Fort Vancouver Assisted Living is a senior residential facility located in the North Garrison Heights neighborhood of Vancouver. This assisted living community provides its residents with apartments, meal services, laundry, and support with daily living tasks such as bathing and dressing. The environment is designed to help elderly residents, including those with conditions such as vascular dementia, maintain their independence while receiving the care and support they need. The facility’s staff are known for assisting residents with transitional needs and building a sense of community among those who live there. Many residents express that the connections they have formed within the facility feel more like family than friendship, highlighting the importance of continuity and stability in their daily lives.
Recently, the future of Fort Vancouver Assisted Living has come into question due to a proposed change in how the building will be used. A plan has been submitted to convert the care home into a 48-bed substance use treatment center. The organization responsible for this proposal has indicated that the current assisted living operations will end regardless of whether the building’s use is officially changed, meaning that the facility will no longer continue as an assisted living community. There is a scheduled public hearing to discuss the change of use and review the proposed plans for transforming the facility into a substance abuse treatment and mental health center.
The transition has been a significant concern for both residents and their families, especially for those who have spent a considerable amount of time and effort finding a suitable environment for their loved ones. Residents facing a move are worried about the challenges of relocating and the potential loss of the supportive and familiar community they have built. The organization behind the proposed substance use center has stated their intention is to help the current residents transition safely to appropriate programs, and that no one will be left without a home during this process.
With its proximity to medical centers and other care facilities, Fort Vancouver Assisted Living has provided not just essential daily services but also a sense of safety and accessibility for individuals with complex health needs. The uncertainty around its future has brought to light the sensitive balance between community needs for both senior living and expanded drug recovery facilities in the area. Residents and advocates are now closely monitoring developments, hoping for outcomes that will respect the unique needs of those who call Fort Vancouver Assisted Living their home.