J e r i c h o Beach Park. 

5. T h i s housing p a t t e r n would allow f o r development of the 

p r o j e c t i n stages, as w e l l as, would allow f o r an easy 

f u t u r e e x t e n s i o n . In a d d i t i o n , t h i s p a t t e r n would allow f o r 

space f l e x i b i l i t y w i t h i n long-term care c l u s t e r s and the 

Core Centre. 

Issue #3: Next steps to be taken by the Design A r c h i t e c t . 

The f a c i l i t y program developed i n t h i s t h e s i s has been 

presented as a H y p o t h e t i c a l Model of a programming system. 

Although t h i s Model has been developed i n the r e a l s i t u a t i o n of 

the P o i n t Grey Community, on a s e l e c t e d s i t e , n e v e r t h e l e s s , i t s 

purpose i s t h e o r e t i c a l . The major P a r t i n any development 

process - The C l i e n t / S p o n s o r i s missing. T h e r e f o r e , i n order to 

suggest any steps to be taken by the Design A r c h i t e c t , a number 

of assumptions have to be made. These assumptions are necessary, 

because i t ' s not the A r c h i t e c t , but the C l i e n t , who makes the 

p r o j e c t r e a l i t y . 

Assumptions: 

1. The C l i e n t ' s o r g a n i z a t i o n e.g.: "The CCC of P o i n t Grey 

S o c i e t y " has been e s t a b l i s h e d , by c o n s i s t i n g of the Board of 

D i r e c t o r s , B u i l d i n g Committee, and C l i e n t s ' R e p r e s e n t a t i v e . 



The C l i e n t has arranged f o r the f i n a n c i n g of the e n t i r e 

p r o j e c t which i n c l u d e s purchase of p r o p e r t y and arrangement 

f o r f i n a n c e s . 

The C l i e n t has obtained the Housing P a t t e r n s E v a l u a t i n g 

Team, made-up of d i v e r s e users and p r o f e s s i o n a l s (see Issue 

#1) . 

The C l i e n t has arranged f o r the f e a s i b i l i t y study with the 

major o b j e c t i v e s : 

to determine and confirm the a c t u a l demand (at the time  

of a p r o j e c t c o n s t r u c t i o n and u n t i l the year 2000) and 

need f o r the s p e c i f i c range of f a c i l i t i e s and s e r v i c e s 

s t i p u l a t e d i n the CCC f a c i l i t y program. 

to i d e n t i f y c l e a r l y the t a r g e t p o p u l a t i o n , l e v e l of 

s e r v i c e s and b u i l d i n g forms f o r each type of e l d e r l y 

group. 

to analyze o p t i o n s of a p r o j e c t d e l i v e r y methods (phased 

c o n s t r u c t i o n ; p r o j e c t or c o n s t r u c t i o n management and 

b u i l d i n g forms). 

to analyze the a c t u a l (at the time of a p r o j e c t 

c o n s t r u c t i o n ) socio-economic and h e a l t h care 

c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of e l d e r l y p o p u l a t i o n and t h e i r 

preferences/needs r e g a r d i n g combination of tenure, 

b u i l d i n g forms and on s i t e s e r v i c e s . 

to c o n s o l i d a t e a c t u a l demographic i n f o r m a t i o n on the s i z e 

and growth of the t a r g e t p o p u l a t i o n of P o i n t Grey, 

Vancouver and province wide. 



272 

to i d e n t i f y and determine the s i z e of the gap between 

independent l i v i n g and long-term care f a c i l i t i e s (see 

Chapter 1 - 1.2.1) with the t a r g e t p o p u l a t i o n , 

to provide a c o s t e f f e c t i v e n e s s a n a l y s i s of the c a p i t a l 

and o p e r a t i n g c o s t s of the proposed f a c i l i t i e s and the 

housing p a t t e r n s , comparing c o s t s to the e x i s t i n g 

s e n i o r s ' housing, BCHMC r e n t a l housing, and long-term 

i n s t i t u t i o n a l care. 

to compare s t a f f i n g f e a s i b i l i t y of each o p t i o n , 

to make d e t a i l e d recommendations f o r the F a c i l i t y Program 

implementation, i n c l u d i n g funding arrangements. 

5. The Housing P a t t e r n has been s e l e c t e d and the Design 

A r c h i t e c t (or A r c h i t e c t u r a l Firm) has been appointed. 

Assuming t h a t the above l i s t e d major o r g a n i z a t i o n a l 

s t r u c t u r e s have been e s t a b l i s h e d , and major executive d e c i s i o n s 

reached, i t would be proper at t h i s time, f o r a Design A r c h i t e c t 

and h i s C o n s u l t a n t s to s t a r t work i n the f o l l o w i n g sequence: 

Step 1 - Predesign Stage 

Step 2 - Schematic Design 

Step 3 - Design Development 

Step 4 - C o n s t r u c t i o n Documents: Working Drawings and S p e c i f i c a -

t i o n s . 

Step 5 - B i d d i n g or N e g o t i a t i o n 

Step 6 - C o n t r a c t A d m i n i s t r a t i o n on b e h a l f of the C l i e n t at the 

a c t u a l C o n s t r u c t i o n 

Step 7 - Post C o n s t r u c t i o n P r o j e c t I n s p e c t i o n s 



273 

FINDINGS AND THESIS CONCLUSION 

T h i s t h e s i s has been developed as a r e s e a r c h c y c l e based on 

3-phase s c i e n t i f i c methodology of a n a l y s i s , s y n t h e s i s and 

e v a l u a t i o n ( I n t r o d u c t i o n , p. 7). 

Phase 1 of the T h e s i s - A n a l y s i s  

Scope of Research: 

Research a t t h i s phase was c a r r i e d out i n two d i s t i n c t i v e 

d i r e c t i o n s . F i r s t l y , an overview of the e x i s t i n g trends i n 

contemporary f a c i l i t i e s f o r the e l d e r l y with emphasis on the 

m u l t i l e v e l approach (General Background of the T h e s i s ) . Second-

l y , an a n a l y s i s of e l d e r l y housing options and s e r v i c e s i n 

Vancouver West s i d e i n general and West P o i n t Grey i n p a r t i c u l a r 

( S p e c i f i c Background of the T h e s i s ) . 

F i n d i n g #A1: 

"Time" becomes the paramount f a c t o r i n the e n t i r e programm-

i n g and design process f o r the e l d e r l y . Time means t h a t every-

t h i n g i n t h i s process i s dynamic, not s t a t i c and the, program 

should r e f l e c t t h i s phenomenon. The A r c h i t e c t should plan and 

design not f o r a s p e c i f i c group of people, but f o r the e l d e r l y 

who w i l l have a v a r i e t y of needs d i f f i c u l t to c l a s s i f y at one 

p o i n t of time. T h e r e f o r e , the "time" f a c t o r must be addressed 

on the p r i n c i p l e of f l e x i b i l i t y , a d a p t a b i l i t y and the continuum 

of care. 



274 

F i n d i n g #A2: 

The n o t i o n of m u l t i - l e v e l of care of the e l d e r l y continues 

to gain momentum. According to the Canadian M e d i c a l A s s o c i a t i o n , 

the p r o v i s i o n of a continuum of care, with the v a r i o u s elements 

b l e n d i n g together, should be the u n d e r l y i n g p r i n c i p l e i n 

p l a n n i n g s e r v i c e s f o r the e l d e r l y (Ch. 4, 4.2.). 

F i n d i n g #A3: 

There i s a r e a l need i n West P o i n t Grey area f o r a 

m u l t i - l e v e l f a c i l i t y with graduation of care organized and 

d e l i v e r e d i n one s e t t i n g (Ch.2, 2.3.6). 

F i n d i n g #A4: 

Contemporary s e n i o r s expect more than t h e i r predecessors i n 

terms of q u a l i t y l i f e s t y l e . They are more educated, h e a l t h y and 

more s o p h i s t i c a t e d i n t h e i r e x p e c t a t i o n s . They are l o o k i n g f o r 

an a t t r a c t i v e , n a t u r a l environment where they can enjoy: 

r e c r e a t i o n , h e a l t h p r o t e c t i o n , s e c u r i t y , l e i s u r e and r e t r e a t , 

c u l t u r a l a c t i v i t i e s and companionship (Ch.2, 2.1.5. Feature #4). 

F i n d i n g #A5: 

The major c o n s t r a i n t r e s u l t i n g i n moving the e l d e r l y person 

from h i s / h e r home to the f a c i l i t y i s r e l o c a t i o n s t r e s s . Moving 

i s a traumatic experience and i f done i n v o l u n t a r l y , may have 

negative p s y c h o s o c i a l consequences and decrease p h y s i c a l h e a l t h 

(Ch.3, C O . #1). 



275 

F i n d i n g #A6: 

S e n i o r s would be w i l l i n g to move to the f a c i l i t y i f such a 

f a c i l i t y could provide them with the p o s s i b i l i t y of c o n t i n u a t i o n 

of t h e i r l i f e s t y l e i n terms of r e s i d e n t i a l q u a l i t y , h e a l t h care 

s e r v i c e s and a s o c i a l network of t h e i r choice (Ch.2, 2.2.2.). 

The a n a l y s i s p a r t of t h i s t h e s i s concludes i n Chapter 3 by 

developing the major o b j e c t i v e s f o r the f a c i l i t y program. They 

have been based on f i n d i n g s and s t r u c t u r e d to the H y p o t h e t i c a l 

Model of the f a c i l i t y program. The CCC F a c i l i t y O b j e c t i v e s have 

been c o n s o l i d a t e d i n t o f i v e groups: 

Group 1 - L i v i n g Environment O b j e c t i v e s which address the 

i s s u e of a safe and q u a l i t y environment. 

