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Stroke victim looking forward to new home for Nigel House

When a new home in Saanich for adults with significant disabilities is complete, residents working with occupational therapists and physiotherapists will finally be able to move out of a space that doubles as a laundry room into a dedicated therapy g
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Occupational therapist Arwen Moore with Rob Iris (wheelchair) and Ron Iris at Nigel House.

When a new home in Saanich for adults with significant disabilities is complete, residents working with occupational therapists and physiotherapists will finally be able to move out of a space that doubles as a laundry room into a dedicated therapy gym.

That’s good news for Nigel House resident Ron Iris, 62, who is learning how to walk again after a stroke.

Specialized gym equipment used in the former Cortez Island man’s recovery includes a Motomed, a motorized therapy device designed for people with mobility restrictions. “Ron has improved immensely since he first came to stay with us,” said Arwyn Moore, his occupational therapist.

In fact, he was able to take 45 steps earlier this year.

Due to his stroke, carrying on a conversation with Iris is difficult, though his brother Rob Iris, who visits him frequently, says his comprehension is greater than his ability to speak. “He speaks a verbal salad, using other words to convey his meaning.”

For instance, he might use the word green to signify a tree. “Often, he just uses facial expressions to communicate.”

Nigel House, located on Nigel Avenue near Saanich Municipal Hall, is home for adults who have suffered a significant disability from a serious accident, a birth anomaly or a neurological degenerative disease, and who require 24-hour care.

Broadmead Care, which owns and operates Nigel House, has embarked on a $3-million capital campaign, A New Home for Nigel House, to outfit a planned $45-million building.

Construction of the new building, located adjacent to the current one, is expected to begin in the new year, with an anticipated opening in 2022.

Mandy Parker, vice-president of philanthropy and communication at Broadmead Care, said the new building will contain 41 long-term care beds for Nigel House, along with 10 affordable-housing units and 37 assisted-living units.

Unlike in residential-care homes, where the population is much older, Nigel House caters to adults in their 20s through 50s.

One benefit of the new building is a shift toward housing residents in single rooms that offer more privacy for the occupants, especially for visits by health-care providers and family, according to Broadmead Care.

Rob Iris said his older brother is looking forward to having his own room. Along with more privacy, it will have space for an electric recliner he just bought his brother for watching television.

“Up til now, his only choice has been his wheelchair or his bed.”

Funding for the project includes partnerships with Island Health, B.C. Housing, the Capital Regional Hospital District and Broadmead Care Society, which oversees care at Nigel House.

Of the $3-million capital campaign goal, $2.2 million has already been raised.

parrais@timescolonist.com

• For more information, or to donate, go to nigelhouse.broadmeadcare.com