By Doreen Marion Gee

The Vancouver Island Census lists five white males tending 10 horses, 25 pigs and 50 chickens. It is 1855 and the property is Beckley Farms, a large stretch of cultivated land covering most of present James Bay. It was named in 1850 by William Walter Sims after his wife's English birthplace ( actually Bexley, Kent). The present Beckley Farm Lodge has a proud heritage, the name itself goes back to the earliest pioneers. The history of the Lodge itself shows a legacy of stable and compassionate care for our seniors and a steadfast community involvement. Then and now, these factors have imbued the Lodge with a sense of continuity, even with all the recent crises and developments at the care facility.

Beckley Farm Lodge was officially opened on March 19, 1982, though it was taking clients as early as 1981. This achievement was the result of hard work by a coalition of community groups such as the James Bay New Horizons Society and the James Bay United Church, who were responding to a need for a community care facility. The Mission of the Lodge has always been to fill this important need and to ensure a high quality of life for residents and clients. Janet Robertson, the administrator, speaks with a warm respect for her elderly clientele. Outside, the pussy willows are bursting with signs of spring while on the inside, Beckley Farm Lodge is reinventing itself. Many huge windows enable the residents to view the people walking by and feel connected to the world. The rooms are cosy and all areas are modern and inviting, including a trendy hair salon and a movable bathtub that looks like a PNE ride. Anderson says that she wants the residents "To be the best that they can be!" A woman rolls by in her wheelchair and says "I hope you like it as much as we do!"

There have been significant changes at the Lodge from 1981 to the present complex care, reflecting the shift in status of residents to being less mobile and more needy and dependent. Lodge residents receive 24 hour nursing care. To accommodate this frailer population, the Lodge started renovations in 2006, and the residents had to be temporarily relocated to Gorge Road Hospital. Unfortunately, an act of vandalism in August 2006 caused massive water damage to the Lodge, resulting in extensive reconstruction and a longer relocation period. They now have a new ventilation system, new floors and carpets, new windows and lighting, bigger rooms, and new ceiling tracks and lifts, among other improvements. Robertson thanks VIHA for providing about $3.1 million for all the work.

The 64 residents, the oldest 102, are now back at the Lodge and doing well. The residents pay a contribution based on their financial situation, the lowest rate being $27.90 a day. As well as residential care, the Lodge offers many Community Programs for a reasonable fee, Adult and a Mobile Day Program, a Bathing program, and a Community Meals Program.

Continuity of care seems to be factor in the success of Beckley Farm Lodge. Residents are able to "age in place" without the worry of being transferred when their needs amplify. This gives them the stability of staying in their own "home" in their final days. Beckley Farm Lodge is a non - profit organization with its own Board. While VIHA provides operating costs, the support and partnerships within the community are crucial and provide those extra perks and comforts for the seniors. Kim Dixon, the Board Chair, says that the Lodge will be operating the new Parry Place, opening in April. In March, the Lodge will have a reopening celebration.

We all want to live our final chapter in peace and finish the book with dignity. That is also a priority at Beckley Farm Lodge.

Photos by Barry Behnke