Group 2 - R e s i d e n t s ' O b j e c t i v e s which concentrate on three 

b a s i c i s s u e s : tenure c h o i c e , h e a l t h care and 

s o c i a l needs. 

Group 3 - F a c i l i t y Management O b j e c t i v e s which although 

emphasizing the importance of c e n t r a l i z a t i o n of 

s u p p o r t i v e s e r v i c e s , n e v e r t h e l e s s s t r e s s a l s o the 

need f o r independence, p e r s o n a l i z a t i o n and v a r i e d 

p h y s i c a l environment. 

Group 4 - Community O b j e c t i v e s e x p l a i n a need f o r s u c c e s s f u l 

and smooth r e l a t i o n s h i p s between the CCC f a c i l i t y 

and the P o i n t Grey Community. 

Group 5 - Neighbourhood Development O b j e c t i v e s are very 

important f o r the a r c h i t e c t u r a l concept of the CCC 



276 

f a c i l i t y and have been presented i n the form of design 

q u i d e l i n e s . 

Research and f i n d i n g s i n t h i s Phase gave grounds to the f o l l o w -

i n g major c o n c l u s i o n s : 

C o n c l u s i o n #A1: 

In order to s a t i s f y the e l d e r l y ' s unique needs the CCC 

f a c i l i t y has to c r e a t e a q u a l i t y environment which w i l l : 

1. Increase o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r i n d i v i d u a l choice i n the CCC 

p h y s i c a l s e t t i n g . 

2. Minimize dependence and i n s t e a d encourage p e r s o n a l 

independence i n use of the CCC f a c i l i t y . 

3. R e i n f o r c e the i n d i v i d u a l l e v e l of competency by p r o v i d i n g 

environmental support. 

4. Compensate f o r sensory and p e r c e p t u a l changes. 

5. F o s t e r comprehension and o r i e n t a t i o n i n the new environment. 

6. Encourage s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n between r e s i d e n t s (and 

v i s i t o r s ) . 

7. S t i m u l a t e p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n a c t i v i t i e s . 

8. Provide o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r i n d i v i d u a l p r i v a c y . 

9. Improve the p u b l i c image of the e l d e r l y . 

C o n c l u s i o n #A2: 

In terms of c o n t i n u a t i o n of the e l d e r l y person's l i f e s t y l e , 

the r e s i d e n t s have to be p r o v i d e d with choice to s a t i s f y t h e i r 

needs: r e s i d e n t i a l , h e a l t h care and s o c i a l . 



277 

C o n c l u s i o n #A3: 

The CCC f a c i l i t y has to be programmed as being a p a r t of the 

P o i n t Grey Community but not as an i s o l a t e d i s l a n d f o r i t s 

r e s i d e n t s only. 

Phase 2 of the T h e s i s - S y n t h e s i s  

Scope of F a c i l i t y Programming 

In t h i s phase I continued an " a r c h i t e c t u r a l i n v e s t i g a t i o n " 

which focused on " f a c i l i t y programming" f o r an i n n o v a t i v e 

approach to a Continuum of Care F a c i l i t y (Ch.4 & 5). 

The approach I have assumed had two d i s t i n c t i v e f e a t u r e s : 

A l t e r n a t i v e Approach: 

1. which means t h a t the CCC p r o v i d e s p r o g r e s s i v e care: 

a. continuum of care system from Independent L i v i n g to 

Extended Care, 

b. continuum of l i v i n g environment ("home l i k e " ) . 

2. provide an o p p o r t u n i t y f o r a choice i n terms of: 

a. l i v i n g arrangements - tenure, p h y s i c a l environment 

b. p e r s o n a l s e r v i c e s - the Core Centre 

c. s o c i a l s e r v i c e s - the Core Centre 

d. h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s - the Core Centre 

3. s e n s i t i v e design i . e . : l i v i n g u n i t s i n the Long Term Care 

C l u s t e r s , i s s u e s : wayfinding, community f e e l i n g . 



278 

Innovative Approach: 

A new methodology has been i n t r o d u c e d i n t o the programming 

process: 

1. space f l e x i b i l i t y : a dynamic not s t a t i c model i n the I n t e r -

mediate and Extended Care p o r t i o n by assuming a c l u s t e r 

arrangement. 

2. the Core Centre with i t s program components can be e a s i l y 

changed a c c o r d i n g to the a c t u a l needs of the e l d e r l y , i . e . : 

A r t s & C r a f t s ( d i f f e r e n t a c t i v i t i e s ) , Auditorium and 

Programs or C l i n i c may be expanded. 

3. the Long Term Care F a c i l i t y may be expanded by p r o v i d i n g a 

new c l u s t e r f o r a d d i t i o n a l p a t i e n t s or by p r o v i d i n g s p e c i a l 

Care f o r Alzheimer's p a t i e n t s . 

C o n c l u s i o n #S1: 

The CCC f a c i l i t y may c r e a t e a q u a l i t y environment through 

f o u r major f u n c t i o n a l components: r e s i d e n t i a l , long-term care, 

community-services and outdoor a c t i v i t y spaces. 

C o n c l u s i o n #S2: 

The u n d e r l y i n g p r i n c i p l e i n p l a n n i n g housing and s e r v i c e s 

f o r the contemporary e l d e r l y has to be based on the continuum of 

care i n c l u d i n g the f o l l o w i n g f e a t u r e s : 

1. R e s i d e n t i a l c l u s t e r p a t t e r n (Ch.5, 5.1.2.). 

2. C l u s t e r i d e n t i t y (Ch.5, 5.1.2.2.). 

3. Sense of s e c u r i t y (Ch.5, 5.1.2.3.). 



279 

4. O p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n (Ch.5, 5.1.2.3.). 

5. A c c e s s i b i l i t y to a l l f a c i l i t i e s . 

6. P r i v a c y (Ch.5, 5.1.4.3.). 

7. Home-like atmposphere i n a l l types of f a c i l i t i e s : 

Independent L i v i n g (Ch.4, I n t r o d u c t i o n ) . 

Intermediate Care (Ch.5, 5.2.2.) 

Extended Care (Ch.5, 5.3.2., Issue #3). 

8. Sense of r e s i d e n c y (Ch.5, 5.2.2., Issue #1). 

9. Space F l e x i b i l i t y (Ch.5, 5.2.2., Issue #2). 

10. Wayfinding (Ch.5, 5.1.2.3., 5.2.2., Issue #3). 

The above noted u n d e r l y i n g p r i n c i p l e f o r housing the e l d e r l y 

can be summarized b r i e f l y : to provide a q u a l i t y environment f o r 

the , e l d e r l y which w i l l be a c o n t i n u a t i o n of the environment they 

were l i v i n g i n so f a r and which w i l l provide a l l necessary 

s u p p o r t i v e f a c i l i t i e s i n terms of s o c i a l , emotional and h e a l t h 

care need. 

C o n c l u s i o n #S3: 

The Core Centre with i t s s e r v i c e s becomes the paramount 

f u n c t i o n a l component i n c r e a t i o n of the q u a l i t y environment f o r 

the e l d e r l y and a l s o an important and necessary l i n k with the 

r e s t of the community. I t i s the Core Centre, which p l a y s the 

s i g n i f i c a n t r o l e i n the c r e a t i o n of a c h e e r f u l , p l e a s a n t , secure 

and f r i e n d l y atmosphere i n the CCC environment. A l s o , i t i s 

Core Centre which has to serve the r e s i d e n t s of the CCC and the 



280 

e n t i r e community: R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Centre, C l i n i c , Pharmacy, Main 

Concourse, Food S e r v i c e s , Food F a i r , A r t s and C r a f t s , L i b r a r y , 

Auditorium and Indoor R e c r e a t i o n Programs. 

The Core Centre comprised of 15 major f u n c t i o n a l components, 

each of them i n c l u d i n g s e v e r a l a c t i v i t y c e n t r e s , has to respond 

e f f e c t i v e l y to e l d e r l y ' s needs by c r e a t i n g s p e c i f i c ambiance. 

Some of the program f e a t u r e s s p e c i a l l y important to achieve t h i s 

o b j e c t i v e are: 

1. Winter Garden - Conservatory (5.4.1.2.a) 

2. L o c a t i o n of M a i l Boxes (5.4.1.2.b) 

3. Food F a i r - D i n i n g (5.4.2) 

4. R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Centre with Swimming Pool, Sauna, Whirpool, 

Bar, F i t n e s s & Dancing Club (5.4.4) 

5. A r t s and C r a f t s (5.4.5) 

6. Auditorium and S p e c i a l Programs (5.4.5) 

7. L i b r a r y (5.9.10) 

C o n c l u s i o n #S4: 

The s p e c i a l l y designed F a c i l i t y Common Outdoor Space b r i n g s 

a s i g n i f i c a n t c o n t r i b u t i o n to the w e l l - b e i n g of the e l d e r l y . 

T h i s program component p r o v i d e s s t i m u l a t i o n , enhances r e s i d e n t s " 

s e l f - e s t e e m and c r e a t e s an o p p o r t u n i t y f o r s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n 

and i n t e g r a t i o n with the P o i n t Grey Community. I t p r o v i d e s f o r 

a " t h e r a p e u t i c park" designed to meet the needs of the p h y s i c a l -

l y f r a i l and garden p l o t s f o r those i n t e r e s t e d i n h o r t i c u l t u r e . 



