Residents who are moving this week into their new, temporary home in Richmond Lions Manor-Bridgeport and their families are thrilled with the facility and with how smooth the move is happening.

Moving is a team effort

“(Manager) Kathy Wong is like superwoman,” says Carol Chang, the daughter of a resident of the new Richmond Lions Manor Bridgeport, as she puts two thumbs up “She gets two big thumbs up for the care she’s shown to the residents, their families and staff during this whole move process.”

“Actually, she gets FOUR thumbs up,” says Carol’s sister, Linda, as she laughs and adds her thumbs to her sisters during a break from helping their mom and dad unpack. “She been just amazing throughout the whole process. She has even been helping with packing for those few residents who don’t have any family.”

“We’ve been looking forward to the move for a long time and now that we’re here it’s gone really quickly. Kathy and the entire staff have been great during the whole move process. Right now they’re doing such a good job of helping mom and dad get settled, and keeping mom safe. She has Alzheimers and this move could have been much more difficult for her. Even though the facility is new and strange to her, it’s nice for her to see the familiar faces.”

What is new about this facility?

Ninety-two residents from Richmond Lions Manor (RLM), and the staff who support them, are moving this week from the current Richmond Lions Manor facility in Steveston to their new, temporary home at Richmond Lions Manor – Bridgeport. The move is scheduled to be completed today, January 23rd.

Located at 9020 Bridgeport Road (and Garden City) in Northern Richmond, the newly renovated facility is organized into three care units on three floors, including a Special Care Unit. The new facility offers a number of enhancements for residents and staff including larger rooms and bathrooms; lounge and dining areas on each floor, and upgraded care stations, treatment areas and clinical systems, such as nurse call. The rooms are also larger, and there’s a courtyard and small walking trail outside. RLMB is located close to many restaurants and coffee shops.

“It feels more like a home,” says Linda. “It’s new, clean, more open, brighter and has wider hallways. It just feels more like a home than the old place.”

“It’s fresh!” says her 81-year old father, Peter Chan, a two-year resident of the old RLM together with his wife, Fifi.

“It really is a much better living environment,” adds Kathy Wong, manager. “The residents can really call it home. They’re excited about the move, the new building, and all the amenities nearby.”

“It’s also a better working environment. Staff are excited and happy with the move. There’s a lot to learn in this new environment and some changes in practices as a result of the new layout but everyone is up to the challenge.

“I must say that staff have done a great job managing the hundreds of details around a move of this size and scope, identifying problems that pop up and quickly fixing them. And the fact that they are able to maintain their high energy and enthusiasm after we came off a two week GI outbreak just a few days before the move is really incredible and truly inspiring. I work with a great team and this project just proved it once again.”

“The opening of Richmond Lions Manor-Bridgeport is an exciting development for residential care in Richmond,” says Natalie McCarthy, Director, Mental Health & Addictions and Residential Care in Richmond. “We’re thrilled with the new, temporary facility and, at the same time, we continue to work on the plan for a permanent replacement and to meet our longer term residential care needs in Richmond.”