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Chenchenstway Care Home: Indigenous Senior Care Services Explained

Choosing long-term care for an older adult is rarely just about finding a room and arranging medical support. Families also need to consider dignity, cultural identity, spiritual needs, safety, social connection, accessibility, and whether the environment can genuinely feel like home. Chenchenstway Care Home in Burnaby, British Columbia, is designed around many of these priorities while also incorporating specific supports for Indigenous residents and their families.

Officially written as Chénchenstway, the long-term care community has 216 single bedrooms and is jointly operated by Fraser Health and Providence Health Care. It serves residents from all backgrounds, so it should not be mistaken for a care facility exclusively for Indigenous seniors. What makes the home distinctive is its recognition of the Indigenous territories on which it stands, its Indigenous name, its dedicated sacred space, and access to Indigenous Wellness Liaison support.

This guide explains what Chenchenstway offers, how its Indigenous wellness services work, what residents can expect from daily life, how long-term care admission is handled, and what families should know about costs and eligibility.

What Is Chenchenstway Care Home?

Chenchenstway Care Home is a publicly supported long-term care community located at 7550 Rosewood Street in Burnaby, British Columbia. The renovated residence opened in October 2023 and contains 216 single-bedroom spaces designed to provide greater privacy, comfort, accessibility, and connection for people who require ongoing residential care. It replaced the former New Vista long-term care home at the site following extensive renovations.

The operation of the facility is somewhat unusual because two health organizations share responsibility for its residents. Providence Health Care operates 110 of the 216 beds, while Fraser Health operates the remaining 106. This joint arrangement allows the home to serve seniors requiring complex and continuing care within the regional health system.

Long-term care is different from independent retirement living or most assisted-living arrangements. Residents typically require substantial support with health conditions, personal care, mobility, medications, daily activities, or continuous supervision. Fraser Health describes long-term care as appropriate for people who can no longer safely manage at home because their care requirements have become complex or unpredictable.

Key features of Chenchenstway include:

The home is therefore intended to provide both clinical support and a residential environment rather than functioning like a conventional hospital ward.

Indigenous Culture and the Meaning Behind Chénchenstway

One of the most important things to understand about Chenchenstway Care Home is the distinction between Indigenous-focused cultural support and an Indigenous-only residence. Chenchenstway welcomes people from different backgrounds. However, Indigenous history, language, cultural identity, spiritual practices, and relationships with the surrounding territories have been deliberately recognized within the home.

The residence is situated on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Kwikwetlem Nations. According to Fraser Health, the name Chénchenstway is a Squamish word meaning “to lift each other up.” The name was gifted by Squamish Nation Hereditary Chief Ian Campbell.

That meaning is particularly relevant in long-term care. Older adults may experience declining independence, changes in health, separation from familiar surroundings and increased reliance on others. A care environment built around mutual support can therefore involve more than medical treatment. Family relationships, cultural traditions, language, spiritual practices, food, community connections and a resident’s personal history can all contribute to quality of life.

For Indigenous residents in particular, culturally safer health care can be important because Canada’s health and institutional systems have historically caused significant harm to Indigenous communities. A long-term care residence cannot correct that history merely by adopting an Indigenous name. Meaningful cultural support requires practical services, trained staff, access to community connections and respect for residents’ individual preferences.

Chenchenstway takes several tangible steps in that direction, including a dedicated All Nations Sacred Space and access to Indigenous Wellness Liaisons.

Indigenous Wellness and Spiritual Services at Chenchenstway

The Indigenous component of care at Chenchenstway is most visible through its All Nations Sacred Space and Indigenous Wellness Liaison services. These resources are designed to make cultural, spiritual and community connections part of the resident experience rather than treating them as separate from health and well-being.

The sacred space is called xaʔɬəmətelə, a hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ name meaning a place associated with caring or watching over others. Fraser Health states that the area is available to residents and families for reflection, prayer, quiet time and connection. Indigenous residents can also use the space for ceremonies, Indigenous programming and gatherings with loved ones.

The fact that the space is open to all residents is important. It supports Indigenous cultural expression while remaining welcoming to people with different spiritual and cultural backgrounds.

An Indigenous Wellness Liaison is also available at the home at least two days each week for residents associated with both Providence Health Care and Fraser Health. The liaison’s role includes helping Indigenous residents and families maintain cultural, emotional, spiritual and community connections.

Support can include:

These services matter because culturally appropriate care is highly individual. Not every Indigenous resident follows the same traditions or wants the same level of cultural involvement. Effective support therefore requires asking residents what matters to them rather than making assumptions based on identity.

Families considering Chenchenstway should discuss cultural preferences during care planning so staff understand which ceremonies, relationships, traditions or spiritual practices are important to the individual resident.

Long-Term Care and Health Support Available to Residents

Chenchenstway is fundamentally a long-term care home, meaning its primary purpose is to support adults who require continuous care and can no longer live safely and independently in their previous home environment.

Across Fraser Health, long-term care residents may have chronic medical conditions, significant mobility limitations, cognitive impairment, complex medication needs or difficulties performing everyday activities without assistance. Long-term care provides professional nursing support and supervision around the clock along with help managing daily personal needs.