281 

Phase 3 of the T h e s i s - E v a l u a t i o n  

Scope of I n v e s t i g a t i o n 

In the l a s t and f i n a l phase I have i n v e s t i g a t e d how success-

f u l l y the Program can be implementated on the t e s t s i t e and what 

o p p o r t u n i t i e s and c o n s t r a i n t s e x i s t s . Furthermore, I have 

e l a b o r a t e d Design G u i d e l i n e s and Recommendations on how the 

Program O b j e c t i v e c o u l d be met i n a given r e a l s i t u a t i o n . I 

have concluded by p r o v i d i n g a l t e r n a t i v e Housing Development 

Options i n f o u r p a t t e r n s . F i n d i n g s r e f e r to the S i t e A n a l y s i s . 

C o n c l u s i o n s r e f e r to the f e a s i b i l i t y of Program implementation. 

F i n d i n g #E1: 

The " F e d e r a l N a t i o n a l Defence Lands", the t e s t s i t e , 

p r o v i d e s a number of o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r s u c c e s s f u l program 

implementation: 

1. Complies with the area p l a n p o l i c y of the Vancouver P l a n n i n g 

Department. 

2. Ensures a b e a u t i f u l s e t t i n g and v a s t land. 

3. Is l o c a t e d c l o s e to commercial o u t l e t s : 4th Avenue, Alma & 

Broadway. 

4. Is l o c a t e d c l o s e to r e c r e a t i o n a l amenities: J e r i c h o Beach, 

J e r i c h o Tennis Club, Royal Vancouver Yacht Club. 

5. Is i n p r o x i m i t y to the U n i v e r s i t y H o s p i t a l , UBC S i t e . 

6. Is c l o s e to p u b l i c bus t r a n s p o r t a t i o n . 

7. Has a v a r i e d topography p r o v i d i n g m a g n i f i c e n t views. 



282 

8. Is a "green o a s i s " i n the P o i n t Grey Area with s u b s t a n t i a l 

q u a n t i t i e s of t r e e s and shrubs. 

F i n d i n g #E2: 

The t e s t s i t e poses some c o n s t r a i n t s which have to be 

overcome i n order to implement the program s u c c e s s f u l l y : 

1. Heavy t r a f f i c and noise from 4th Avenue. 

2. Steep slope of the s i t e i n the southwest area. 

3. Need f o r a p e d e s t r i a n overpass to J e r i c h o Beach Park. 

C o n c l u s i o n #E1: 

The s u b j e c t s i t e would make a p e r f e c t p l a c e f o r the f u t u r e 

development of a f a c i l i t y f o r s e n i o r s . T h i s s i t e o f f e r s s e v e r a l 

advantages such as a l o c a t i o n i n the core of the P o i n t Grey r e s i -

d e n t i a l area, easy access to shopping and community s e r v i c e s , 

walking d i s t a n c e to park and p u b l i c r e c r e a t i o n a l f a c i l i t i e s as 

w e l l as p r o x i m i t y to U.B.C. 

C o n c l u s i o n #E2: 

The s i t e area (51.47 acres) i s an 

s u c c e s s f u l program implementation now 

expansion. 

C o n c l u s i o n #E3: 

The s i t e and i t s l o c a t i o n has a g r e a t p o t e n t i a l f o r easy to 

achieve a r c h i t e c t u r a l c h a r a c t e r compatible with the surrounding 

neighbourhood. 

e x c e l l e n t p l a c e f o r 

and f o r the f u t u r e 



283 

General T h e s i s C o n c l u s i o n 

T h i s T h e s i s has developed a h y p o t h e t i c a l model of the 

Continuum of Care Complex i n terms of a f a c i l i t y program i n the 

r e a l s i t u a t i o n of the P o i n t Grey Community on the s e l e c t e d t e s t 

s i t e . A "Continuum of Care" environment f o r the e l d e r l y has been 

d e f i n e d i n terms of a program of housing as w e l l as p e r s o n a l , 

s o c i a l and h e a l t h care s e r v i c e s a v a i l a b l e on one s i t e . That 

environment, which c o u l d be s u c c e s s f u l l y developed and implement-

ed on the s u b j e c t s i t e , may s a t i s f y a broad range of needs f o r 

the e l d e r l y : p h y s i c a l , p h y s i o l o g i c a l and s o c i o p s y c h o l o g i c a l . 



284 

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Inc. pp. 200-220. 



289 

APPENDIX #0-1 

P r o v i n c e of B r i t i s h Columbia, 
M i n i s t r y of Health 
C o n t i n u i n g Care D i v i s i o n 
Long-Term Care Program 

Care L e v e l D e f i n i t i o n s 

L e v e l s of Care 
The c l a s s i f i c a t i o n system used by the Long-Term Care program to 
d e s c r i b e i n d i v i d u a l s with s i m i l a r types of h e a l t h care needs 
c o n s i s t s of three major groupings - P e r s o n a l Care, Intermediate 
Care, and Extended Care. W i t h i n these groupings, Intermediate 
Care has been f u r t h e r d i v i d e d i n t o l e v e l s I, I I , and I I I . These 
care l e v e l s move i n a p r o g r e s s i o n from l i g h t e r care r e q u i r e -
ments of P e r s o n a l Care, through the Intermediate Care l e v e l s to 
the h e a v i e r care requirements of Extended Care. B r i e f l y 
summarized, the care l e v e l s are: 

P e r s o n a l Care 
T h i s l e v e l of care r e c o g n i z e the i n d i v i d u a l who i s independent-
l y mobile, with or without mechanical a i d s , and whose primary 
need i s f o r minimal n o n - p r o f e s s i o n a l s u p e r v i s i o n and /or 
a s s i s t a n c e with the a c t i v i t i e s of d a i l y l i v i n g f o r the purpose 
of a c h i e v i n g or m a i n t a i n i n g maximum p e r s o n a l independence i n 
everyday a c t i v i t i e s . 

Intermediate Care 
The three Intermediate Care l e v e l s b u i l d on the P e r s o n a l Care 
l e v e l and r e c o g n i z e a need f o r care p l a n n i n g and s u p e r v i s i o n 
under the d i r e c t i o n of a h e a l t h care p r o f e s s i o n a l by i n t r o d u c -
i n g a combination of p r o f e s s i o n a l and n o n - p r o f e s s i o n a l ( l a y ) 
s u p e r v i s i o n . T h i s p r o f e s s i o n a l s u p e r v i s i o n i s r e q u i r e d on a 
d a i l y r a t h e r than a twenty-four hour b a s i s . I n d i v i d u a l s a t the 
Intermediate Care l e v e l s are ambulant with or without 
mechanical a i d s . 

Intermediate Care I 
T h i s l e v e l of care r e c o g n i z e s the i n d i v i d u a l who i s independent-
l y mobile with or without mechanical a i d s , r e q u i r e s moderate 
a s s i s t a n c e with the a c t i v i t i e s of d a i l y l i v i n g , and who 
r e q u i r e s d a i l y p r o f e s s i o n a l care and/or s u p e r v i s i o n . 

Intermediate Care I I 
T h i s l e v e l o l care r e c o g n i z e s h e a v i e r care and/or s u p e r v i s i o n 
r e q u i r i n g a d d i t i o n a l care time. 

Intermediate Care I I I 
T h i s l e v e l of care p r i m a r i l y recognize the i n d i v i d u a l who 
e x h i b i t s severe b e h a v i o u r a l d i s t u r b a n c e s on a c o n t i n u i n g b a s i s 



290 

and who p r e s e n t s a s i g n i f i c a n t mangement problem. 
T h i s l e v e l a l s o recognize the i n d i v i d u a l who has very heavy 
care requirements which r e q i r e s i g n i f i c a n t s t a f f time to 
manage. In both i n s t a n c e s , t h i s l e v e l of care r e q u i r e s 
c o n s i d e r a b l e s u p e r v i s i o n and/or a s s i s t a n c e under the d i r e c t i o n 
of a h e a l t h care p r o f e s s i o n a l . 

Extended Care 
T h i s l e v e l of care recognize the person with a severe c h r o n i c 
d i s a b i l i t y which has u s u a l l y produced a f u n c t i o n a l d e f i c i t 
which r e q u i r e s twenty-four hour a day p r o f e s s i o n a l n u r s i n g 
s e r v i c e s and c o n t i n u i n g medical s u p e r v i s i o n , but does not 
r e q u i r e a l l the resources of an acute care h o s p i t a l . Most 
persons at t h i s l e v e l of care have a l i m i t e d p o t e n t i a l f o r 
r e h a b i l i t a t i o n and o f t e n r e q u i r e i n s t i t u t i o n a l care on a 
permanent b a s i s . 



291 

APPENDIX #0-2 

A n a l y s i s of the e x i s t i n g f a c i l i t i e s f o r the e l d e r l y with 
d i f f e r e n t l e v e l s of dependency. 

The f a c i l i t i e s are: 

1. PARKWOOD MANOR - Congregate House (Hotel Type) - P e r s o n a l 
Care, Coquitlam, B.C. - case study. 

2. HOLLYBURN HOUSE - P e r s o n a l Care and Intermediate Care 
F a c i l i t y , North Vancovuer, B.C. - case study. 

3. EXTENDED CARE UNIT OF UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, UBC SITE, 
Vancouver, B.C. - case study. 

4. SOUTH GRANVILLE PARK LODGE, Vancouver, B.C. - P e r s o n a l and 
Intermediate Care F a c i l i t y - case study. 

5. MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION COUNTRY HOUSE AND HOSPITAL i n 
Woodland H i l l s , C a l i f o r n i a - M u l t i l e v e l Care F a c i l i t y . 

6. REGENTS POINT, Southern C a l i f o r n i a P r e s b y t e r i a n Homes -
M u l t i l e v e l Care F a c i l i t i e s . 

