“It is about life, not just care.”
The Prince George Brain Injured Group’s group home is celebrating its 30th year anniversary on Wednesday.
The home, where people who have suffered brain injuries can live in care, is the only one of its kind in Northern BC.
“The group home houses five residents,” Sarah McCrea, the Brain Injured Group’s Executive Director explained. “It is about life, not just care. When someone does come into our care, they are here for the remainder of their days.”
Because of this, McCrea said every resident has their own personalized care plan and programming to “make it about what they want in life after their catastrophic brain injury.”
For example, one resident is on his way to Hawaii later this month.
One of the most remarkable things about the group home is the long tenure of the hefty majority of its staff members.
McCrea said she has been with the Brain Injured Group home for 20 years, Crystal, their residential programmer, has been there for 17, and senior staff members have been there between 12 and 15 years on average.
Some started at the home as care aides in their teens.
“People aren’t just a number here,” she explained. “This is about their quality of life, it is about them as their individual selves. It is such a beautiful experience when we are entrusted with that level of care for these people.”
One resident in the group home has been living there since 1997, McCrea has been working with him her whole career.
The home itself features a large kitchen and dining area, a spacious living room, and a large backyard with a lawn, garden, and gazebo.
Anyone who is interested in learning more or wanting to volunteer with summer events is being encouraged to reach out.
To contact the group, or for more information, click here.
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