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With few Second World War vets left, Broadmead opens access to other veterans

Demographic of Canadian Forces shifts away from Second World War, Korean vets
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Minister of Veterans Affairs Kent Hehr speaks to the residents and guests of the Veterans Memorial Lodge at Broadmead. Travis Paterson/News Staff

With the number of Canadian vets from the Second World War down to just a few dozen across the country, the demand for long-term care for veterans is shifting to the next generation of former Canadian Forces members.

It’s not an isolated issue, as the number of Canadian vets from the Korean War is also diminishing.

And so it was residents and guests of the Veterans Memorial Lodge at Broadmead were treated to a visit by Minister Kent Hehr of Veterans Affairs Canada, who announced a change in policy that will expand priority to more vets.

A new partnership agreement with the Broadmead Care Society and Island Health that expands veteran access to long-term care beds at Broadmead. Until now, Second World War and Korean War vets had priority access to 115 of the 225-bed residence. That priority has now been amended to prioritize access for all Canadian Forces veterans and Allied Forces vets who’re in need of long-term care.

“I am pleased to announce this partnership to expand long-term care access to veterans,” Hehr said. “Veterans Affairs Canada is proud of the exceptional care and support the Veterans Memorial Lodge at Broadmead has offered our veterans.”

Over the last year Veterans Affairs Canada provided annual funding of approximately $889,000 to Veterans Memorial Lodge at Broadmead towards long-term care, including the creative arts program, increased support for the dementia care program, and spiritual care.

Broadmead is the sixth facility Veterans Affairs has agreed to help expand veterans’ access to long-term care beds.

“Our veterans have made significant sacrifices throughout their careers and it is a privilege to provide excellence in residential care services when those supports are required,” said Don Hubbard, the board chair for Island Health.

Veterans Affairs has enjoyed a long history with the Broadmead Care Society and Island Health.

In 1972, the Veterans Hospital in Victoria (which expanded and later became the Royal Jubilee Hospital) was transferred to the province. Veterans were given priority access to long-term care in the Memorial Pavilion (at the Jubilee campus).

By 1995, the Lodge opened its doors and welcomed 225 Second World War and Korean War veterans and seniors to their new home.