7. SAN RAPHAEL COMMONS, San Raphael, C a l i f o r n i a - the 
Independent L i v i n g Housing. 

8. ST. MICHAEL'S CENTRE, Burnaby, B.C. - Intermediate and 
Extended Care F a c i l i t i e s . 

9. NORTHWOOD MULTI-PURPOSE COMPLEX, H a l i f a x , Nova S c o t i a . 

10. KOPERNIK LODGE - P e r s o n a l and Intermediate Care, Vancouver, 
B.C. 

11. SETON VILLA, North Burnaby, B.C. - Independent L i v i n g and 
P e r s o n a l Care. 

12. SUNNY MANOR, White Rock, B.C. - Independent L i v i n g and I n t e r -
mediate Care. 



292 

APPENDIX #0-3 

L i s t of people Interviewed on the s u b j e c t of my t h e s i s : 

1. C i t y of Vancouver, Vancouver Health Department: 
Mrs. Barbara Parson, R e h a b i l i t a t i o n C o n s u l t a n t C o n t i n u i n g 
Care D i v i s i o n . 

2. C i t y of Vancouver, P l a n n i n g Department: 
Mr. K e r i Huhtala, S e n i o r Planner 
Mr. John Winsor, S e n i o r Planner. 

3. C i t y of Vancouver, T r a n s p o r t a t i o n Branch, E n g i n e e r i n g Dept.: 
Mr. Ron S l e t t , 

4. I n t e r n a t i o n a l Care C o r p o r a t i o n - I n t e r c a r e 
Mr. Walter S t e i n i n g e r , V i c e P r e s i d e n t . 

5. BC Long Term Care A s s o c i a t i o n : 
Mrs. L i l i a n Moreton, E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r . 

6. Vancouver West Side Health Department: 
Ms. L e s l i e T y l o r , C o o r d i n a t o r . 

7. West End H e a l t h S e r v i c e Centre: 
Ms. Bev M a r s h a l l , Nurse i n r e s i d e n t i a l care f a c i l i t y (Sunset 
Towers, 1655 B a r c l a y S t r e e t ) . 

8. South G r a n v i l l e Park Lodge - PC and IC F A c i l i t y i n Vancovuer: 
Mr. Ed Z i n k e v i c h , A d m i n i s t r a t o r . 

9. St. M i c h a e l ' s Centre - IC and EC F a c i l i t y i n Burnaby: 
Mr. G e r a l d H e r k e l , E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r . 
Mr. Michael G a r r e t t , A r c h i t e c t - Gardiner Thornton 
A r c h i t e c t s . 

10. Brock House S o c i e t y - Day-time A c t i v i t y Centre f o r S e n i o r s i n 
P o i n t Grey: 
Mrs. Irene Ovenden, E x e c u t i v e C o o r d i n a t o r . 

11. H o l l y b u r n House - PC and IC F a c i l i t y i n North Vancouver: 
Mr. Alex Coruth - L a i n g P r o p e r t y L t d . , 
Mr. J . D o l l , A r c h i t e c t - Neale, S t a n i s z k i s , D o l l A r c h i t e c t s 
Mr. Kim P e r r y , Landscape A r c h i t e c t . 

12. Parkwood Manor - Congregate House i n Coquitlam: 
Mr. Stu Lyon, A r c h i t e c t - Waisman Dewar Grout C a r t e r 
A r c h i t e c t s . 
Mr. R a n d a l l Sharp, Landscape A r c h i t e c t . 

13. Kopernik Lodge: 
Ms. Irena Donlon, A d m i n i s t r a t o r . 
Mrs. Hanna Freyman, Resident. 



293 

APPENDIX #0-3 

14. U n i v e r s i t y H o s p i t a l , UBC S i t e , Extended Care U n i t : 
Ms. Rose Murakami, A s s i s t a n t A d m i n i s t r a t o r and C h i e f Nursing 
O f f i c e r . 
Ms. June Nakamoto, D i r e c t o r Nursing S e r v i c e s . 
Mrs. Karen V a g e l a t o s , Landscape A r c h i t e c t . 

15. Seton V i l l a - PC and IL F a c i l i t y i n North Burnaby: 
Mrs. Donna Kerr, A d m i n i s t r a t o r . 

16. Sunnyside Manor - IC and IL F a c i l i t y White Rock: 
Mr. J . White, Owner. 

17. Mr. & Mrs. Leon and Diane Kowalczyk - s e n i o r r e s i d e n t s i n the 
P o i n t Grey area and s e v e r a l s e n i o r c i t i z e n s i n Vancouver. 

18. B r i t i s h Columbia Housing Management Commission 
Mrs. Donna M c R i r i c k , C o o r d i n a t o r . 



294 

APPENDIX #0-4 

E x i s t i n g L e g i s l a t i o n and G u i d e l i n e s : 

1. B.C. Reg. 536/80 Community Care F a c i l i t y Act. 

2. H o s p i t a l f o r Extended Care: A Program and Design Guide, 
H o s p i t a l Programs, M i n i s t r y of H e a l t h , V i c t o r i a , B.C., 1989 

3. O c c u p a t i o n a l Environment R e g u l a t i o n s , Workers' Compensation 
Board of B r i t i s h Columbia, Richmond, B.C. 1974. 

4. Housing the E l d e r l y , Canada Mortgage and Housing Corpora-
t i o n , 1983. 

5. Nursing Homes and H o s t e l s with Care S e r v i c e s f o r the E l d e r l y 
Design g u i d e l i n e s , Canada Mortgage and Housing Corpora-

t i o n , 1979. 

6. Housing an Aging P o p u l a t i o n , Government of Canada, N a t i o n a l 
A d v i s o r y C o u n c i l on Aging, 1987. 

7. Housing f o r E l d e r l y People, Canada Mortgage and Housing 
C o r p o r a t i o n , 1987. 

8. BCMHC Design G u i d e l i n e s f o r Family and S e n i o r Housing 
Appendix 2. 



APPENDIX #2-1 

1. HOUSING CONDITIONS 
The s t a t i s t i c a l data r e p o r t e d below i s based on the r e s e a r c h 

paper "Review of age - sex - s p e c i f i c c h a r a c t e r i s t i c of the 
Canadian p o p u l a t i o n " R.W. Seaton and M.Rajan, 1987 (unpublished 
d r a f t ) . 

CANADA (1982) 
A. S e n i o r Canadians are homeowners: 

65% of the households heads aged 65 and over own t h e i r homes 
75% of a l l men aged 65 and over own t h e i r homes 
50% of a l l women aged 65 and over own t h e i r homes 

As the age i n c r e a s e s past 65 homeownership drops: 
56% of s e n i o r s aged 80 and over own t h e i r homes 

But a mortgage d e c l i n e s as age advances: 
95% of heads aged 80 and over had p a i d o f f t h e i r mortgages. 

B. D w e l l i n g Types: 
75% of a l l homeowners have a s i n g l e f a m i l y detached home. 
60% of a l l s e n i o r s l i v e i n such above noted homes 
12% of the e l d e r l y l i v e i n apartments (5 s t o r e y s and more) 
25% of the e l d e r l y l i v e i n m u l t i p l e d w e l l i n g s 
3% as above i n mobile homes 

C. C o l l e c t i v e Housing: (1981) 
20% of" women aged 75 and over: s i n g l e women the l a r g e s t 
group 
13% of the men as above 
Past the age 65: 
79% of women and 73% of men l i v i n g i n c o l l e c t i v e d w e l l i n g s 
l i v e d i n n u r s i n g homes 
Past the age 75: 
80% of both sexes l i v i n g i n c o l l e c t i v e d w e l l i n g s l i v e d i n 
n u r s i n g homes 
BRITISH COLUMBIA: (1981) 

A. Home Ownership: 
66% of the e l d e r l y owned t h e i r homes 

As the age i n c r e a s e s past 65 - home ownership drops but even 
then 56.5% of s e n i o r s 75 and over own t h e i r homes. 
B. D w e l l i n g Types: 

56% of household headed by person aged 65 and over have a 
s i n g l e f a m i l y detached d w e l l i n g 
22% as above l i v e i n apartment bldg ( l e s s than 5 storey) 
11% as above l i v e i n apartment bldg (high r i s e ) 
5.5% as above: i n m u l t i p l e housing 
5.5% as above: i n mobile homes 

Note: i n the p e r i o d 1971 to 1981: the % of BC e l d e r l y p o p u l a t i o n 
65 and over l i v i n g i n s i n g l e detached d w e l l i n g s decreased from 
64.6% to 56.2%. One of the reasons was the i n c r e a s e i n the stock 
of m u l t i p l e and attached d w e l l i n g s (condominiums). 

