PARKSVILLE – People living with significant health challenges because of an acquired brain injury will soon have access to improved care and rehabilitation-focused support through a new purpose-built supportive-living home.

“Receiving care as close to home as possible makes a huge difference for people recovering from injuries, especially one as serious as a brain injury,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “That’s why we’re bringing dedicated and rehabilitation-focused brain injury programs to community settings like Parksville. This new supportive-living home will provide the specialized services patients need, helping them to recover closer to their families and loved ones.”

Following a request-for-proposals process for 16 beds and a service provider, Island Health awarded a contract to Connect Communities, a Langley-based organization that specializes in providing services for people living with brain injuries. Connect will construct a condo-style supportive-living home where staff will deliver 24/7 intensive care aimed at improving wellness, and promoting independent living and community integration.

Connect Parksville will be a 28-bed facility, with the remaining beds available to non-Island Health clients. Parksville council approved rezoning for the site at 365 Moilliet St. in October 2024.

As part of the Island Health contract, Connect will offer 24-hour support services for 16 clients living with brain injuries. This includes eight short-term bedrooms for individuals transitioning to independent living and eight long-term bedrooms for individuals requiring ongoing care. The facility will serve clients from central and north Vancouver Island.

The comprehensive brain injury program will offer a range of therapies, including occupational, physio, speech-language and recreational programs, as well as social work and psychology services. The people supported by Connect Parksville will also receive personal care, medication management, life-skills training, and opportunities for cultural and social activities.

Construction began in January 2025, with Connect Parksville estimated to open in March 2026.

A backgrounder follows.

Stephanie Higginson, MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside –

“Having a supportive-living home for people with acquired brain injuries that will serve the central and north Island is big news for the people and their families who live in the area and need these services. Having access to quality health care when people need it, where they live is a priority for our government.  The care people receive will help them with physical, cognitive and emotional therapy, and improve their overall quality of life.”

Leah Hollins, board chair, Island Health –

“This new service aligns with Island Health’s goal to provide patient-centred, accessible and equitable care for Vancouver Island residents and will address an identified gap in specialized brain injury services on central Island. By expanding and improving the services provided to people living with brain injuries, we can improve quality of life for clients, provide hope for improved wellness, better support families and caregivers, and reduce strain on hospitals and long-term care resources.”

Dean, client, Island Health Brain Injury Program –

“This program will greatly serve to create community and belonging, as well as dependability, consistency and calm to life, and living for those supported.”

Ashley Ormiston, regional program co-ordinator, Island Health Brain Injury Program –

“Living with a brain injury can be life-altering. With early intervention and focused, timely interventions, we know people with brain injuries can begin to recover, improve their health and gain independence to reintegrate into society.”

Patti Flaherty, CEO, Connect –

“We are thrilled to partner with Island Health and expand Connect’s life redesign model to Vancouver Island. Our team has more than 30 years of experience supporting individuals after brain injury and strokes in Langley, Kelowna and Ontario. Our Parksville location will provide a safe, nurturing environment, empowering the people we support to redesign their lives and thrive.”