Care needs vary significantly between residents. One person may require extensive mobility support but remain cognitively independent, while another may require close supervision because of dementia or other cognitive challenges. Care planning is therefore based on individual needs rather than applying exactly the same routine to every resident.

Typical long-term care support can include:

Fraser Health’s broader long-term care system includes these types of services, although the precise care plan for a Chenchenstway resident depends on their assessment and individual needs.

Chenchenstway also provides access to additional on-site services. Fraser Health lists hairdressing, foot and nail care, dental hygiene and optometry among the services that may be available, with some offered on a fee-for-service basis.

Families should therefore avoid assuming that every optional service is included in the basic monthly long-term care charge. Asking for a written explanation of included and additional services before or during admission can prevent confusion later.

Private Rooms, Amenities, Accessibility and Safety

The physical design of a long-term care home can have a major effect on comfort and quality of life. Seniors may spend years in the residence, making privacy, natural light, temperature control, accessible spaces and opportunities to move around safely particularly important.

Chenchenstway has 216 single-bedroom rooms, rather than relying primarily on shared accommodation. Each room includes a large window, heating and air conditioning. Basic furnishings include an electric bed, bedside table and dresser, while linens are supplied. Rooms also have storage space and individual toilet and sink facilities.

Privacy is not the only consideration. Residents also need opportunities to leave their bedrooms and participate in ordinary daily life. Chenchenstway contains several dining spaces, activity rooms and common areas where residents can spend time with other residents, relatives and visitors.

Outdoor areas are another useful feature. The property includes gardens and three secure courtyards accessible from the main level. Secure outdoor environments can be particularly valuable for residents who want fresh air and movement but may require a controlled setting because of mobility or cognitive concerns.

Safety features listed for the residence include:

Basic wheelchairs are accessible and can be provided without charge, although residents who require individually fitted wheelchairs or walkers may need to purchase their own equipment.

These features do not eliminate every risk associated with long-term care, but they demonstrate that the building was designed specifically around the needs of people who may have physical limitations or require regular assistance.

Daily Life, Recreation and Social Connection

Good long-term care involves more than nursing, medication schedules and physical safety. Social isolation, boredom and loss of purpose can significantly affect an older person’s well-being. For that reason, families evaluating Chenchenstway Care Home should look closely at opportunities for recreation, relationships, family involvement and meaningful activities.

The residence offers social, recreational and activity programming seven days a week. Spiritual programming is also available. Activities may change based on resident interests, staffing, seasons and programming schedules, so families should ask about the current calendar rather than assuming every activity is offered permanently.

Fraser Health’s volunteer program at Chenchenstway has also included activities such as games, arts and crafts, gardening, conversation and special events. Volunteers are intended to support social interaction and companionship rather than replace trained health-care professionals.

Common spaces throughout the building make it possible for residents to participate in activities outside their rooms. Families and friends can also spend time with residents in common areas and outdoor spaces.

Some additional amenities can contribute to a greater sense of normal daily life, including:

Pet visits may also be possible, although the facility requires assessment and approval rather than allowing unrestricted pet access.

Families should remember that participation is personal. A resident who enjoys group activities may benefit from a busy recreation schedule, while another may prefer quiet conversation, spiritual time, outdoor visits or smaller gatherings. The best care environment is one that provides options rather than forcing residents into a single definition of social engagement.

Who Qualifies for Chenchenstway Care Home and How Admission Works

One common mistake families make is treating publicly supported long-term care like a private retirement residence where they can simply contact the facility, choose a room and move in. Admission to Chenchenstway does not normally work that way.

Fraser Health explains that publicly funded long-term care is intended for adults who cannot safely care for themselves at home or whose needs can no longer be adequately managed in their current living situation. Candidates generally have complex care requirements and need access to continuous supervision and professional support.

A health professional must assess the person’s situation before eligibility and placement are determined. New clients in the Fraser Health region can begin by contacting the Fraser Health Access Line: Home and Community Care. The current access number published by Fraser Health is 1-855-412-2121, with the service available seven days a week.

The process typically involves:

People who already receive Fraser Health Home Health services can generally speak with their existing community health professional or case manager.

Families should not assume that requesting Chenchenstway automatically guarantees immediate admission there. Availability, urgency, clinical requirements and regional placement procedures can influence where and when a person is offered care.

That makes early planning important. Waiting until a caregiver is completely overwhelmed or a senior’s home situation becomes unsafe can reduce the family’s ability to make decisions calmly.

Chenchenstway Care Home Costs and Additional Expenses

There is no single flat price that every publicly subsidized Chenchenstway resident automatically pays. Long-term care charges in the Fraser Health system are generally calculated according to the resident’s income.

Fraser Health currently states that long-term care residents pay 80% of their after-tax income, up to an established maximum rate. Financial information such as a recent tax return or banking documentation may be used to calculate the applicable charge. People experiencing financial difficulty may be able to discuss reduced-rate options with their care team.