2. INCOME LEVELS 



296 

CANADA (1980) 
A. V a r i a t i o n of income l e v e l s between males and females: 

65-69 age group: the median income f o r males was more than 
twice t h a t f o r females 
70 and over: medium income f o r males: $ 3,792 

as above f o r females: $ 2,659 
However, c o n s i d e r i n g the flow of non-cash b e n e f i t s per person 
(e.g. housing) i t i s much g r e a t e r to females than males. 
R e s u l t : money income alone do not provide an adequate b a s i s f o r 
comparison. 
B. Family Incomes: (1981) 

50% of f a m i l i e s headed by person aged 65 and over had income 
under $ 15,000 (median income f o r t h i s group) Non-cash 
b e n e f i t s , such as s e n i o r c i t i z e n d i s c o n t s and s u b s i d i z e d 
housing and h e a l t h c a r e , c o n t r i b u t e to the economic 
w e l l - b e i n g of many s e n i o r c i t i z e n s , however o l d e r unattached 
i n d i v i d u a l s (those l i v i n g alone) are e s p e c i a l l y i n d i f f i c u l t 
f i n a n c i a l p o s i t i o n : 
57%of them had income l e s s than $ 7,000. 
BRITISH COLUMBIA: (1980) 
54% of f a m i l i e s headed by person aged 65 and over had 
incomes under $ 15,000 
69.3% of o l d e r unattached persons had incomes l e s s than $ 
8,000 
75% of above group are females 

3. RESOURCES AND SERVICES AVAILABLE TO THE SENIORS. 
In" order to d e p i c t the f u l l p i c t u r e of the contemporary 

e l d e r l y , i t i s necessry to review b r i e f l y the a v a i l a b l e 
resources and s e r v i c e s as a suplement to the p r e v i o u s l y 
d e s c r i b e d : Housing c o n d i t i o n s and income l e v e l s . As an example, 
I have s e l e c t e d the e x i s t i n g s e n i o r programs, a v a i l a b l e to those 
l i v i n g i n West Side Vancouver (Community Resource D i r e c t o r y f o r 
S e n i o r s , Summer 1988-1989). 
A. H e a l t h Resources and H e a l t h A s s i s t a n c e : 
T~. M e d i c a l S e r v i c e s Plan of BC: covers most medical, s u r g i c a l 

and d i a g n o s t i c s e r v i c e s 
2. H o s p i t a l Care: i n - p a t i e n t , o u t - p a t i e n t , day and emergency 

treatment 
3. Pharmacare: s e n i o r s pay 75% of d i s p e n s i n g fees; Pharmacare 

card i s used to o b t a i n : p r e s c r i p t i o n drugs, ostomy s u p p l i e s , 
i n s u l i n , permanent p r o s t h e t i c a p p l i a n c e s 

4. - Long-Term Care Program: p r o v i d e s f o r care i n : 
- own home 
- i n t e r m e d i a t e care u n i t 
- a d u l t day care c e n t r e 
- extended care u n i t 
s e r v i c e i n c l u d e : 
Homemaker S e r v i c e : i n s e n i o r ' s own home ( a s s i s t a n c e with 
d a i l y a c t i v i t i e s ) 
R e s p i t e Care: r e l i e f s e r v i c e f o r care g i v e r 
A d u l t day C a r e : s u p e r v i s i o n of h e a l t h needs 
r e s i d e n t i a l Care S e r v i c e s : care f a c i l i t i e s 



297 

5. Home Care: 
Nursing S e r v i c e s - p r o f e s s i o n a l n u r s i n g care 
Physiotherapy S e r v i c e s : due to c h r o n i c h e a l t h c o n d i t i o n 
Other e.g. : Speech Therapy 

6. Home Support S e r v i c e s : 
Meals-on-wheels 

7. Short Stay Assessment and Treatment Centres 
8. Veterans Independent Program 
B. Housing Resources: 
T~. S o c i a l Housing r e s o u r c e s : (average r e n t s l e s s than 30% of 

gross household income) 
A f f o r d a b l e Housing A d v i s o r y A s s o c i a t i o n 
B.C. Housing Foundation 
B.C. Housing Management Commission 
Canada Mortgage and Housing C o r p o r a t i o n 

2. Co-operative Housing: members owing share of t o t a l p r o j e c t 
not i n d i v i d u a l u n i t s 
Access B u i l d i n g A s s o c i a t i o n 
A f f o r d a b l e Housing A d v i s o r y A s s o c i a t i o n 
Canada Mortgage and Housing C o r p o r a t i o n 
Columbia Housing A d v i s o r y A s s o c i a t i o n 
Inner C i t y Housing S o c i e t y 

3. Lowermainland Community Housing R e g i s t r y S o c i e t y 
n o n - p r o f i t s o c i e t y h e l p i n g people f i n d reasonable 
accomodation 

4. R e s i d e n t i a l Tenancy Branch - P r o v i n c i a l agency housing 
p r o v i n c i a l j u r i s d i c t i o n over rented r e s i d e n t i a l premises i n 
B.C. 

5. S h e l t e r A i d f o r E l d e r l y Renters - to a s s i s t e l i g i b l e s e n i o r s 
with high r e n t s 

6. Programs h e l p i n g s e n i o r t s to stay i n t h e i r own homes: 
a. Home E q u i t y Plans: homeowners can r e c e i v e monthly 

income based on assessed value of t h e i r house 
b. P r o p e r t y Tax D e f e r r a l : u n t i l p r o p e r t y i s t r a n s f e r r e d or 

s o l d 
c. RRAP ( R e s i d e n t i a l R e h a b i l i t a t i o n A s s i s t a n c e ) : grants or 

loans to low income s e n i o r s r e q u i r i n g r e s i d e n t i a l 
r e p a i r s 

d. Home Support S e r v i c e s 
7. S e n i o r C i t i z e n ' s Repair S e r v i c e s : Low-cost minor home 

r e p a i r s 
C. F e d e r a l Government Income Resources: 
T"! Old Age S e c u r i t y Pension: a l l Canadians over 65 
2. Guaranteed Income Supplement: i n a d d i t i o n to (1). 
3. Spouse's Allowance to Old Age S e c u r i t y Pension 
4. Canada Pension Plan: f o r those who c o n t r i b u t e d to the Plan. 
5. Unemployment Insurance. 

Government of BC: 
6. G.A.I.N. - Guarnateed A v a i l a b l e Income f o r Need: age 

b e n e f i t s to s e n i o r s l i v i n g i n BC (age 60 & o v e r ) . 
7. S.A.F.E.R. - S h e l t e r A i d f o r E l d e r l y Renters (see 13.5). 
D. O r g a n i z a t i o n s f o r S e n i o r s : 
T~. B.C. S e n i o r s ' Games: o r g a n i z i n g the s e n i o r s ' games on an 

annual b a s i s . 



298 

2. B.C. Old Age Pensioners O r g a n i z a t i o n : p o l i t i c a l and s o c i a l 
a c t i v i t i e s . 

3. B r i t i s h Pensioners A s s o c i a t i o n (Canada): B r i t i s h pensioners 
r e s i d e n t i n Canada. 

4. C o u n c i l of S e n i o r C i t i z e n O r g a n i z a t i o n s (COSCO). 
5. S e n i o r C i t i z e n s A s s o c i a t i o n of B.C.: s o c i a l & b u s i n e s s . 
6. Royal Canadian Legion: a c t i v e i n the welfare of i t s s e n i o r 

members. 

E. S e n i o r Centres: 
1. 411 S e n i o r ' s Centre S o c i e t y ; 411 Dunsmuir S t . 
2. The Brock House S o c i e t y : 3875 P o i n t Grey Rd. 
3. DERA S e n i o r C i t i z e n Club: 9 E. Hastings St. 
4. The E l d e r s ' Network: #105-2182 W. 12th Ave. 
5. K i t s i l a n o Neighbourhood House: 2325 W. 7th Ave. 
6. South G r a n v i l l e S e n i o r s F r i e n d s i p Centre S o c i e t y : 1420 W. 

12th Ave. 
7. West P o i n t Grey Community Centre a t Aberthan: 4397 W. 2nd 

Ave. 



299 

APPENDIX #5-1 

Table 5-1A 
Independent L i v i n g Housing -- Comperative A n a l y s i s 

Type of U n i t s 

NAME OF HOUSING | No. OF | UNIT TYPES ,NUMBER AND MIX PER CENTAGE 
1 
1 
UNIT 
TOTAL 

1 1 
j BACHELOR j 

1 
1 BED | 1 BED+DEN 

1 
| 2 BED 

Group 1: 
AVONDALE CO-OP 
/SURREY/ 

70 -- 18 (25%) 52(75%) 
CEDAR CO-OP 
/SURREY/ 

84 34 (405) 50(60%) 

Group 2: 
REGENT POINT 
/CALIFORNIA/ 

136 36(26%) a 
58(43%) b 

42(31%) 

HOLLYBURN HOUSE 
/WEST VANCOUVER/ 

66 8(12.2%) 42(63.6%) 8(12.2% ) — 

SUNNYSIDE MANOR 
/WHITE ROCK/ 

74 31(41.9%) 27(36.5% 
16(21.6% 

)a — 
)b — 

PARKWOOD MANOR 
/COQUITLAM/ 

123 115(93%) 8(7%) 

SAN RAFAEL 
COMMONS /CALIF./ 

81 36(44.4%) 45(55.6%) 

SETON VILLA 
/BURNABY/ 

77 14(18%)a 
28(36% )b 
7(10% )c 

14(18%)a 
14(18%)b 

Group 3: 
MAYFAIR HOUSE 81 
CONDO /P.GREY AREA/ 

-- 35(44%) -- 46(56%) 
THE CUMBERLAND 50 
CONDO /P.GREY AREA/ 

50(100%) 



300 

APPENDIX #5-1 

Table 5-1B 
Independent L i v i n g Housing -- Comparative A n a l y s i s 

S i z e of U n i t s 

1 1 SIZE OF UNITS 

NAME OF HOUSING | 
1 
| BACHELOR | 
1 m2 | 

1 BED 
m2 

| 1 BED+DEN | 
1 m2 | 

2 BED 
m2 

AVOHDALE CO-OP 84 87 
CEDAR CO-OP — — 83 84 
Group 2 
REGENT POINT 48 

57 
a 
b 

86 

HOLLYBURN HOUSE 49 58 62 80 
SUNNYSIDE MANOR 45 64 a 

60 b 
"*** "~~ 

PARKWOOD MANOR 57 
58 
55 

a 
b 
c 

61 

SAN RAFAEL 46. 5 54 
60 

a 
b 

SETON VILLA 33 a 
36 b 
44.5 c 

50 
63 

a 
b 

Group 3 
MAYFAIR HOUSE 71 106 a 

144 b 
THE CUMBERLAND 108 a 

133 b 
156 c 



301 

APPENDIX #5-2 

The Extended Care U n i t of UBC Health Science H o s p i t a l 

A r c h i t e c t - Paul Smith A s s o c i a t e s 
Landscape A r c h i t e c t - Torrence/Vagelatos L t d . and 

Paul Smith A s s o c i a t e s . 

