Richmond's baby boomers are aging.
That translates into the need for more senior care facilities.
That's one of the reasons Rosewood Manor recently underwent an extensive two-year renovation project to the tune of $2.2 million. Through its yearly garden party and community donations, $1.6 million has been raised so far to give back what it owed.
"Right now there is a shortage of beds in Richmond and as our population grows older, it is important to maintain the facility to meet the needs of our seniors," said Deborah Goegan, administrator at Rosewood Manor.
"By providing 24-hour nursing care and supervision, Rosewood Manor ensures the highest quality of life while promoting individual dignity and freedom."
Rosewood Manor Care Foundation will be hosting its 8th Annual 1940s Garden Party Extravaganza on Sept. 9 in hopes of raising the remaining costs and for further capital projects.
Rosewood Manor is a nonprofit senior care facility providing complex care for 155 residents, including a 36-bed specialized dementia care unit, one respite bed, and a wellness program to the tenants of a B.C. Housing complex set behind the manor.
Goegan said the general public doesn't seem to hear a lot about fundraising for the elderly.
"Not until you are touched by the need to provide care for a senior, do you realize the importance of having top notch care facilities to look after your loved one," said Goegan.
"Organizations such as ours are not eligible for capital funding from the Ministry of Health Services. Rosewood Manor Care Foundation was created to be proactive in being part of the solution to seniors care."
This October, Rosewood Manor marks three decades of caring for seniors.
"Rosewood Manor is celebrating 30 years of service to this community this October, and with the renovations, we hope to be able to care for seniors for many more years to come," added Goegan.
Goegan went on to say the garden party is one of its biggest fundraisers of the year.
"Between 450 to 500 community businesses and individuals come together for an upscale afternoon at a local private residence to enjoy fabulous gourmet food, live music and to view an amazing collection of vintage cars, Wurlitzer's, juke boxes and collectables, all to raise money for seniors of Rosewood Manor," she added.
"This year we have renowned author and motivation speaker Peter Legge emceeing the event."
The proceeds raised from the event will go toward capital needs; replacement of furniture and equipment, enhanced recreation programs and to an endowment fund held by Richmond Community Foundation.
The recently completed renovations included installing a new plumbing and sprinkler system, new floors throughout, upgrading to energy efficient lighting and remodeling resident rooms and common areas to meet the needs of its ever-growing complexity of care.
"This (renovation) was accomplished without downsizing our capacity and extensive planning went into it so that the least amount of disruption happened for the residents presently living at Rosewood," said Goegan.
The 8th Annual Rosewood Manor Garden Party Extravaganza will be held on Sunday, Sept. 9 from 3 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $250 and include live music, garden refreshments, buffet dinner and an amazing line up of classic antique cars and memorabilia collection.
"We only have about 50 out of 500 tickets left to sell," added Goegan.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call Goegan at 604-271-3590 ext. 123 or Jim Ratsoy at 604-812-6534 or email dgeogan@rosewoodmanor. org.
mhopkins@richmond-news.com