1. S i t e context 

The Extended Care U n i t i s l o c a t e d i n the group of medical 
b u i l d i n g s i n the c e n t r a l p a r t of the UBC Campus. The medical 
f a c i l i t i e s are bounded from East by Westbroook M a l l and from 
North by the main entrance route - U n i v e r s i t y Boulevard. The 
f a c i l i t y i s l o c a t e d i n the southern p a r t of the complex and to 
the n o r t h there i s an adjacent Acute Care U n i t , to the E a s t 
there i s a n e i g h b o r i n g P s y c h i a t r i c U n i t . To the South the f a c i -
l i t y looks to a huge open space while to the West there i s a 
Health Science M a l l . 

2. General Space Concept 

The f i v e s t o r e y b u i l d i n g comprises three ward wings and the 
c e n t r a l p a r t with the main common space i n c l u d i n g n u r s i n g s t a -
t i o n , lounges, and the a u x i l i a r y f a c i l i t i e s . On the Ground f l o o r 
l e v e l there are lounges and a space f o r p h y s i o t h e r a p y which 
overlook a small but a very p l e a s a n t garden to the South. 
Between Extended Care and Acute Care b u i l d i n g s there i s a 1.3 
acre park which was o r i g i n a l l y c r e a t e d f o r the p a t i e n t s of both 
f a c i l i t i e s by two d i f f e r e n t a r c h i t e c t u r a l and landscape a r c h i t e c -
t u r a l f i r m s . The P a t i e n t Park was designed by Landscape A r c h i -
t e c t Karen Vagelatos while the small South Garden - p a t i o was de-
signed by A r c h i t e c t s Paul Smith A s s o c i a t e s . 

South Garden - P a t i o 

3. Design D e c i s i o n and O b j e c t i v e s 

a. provide a s m a l l but a t t r a c t i v e outdoor open space f o r 
p a t i e n t s (wheelchair a c c e s s i b l e ) 

b. provide s p e c i a l f e a t u r e s f o r the a c t i v i t i e s of the 
e l d e r l y such as r a i s e d p l a n t e r s , sunny group a c t i v i t i e s 
area - checkerboard and s h u f f l e b o a r d 

c. c r e a t e garden on a slope r i c h i n p l a n t m a t e r i a l 

4. A n a l y s i s of F i n d i n g s 
The A r c h i t e c t has c r e a t e d on aprox 16000 s . f . area a very 

p l e a s a n t open space - p a t i o f o r the p a t i e n t s from Extended Care 
U n i t . 



302 

In s p i t e of a d i f f i c u l t l o t c o n f i g u r a t i o n and a c l i f f - - l i k e 
steep s l o p e , the a r c h i t e c t has provided a p a t i o - garden which 
i s an e x t e n t i o n of the b u i l d i n g ' s ground f l o o r area. The south-
ern exposure and s y n c l i n e c h a r a c t e r of the slope c r e a t e a micro-
c l i m a t e which helps to provide outdoor a c t i v i t i e s f o r the pa-
t i e n t s even d u r i n g the winter. The space i s s m a l l , bounded by 
two f o o t high wood r e t a i n i n g w a l l s which at the same time serve 
as r a i s e d p l a n t e r s . 

The p a t i o area i s f i n i s h e d with 12" x 12" concrete p a t i o 
pavers. In the c e n t r a l p a r t of the p a t i o , there i s a checker-
board. Close to the entrance, there are s e v e r a l s m a l l r a i s e d 
wood p l a n t e r s . Each of them i s two f o o t high and 4'x 6' i n s i z e . 
However, the recommended width i s 3"4" i n order f o r people to 
reach the c e n t e r of the bed. 

The a r c h i t e c t s ' i d e a was to provide a p l e a s a n t environment 
as w e l l as outdoor a c t i v i t i e s f o r the e l d e r l y . U n f o r t u n a t e l l y , 
there i s not much space f o r s h u f f l e b o a r d but a number of the 
e l d e r l y p a t i e n t s who are c o n f i n e d to wheelchairs can p a r t i c i p a t e 
i n a h o r t i c u l t u r e therapy program. Besides the r a i s e d beds, the 
p a t i o has been r e c e n t l y e n r i c h e d by a c i r c u l a r greenhouse, spe-
c i a l l y designed f o r the wheelchair p a t i e n t s . 

The p l a n t m a t e r i a l on the slope i s designed f o r the f o u r - s e a -
son c y c l e ; however, the most a t t r a c t i v e p l a n t s are annuals p l a n t -
ed by the r e s i d e n t s themselves. 

The P a t i e n t Park 

5. Design D e c i s i o n and O b j e c t i v e s 

a. c r e a t e outdoor open space f o r p a t i e n t s of the Extended 
Care U n i t and Acute Care U n i t 

b. provide many s e m i - p r i v a t e spaces connected to the com-
mon open space 

c. c r e a t e a water f e a t u r e as v i s u a l i n t e r e s t 

d. provide a loop around the w a t e r f a l l 

e. u t i l i z e an area of the park i n t e n s e l y 

f. provide b a r r i e r - f r e e design throughout 

g. reduce impact of v e h i c u l a r t r a f f i c on Health Science 
M a l l 

h. connect the Park area with the Extended Care U n i t and 
Acute Care U n i t 

i . provide p l a n t e r s with r a i s e d beds 



303 

6. A n a l y s i s of F i n d i n g s 

The P a t i e n t Park i s l o c a t e d on 1.3 acres adjacent to the 
west e l e v a t i o n of the Acute Care U n i t and the north p a r t of the 
Extended Care f a c i l i t y . 

To the west, the park i s bounded by Health Science Road. The 
landscape a r c h i t e c t s ' o b j e c t i v e s have been implemented, except 
f o r the loop around the w a t e r f a l l . P a t i e n t Park i s one of the 
most p l e a s a n t p l a c e s to enjoy outdoor environment at the U.B.C. 
Campus. 

The task f o r the landscape a r c h i t e c t was c h a l l e n g i n g because 
of the small area, sloped grounds and v a r i e t y of u s e r s . The r e -
s u l t i s impressive, s i n c e the park i s a wonderful r e t r e a t , not 
o n l y f o r the p a t i e n t s and t h e i r v i s i t o r s , but a l s o f o r the s t a f f 
and passerby. The whole open area s t r e t c h e s along the North--
South a x i s with the water f a l l on the c l o s u r e of the long v i s t a . 

The general i d e a of the landscape a r c h i t e c t was to c r e a t e 
maximum o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n as w e l l as f o r 
p r i v a c y w i t h i n a s a l u t a r y environment. T h e r e f o r e , the landscape 
a r c h i t e c t has c r e a t e d a park which serves both: as a common 
space f o r p a t i e n t - r e s i d e n t group a c t i v i t i e s and as s e m i - p r i v a t e 
spaces f o r i n t i m a t e g a t h e r i n g with f r i e n d s and f a m i l i e s . 

However, the p r i n c i p a l theme of a whole composition was a 
water f e a t u r e . The landscape a r c h i t e c t has provided a movement 
to e n l i v e n s t a t i c elements of the design and thus provide stimu-
l a t i o n f o r the p a t i e n t s . By the same token she has c r e a t e d a sym-
b o l i c p l a c e where a water f e a t u r e symbolizes " l i f e " . The water-
f a l l , designed as a s c u l p t u r e d w a l l which g l i t t e r s i n s u n l i g h t , 
p r o v i d e s a v i s u a l magnet as w e l l as t r a n q u i l i t y to the park and 
r e l a t e s harmoniously with the t o t a l space. Above the w a t e r f a l l 
there i s a s m a l l p l a t e a u with evergreen shrubs which a l s o sym-
b o l i z e c o n t i n u i t y of l i f e . 

The open space comprises f o u r small s e m i - p r i v a t e enclaves 
with sunny exposure which are surrounded by t r e e s , r a i s e d p l a n -
t e r s and a c e n t r a l p l a z a . The f l o o r of the open space i s paved 
with exposed aggregate. The a i s e d bed p l a n t e r s are a l s o i n 
c o n c r e t e . During the summer time there i s white garden f u r n i t u r e 
which p r o v i d e s a very r e c r e a t i o n a l c h a r a c t e r to the p l a c e . Above 
the w a t e r f a l l as w e l l as around the whole p l a z a , there are p l a n t -
ed s l o p e s with ( f o u r season) evergreen t r e e s and shrubs. In the 
southern p a r t of the park, there i s a cul-de sac f o r the Extend-
ed Care U n i t p a t i e n t s f o r p i c k up and drop o f f which i s very gen-
t l y emphasized by the arrangement of t r e e s . 

The c o n n e c t i o n between the park and two h e a l t h care f a c i l i -
t i e s , a d i f f i c u l t problem, was s o l v e d by p r o v i d i n g a covered, 
paved walkway and hedges of s i m i l a r p l a n t m a t e r i a l . Since the 



304 

park i s a j a c e n t to H e a l t h Science Road, the landscape a r c h i t e c t 
reduced the impact of noise by c r e a t i n g a p l a n t e d mound and 
p u t t i n g a row of t r e e s along the road. The r a i s e d p l a n t e r s are 
very important f e a t u r e s f o r the e l d e r l y and are u t i l i z e d f u l l y 
by a h o r t i c u l t u r e therapy program. 

Summary 

Both outdoor open spaces, the P a t i e n t Park and the South 
P a t i o , provide a t t r a c t i v e and u s e f u l environments f o r the e l d e r -
l y p a t i e n t s . The o r g i n a l ideas of the a r c h i t e c t s and landscape 
a r c h i t e c t have been almost f u l l y implemented and have emphasized 
the f u n c t i o n of the spaces i n which c e r t a i n a c t i v i t i e s can take 
p l a c e comfortably and e f f i c i e n t l y . Moreover, the P a t i e n t Park 
f u l f i l l s a s t r o n g need f o r beauty and a e s t h e t i c experience by 
p r o v i d i n g s c e n i c , b e a u t i f u l landscape with the w a t e r f a l l as a 
main f e a t u r e . 



305 

PARKWOOD MANOR - Congregate House 

A r c h i t e c t : Waisman, Dewar, Grout, C a r t e r A r c h i t e c t s 

Landscape A r c h i t e c t : R a n d a l l Sharp 

l . S i t e Context 

The s i t e of Parkwood Manor i s l o c a t e d i n h e a r t of Coquitlam 
on 5 acres of the b e a u t i f u l l y landscaped grounds adjacent to a 
w e l l - p r e s e r v e d n a t u r a l park. The f a c i l i t y i s e a s i l y a c c e s s i b l e 
from a l l p a r t s of the Lower Mainland and the F r a s e r V a l l e y by 
the Barnet and Lougheed Highways. The Coquitlam Shopping Centre 
i s o n l y one block away. Churches, medical, l i b r a r y , and other 
community s e r v i c e s are a l s o i n c l o s e p r o x i m i t y to the s i t e . 

2. General Space Concept 

The b u i l d i n g i s s i t u a t e d i n Coquitlam on the c u l - d e - s a c of 
Pacard Avenue, p a r a l l e l to D u f f e r i n S t r e e t . The t h r e e - s t o r e y 
b u i l d i n g comprises f o u r r e s i d e n t i a l wings and a c e n t r a l p a r t 
with the main s o c i a l space. The main entrance, with ceremonial 
driveway and two a d j o i n g p a r k i n g l o t s with separete s e r v i c e 
access to the k i t c h e n f a c i l i t i e s , face D u f f e r i n S t r e e t . On the 
ground f l o o r l e v e l , i n the core of the b u i l d i n g , there are: 
d i n i n g room o v e r l o o k i n g the f r o n t yard, lounge and s o c i a l 
a c t i v i t i e s area o v e r l o o k i n g formal garden. The lounge area i s 
connected with the garden by a huge t e r r a c e . The ground f l o o r 
l e v e l d w e l l i n g u n i t s i n each of the f o u r r e s i d e n t i a l wings have 
d i r e c t e x i t to the grounds. 

3. Design D e c i s i o n and O b j e c t i v e s 

a. Create a walkway loop around the whole f a c i l i t y with a 
r e t r e a t p l a c e c l o s e to Holy Creek area. 

b. Create a formal garden on the r e a r yard 
c. Provide b a r r i e r - f r e e access 
d. Create f l a t game areas on grass such as croquet, pad f o r 

s h u f f l e - b o a r d 
e. Provide s p e c i a l f e a t u r e f o r the a c t i v i t i e s f o r the e l d e r l y 

such as r a i s e d p l a n t e r s - h o r t i c u l t u r e therapy, sunny group 
a c t i v i t i e s area - B.B.Q. 

f . P r o v i d e screened p a t i o f o r each u n i t on the ground l e v e l , 
wheelchair a c c e s s i b l e from perimeter walk 

g. P r o v i d e o r i e n t a t i o n - signage along path f o r the v i s u a l l y 
impaired r e s i d e n t s 



306 

4. A n a l y s i s of F i n d i n g s 

The Landscape a r c h i t e c t has c r e a t e d an a t t r a c t i v e e n v i r o n -
ment f o r the e l d e r l y r e s i d e n t s of Parkwood Manor by p r o v i d i n g 
spaces f o r s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n , sensory s t i m u l a t i o n as w e l l as 
s a f e t y and s e c u r i t y . 

Although not a l l h i s ideas were implemented, the main con-
cept of a looped walkway around the whole f a c i l i t y was c a r r i e d 
out. The developer r e j e c t e d the o r g i n a l idea to connect the main 
walkway with the Holy Creek area which c o u l d have been an a t t r a c -
t i v e r e t r e a t d e s t i n a t i o n f o r r e s i d e n t s . Moreover, the l o c a l r e s t 
areas along the walkway with benches (thought to serve as s o c i a l 
outdoor spaces) were a l s o d e l e t e d . O r g i n a l l y , the formal garden 
was designed as two d i f f e r e n t t e r r a c e s : the upper one with 
smooth t e r r a c o t t a paving overlooked a lower grass t e r r a c e . Along 
the bank, a t the end of the upper t e r r a c e a b a l u s t r a d e was 
planned and below i t benches o v e r l o o k i n g rose beds f l a n k e d the 
grass m a l l . F a r behind there supposed to be a gazebo w i t h i n a 
r i n g of c h e r r i e s b u f f e r e d by e x i s t i n g hemlocks. U n f o r t u n a t e l l y , 
the whole i d e a was given up and now there i s o n l y a p l a i n upper 
t e r r a c e with benches on i t and huge grass space with some rose 
beds. There are n e i t h e r r a i s e d p l a n t e r s s c r e e n i n g the p r i v a t e 
p a r t of the open space, nor the gazebo. A l l a t t r a c t i v e and very 
important f e a t u r e such as a c t i v i t i e s areas with s p e c i a l game 
c o n s t r u c t i o n s : chess/checkers t a b l e s , sand of horseshoes, paved 
p a i n t e d s h u f f b o a r d , lawn's area f o r c r o q u e t t e , b a c i b a l l and 
others which c o u l d encourage c a s u a l p a r t i c i p a t i o n were abandoned 
a l s o . 

However, the e x i s t i n g t e r r a c e p l a y s an important r o l e as an 
indoor-outdoor t r a n s i t i o n area which o f f e r b e a u t i f u l garden 
view, comfortable s e a t i n g , easy and d i r e c t access and sense of 
human s c a l e . Moreover, t h i s area allows v i s u a l s u r v e i l l a n c e by 
r e s i d e n t s and s t a f f . 

Although the designed outdoor spaces promote s e c u r i t y and 
s a f e t y , as w e l l as n e g o t i a b i l i t y , the p r i v a c y i s s u e i s s t i l l 
c r i t i c a l one. The p r i v a t e p a t i o s were not c a r r i e d out as 
planned. The wooden decks has been eleminated and o n l y small 
concrete pads adjacent to p a t i o doors were provided. The l a c k of 
f e n c i n g or the other b a r r i e r i . e . shrubs and p a t i o - d e c k s on 
ground f l o o r yards have d i m i n i s h e d p r i v a c y and excluded the 
p o s s i b i l i t y t h a t r e s i d e n t s c o u l d c r e a t e t h e i r own p r i v a t e 
t e r r i t o r i e s and use them as such. In f a c t , these p l a c e s become 
u s e l e s s . Moreover, l a c k of shrubs has c r e a t e d monotony of 
e x t e n s i v e area of grass s u r f a c e i n f r o n t of the b u i l d i n g . 

H o r t i c u l t u r e therapy i s another important aspect of appro-
p r i a t e landscape f o r the e l d e r l y . Altough the southern p a r t of 
the garden was the p o t e n t i a l space f o r garden p l o t s or r a i s e d 
p l a n t e r s f o r h o r t i c u l t u r e therapy the developer r e j e c t e d t h i s 
i d e a . There are many p r o o f s t h a t gardening p l a y s b e n e f i c i a l 



307 

r o l e i n therapy f o r the e l d e r l y . Moreover, a g r e a t e r l e v e l of 
d e t a i l i n g i n outdoor spaces may be p r e f e r e d by many o l d e r people 
to open spaces l a c k i n g d e t a i l . Raised garden p l a n t e r s f o r use by 
people i n wheelchairs or garden p l o t s c o u l d have d i v e r s i f i e d the 
a c t i v i t i e s f o r the e l d e r l y by c r e a t i n g a d d i t i o n a l space f o r 
s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n as w e l l as c r e a t i n g v a r i e t y i n type and 
l o c a t i o n of garden areas. U n f o r t u n a t e l l y , even the BBQ area has 
not been approved by the developer. 

Parkwood Manor i s s p e c i f i c a l l y designed f o r the e l d e r l y . 
T h e r e f o r e , any s o l u t i o n to provide a t t r a c t i v e and u s e f u l 
environment i n terms of a landscape i s very d e s i r a b l e . The 
o r g i n a l design s o l u t i o n s presented by the Landscape a r c h i t e c t 
c o u l d have enhanced the l i v e s of the e l d e r l y a t the Parkwood 
Manor f a c i l i t y i f they were f u l l y implemented. 



308 

HOLLYBURN HOUSE -Intermediate Care and P e r s o n a l Care F a c i l i t y 

A r c h i t e c t : Neale, S t a n i s z k i s , D o l l A r c h i t e c t s 

Landscape A r c h i t e c t : Kim Perry 

1. S i t e Context 

The s i t e of H o l l y b u r n House i s l o c a t e d i n an upper-middle 
c l a s s neighbourhood i n West Vancouver on a sloped 53,777 s . f . 
l o t . H o l l y b u r n House i s p e r f e c t l y l o c a t e d as i t complies with 
a l l requirements f o r s i t i n g a f a c i l i t y f o r the e l d e r l y . The s i t e 
borders the major p u b l i c thoroughfare of Marine D r i v e and two 
l o c a l r e s i d e n t i a l s t r e e t s , 21st and 20th. The p u b l i c bus stop i s 
i n f r o n t of the b u i l d i n g . Across the s t r e e t there i s a P u b l i c 
L i b r a r y . Close to the s i t e , to the West, there i s a S e n i o r s ' 
A c t i v i t y Centre and R e c r e a t i o n a l Centre with A q u a t i c f a c i l i t i e s , 
Ice Arena and t e n n i s c o u r t s . To the E a s t , there i s a Memorial 
Park with the Lawn Bowling Green. To the North, the lane 
separates the H o l l y b u r n House and A n g l i c a n Church. The shopping 
c e n t r e a t Ambleside i s w i t h i n 2 b l o c k s ; however, across the 
s t r e e t the new shopping complex i s under c o n s t r a c t i o n at 
present. To the South, w i t h i n 2 b l o c k s , there i s a C e n t e n n i a l 
Seawalk and r e c r e a t i o n a l area. 

2. General Space Concept 

The b u i l d i n g i s d i v i d e d i n t o two f u n c t i o n a l p a r t s : P a r t one 
comprises P e r s o n a l Care with 66 s e l f - c o n t a i n e d u n i t s on the 
second and t h i r d f l o o r s and Reception- A d m i n i s t r a t i o n area as 
w e l l as s o c i a l and d i n i n g spaces on the Ground f l o o r l e v e l . P a r t 
Two - Intermediate Care I and I I i s l o c a t e d on the Ground f l o o r 
l e v e l and comprises 36 s i n g l e u n i t s with a s o c i a l and d i n i n g 
space. The k i t c h e n and s t a f f f a c i l i t i e s are l o c a t e d i n the core 
of the main f l o o r l e v e l and serve these two p a r t s simutaneusly. 

3. Design D e c i s i o n and O b j e c t i v e s 

a. Create a c c e s s i b l e ground f l o o r l e v e l i n s p i t e of a sloped 
s i t e 
b. Provide as many outdoor spaces as p o s s i b l e 
c. U t i l i z e s m a l l spaces i n t e n s i v e l y . 
d. Reduce impact of the p r o x i m i t y to lane and church 
e. P r o v i d e West Vancouver v e r n a c u l a r 
f . P r o v i d e b a r r i e r - f r e e design throughout 
g. Reduce impact of v e h i c u l a r t r a f f i c on Marina D r i v e 
h. Create A c t i v e Garden 
i . Create V i s u a l Garden 
j . Implement four-season p l a n t i n g m a t e r i a l 



309 

4. A n a l y s i s of F i n d i n g s 

The task f o r the Landscape A r c h i t e c t was extremely d i f f i c u l t 
because of l i m i t a t i o n s : s m a l l area and sloped grounds. 
N e v e r t h e l e s s , the r e s u l t i s impressive because a l l open spaces 
support s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n , provide sensory s t i m u l a t i o n , promote 
s e c u r i t y and s a f e t y , u t i l z e s m a l l spaces i n t e n s i v e l y and are 
compatible with H o l l y b u r n House a r c h i t e c t u r e as w e l l as with the 
whole neighbourhood. 

To reduce the impact of v e h i c u l a r t r a f f i c on Marina Drive a 
sloped green zone with t r e e s and shrubs was c r e a t e d to p r o t e c t 
the r e s i d e n t s from noise and p o l l u t i o n . 

Two separate entrances to P a r t One and P a r t Two are designed 
as e n t r y c o u r t s with shrub hedges, t r e e s and p l a n t e r s with 
annuals and p e r e n n i a l s . There are three main patio-gardens which 
are i n c o r p o r a t e d i n t o the main f u n c t i o n s of the f a c i l i t y at a 
Ground f l o o r l e v e l . T o the West, (Part One) there i s a 
Patio-Garden adjacent to the lobby, lounge and d i n i n g area. T h i s 
p a t i o was c r e a t e d as a paved p l a t e a u surrounded by stone w a l l s 
as an "embankment" with t r e e s and shrub hedges along the w a l l s . 
The entrance to the lounge i s emphasized s p a t i a l l y by the round 
shape of the garden. The main o b j e c t i v e of t h i s p a t i o was to 
c r e a t e an open space as an e x t e n t i o n of a s o c i a l space i n the 
f a c i l i t y and a t the same time to provide a summer d i n i n g or 
outdoor room f o r the r e s i d e n t s of Personal Care l e v e l . To the 
West, of the p a t i o , there i s a v i s u a l f e a t u r e designed as a 
water f e a t u r e surronded by annual f l o w e r beds, c h e r r y t r e e s and 
shrubs. The water f e a t u r e i n c l u d e s a water j e t and water f a l l , 
a l l done i n a stone w a l l , the same p a t t e r n which embraces the 
whole s i t e . T h i s f e a t u r e i s v i s i b l e from the entrance area 
because i t i s s i t u a t e d on the a x i s of a c i r c u l a t i o n area on the 
main f l o o r of the f a c i l i t y . To the North of the b u i l d i n g , there 
i s an unobtrusive access to the p a r k i n g area i n the basement and 
l o a d i n g area a c c e s s i b l e from the lane. 

The second P a r t of f a c i l i t y - Intermediate Care has a 
separate entrance with an e n t r y c o u r t a t the 20th s t r e e t . There 
are two l a r g e open s p a c e s - p a t i o s which are adjacent to a d i n i n g 
room and lounge. The northern p a t i o i s designed as a V i s u a l 
Garden. Since i t i s adjacent to the lane, the landscape 
a r c h i t e c t reduced the impact of unpleasant surrounding by 
p r o v i d i n g an arbor with c l i m b i n g p l a n t s as a s e p a r a t i o n and a 
f o u n t a i n as a focus p o i n t . The f l o o r i s paved with exposed 
aggregate concrete f i n i s h and surrounded by n a t i v e p l a n t 
m a t e r i a l . Although the p a t i o i s s i t u a t e d on the n o r t h s i d e of 
the b u i l d i n g there i s a very p l e a s a n t "home l i k e " atmosphere 
c r e a t e d by s m a l l human s c a l e , wooden f u r n i t u r e , v i s u a l f e a t u r e s 

a f o u n t a i n , an arbor and p l a n t s . T h i s V i s u a l - P a t i o 
encourages r e s i d e n t s to use i t as an outdoor d i n i n g area. 



310 

The second p a t i o on the south s i d e of the f a c i l i t y i s c a l l e d 
the A c t i v e Garden. There i s a lawn with a gazebo. The landscape 
a r c h i t e c t ' s i d e a was to c r e a t e an a c t i v e space f o r the e l d e r l y 
with s h u f f l e - b o a r d on a lawn as w e l l as r a i s e d beds f o r 
c u l t i v a t i n g e a t i n g p l a n t s . However, the developer decided on a 
c a s u a l landscape, easy to maintain by the a d m i n i s t r a t i o n of the 
f a c i l i t y . As a r e s u l t , there i s o n l y one f e a t u r e - a gazebo 
which p l a y s a r o l e as an covered outdoor space f o r meeting 
purposes. 

A l l three patio-gardens are b a r r i e r - f r e e ; u n f o r t u n a t e l y , 
there i s no p h y s i c a l connection between them. The e l d e r l y , 
t h e r e f o r e , can not walk around and penetrate t h e i r t e r r i t o r y . 
Lack of r e l a t i o n s h i p between two p a r t s of f a c i l i t y negate the 
whole i d e a of m u l t i l e v e l care f a c i l i t y . Moreover, there i s no 
access from Intermediate Care u n i t s to the open space which 
c o u l d serve as s e m i - p r i v a t e areas of the d w e l l i n g u n i t which i s 
one of the most d e s i r a b l e f e a t u r e i n the e l d e r l y housing. 

G e n e r a l l y , H o l l y b u r n House Landscape i s a good example of a 
s i t e c o n t i n u i t y and c o m p a t i b i l i t y with the neighbourhood. By 
s e n s i t i v e design the landscape a r c h i t e c t has c r e a t e d three 
v a l u a b l e p a t i o s f o r the e l d e r l y r e s i d e n t s . The i d e a of p r o v i d i n g 
s p e c i a l garden f e a t u r e s f o r the e l d e r l y such as r a i s i n g beds, 
s h u f f l e - b o a r d s and implement h o r t i c u l t u r e as therapy i n the 
f a c i l i t y was an i n n o v a t i v e s o l u t i o n and of g r e a t value. 







A S E M A P I I R R O S 1 / 5 0 0 

Mkannukaan ylaiiluontaan w o w u t u i i n i " on "aikut-
tanut a l m n i t i H t i uueiuluva i t m y i noltoiyttn 
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ta totali yaplnatdnaa ooait l iviaana 2lain*. 

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aodarntn ftoitotyttn luontaaata. 

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Joitattu tonun itlpllhan, ]• nakamuu kanti 
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•utta kavyan l i l k i n t n n t m i i i l u n ottaa n -
kaatuctaaaan hoidokkiana* (okapuaoiit i t . 

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vaiaiaavac auurat katiolyndyt, i i [ v i ) i i i i i g l i i n 
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lahaiatl autidatt* yaparaivaln allaaani aikialaaa 
vapatol takannuat* 1* ] . t . u u lucntaMaad a*« tx-
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