Families should therefore be cautious about websites that quote a single monthly Chenchenstway Care Home price without explaining the resident’s financial circumstances. The correct rate is determined through the public care system and can change as provincial policies and income information change.

The monthly charge also does not necessarily cover every optional service a resident may want.

Potential additional expenses can include:

Fraser Health specifically notes that long-term care residents may continue to have ordinary personal expenses in addition to their monthly residential charge.

Before admission, families should ask which personal-care supplies, health services, therapies and optional amenities are included and which require separate payment. They should also confirm current rates directly through the assigned case manager rather than relying on old online information.

What Families Should Consider Before Choosing Chenchenstway

Chenchenstway has several attractive features, including private bedrooms, upgraded environmental systems, outdoor spaces, cultural and spiritual resources and a relatively modernized physical setting. Still, choosing a long-term care home should never be based solely on a facility description.

The important question is whether the residence matches the needs of the individual senior.

Families should consider the person’s medical requirements, mobility, cognitive health, language, culture, spiritual preferences, social personality and family support network. Someone who needs frequent Indigenous cultural connection may have different priorities from a resident whose main concern is rehabilitation, dementia support or proximity to family.

Useful questions to ask during the placement process include:

Location is another practical issue. Chenchenstway is in a residential part of Burnaby and can be reached by public transit. Parking is available, although Vancouver Coastal Health notes that on-site visitor and accessible parking is limited, with street parking also available.

Frequent family visits can have real value, so a facility that relatives can realistically reach may be more useful than one that looks ideal on paper but is difficult to visit regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chenchenstway Care Home

Families researching Chenchenstway often encounter incomplete information because the home has undergone major redevelopment and is operated through more than one health organization. Older references may describe the previous facility, while current information reflects the renovated 216-room long-term care community that opened in 2023.

The biggest points to understand are that Chenchenstway is a long-term care residence rather than ordinary senior housing, admission is normally arranged through the health-care system, and the home is not restricted to Indigenous residents. Its Indigenous identity appears through its name, recognition of traditional territories, sacred space, cultural programming and Indigenous Wellness Liaison support.

Costs also depend on the resident’s financial assessment rather than a simple advertised market rent.

The following answers address some of the questions families are most likely to have when comparing Chenchenstway with other Burnaby long-term care options.

Is Chenchenstway Care Home only for Indigenous seniors?

No. Chenchenstway Care Home is not exclusively for Indigenous seniors. Fraser Health describes the residence as serving residents from all backgrounds while recognizing and honouring the Indigenous lands on which the facility is located. The home provides specific cultural and spiritual resources that may be especially meaningful for Indigenous residents, but those services do not make admission dependent on Indigenous identity.

This distinction matters because descriptions such as “Indigenous senior care home” can easily create the wrong impression. A more accurate description is that Chenchenstway is a mainstream long-term care community with meaningful Indigenous wellness supports integrated into the residence.

Indigenous residents can access cultural programming, spiritual support and connections with community members, Elders or Knowledge Keepers through the Indigenous Wellness Liaison program. The All Nations Sacred Space also provides an appropriate area for ceremony, cultural activities, prayer, reflection and gatherings.

At the same time, residents from other cultural, religious and spiritual backgrounds can also use the sacred space for quiet reflection and connection.

Families should discuss cultural needs during the assessment and care-planning process. Indigenous identity alone does not mean every resident wants identical cultural services, so preferences should always be determined individually.

What Indigenous services are available at Chenchenstway?

Chenchenstway provides several resources intended to support Indigenous residents culturally, emotionally and spiritually. One of the most significant is access to an Indigenous Wellness Liaison, who is available at the home at least two days per week for residents served by both Fraser Health and Providence Health Care.

The liaison can help residents and families connect with Indigenous communities, Elders and Knowledge Keepers. They can also provide cultural, emotional and spiritual support and help staff approach culturally sensitive situations appropriately.

Another major resource is the xaʔɬəmətelə All Nations Sacred Space. The area is designed for ceremony, Indigenous programming, prayer, reflection, family connection and quiet time. Although it has an important role for Indigenous cultural practices, it remains available to all residents and families.

The exact programming available may change, so families interested in a particular ceremony, Nation-specific tradition, Elder visit, language connection or cultural activity should ask the current care team rather than assuming it is automatically scheduled.

Culturally appropriate senior care should be individualized. Staff should understand what the specific resident considers meaningful rather than treating Indigenous culture as a single uniform set of practices.

How do you apply for a room at Chenchenstway Care Home?

Families generally should not approach Chenchenstway as though they were booking a private apartment. Publicly funded long-term care placement within Fraser Health normally begins through the Home and Community Care system.

A community health professional assesses the senior’s medical condition, personal-care needs, ability to function safely at home and overall level of support required. Long-term care is normally considered when the person’s needs are sufficiently complex that they can no longer safely remain in their existing home, even with available community support.

New Fraser Health clients can contact the Home and Community Care Access Line at 1-855-412-2121 to begin the process. Current Home Health clients can speak with their existing care professional.

After eligibility has been established, the case manager works with the resident and family on placement. Families can discuss preferred facilities, including Chenchenstway, but bed availability and the urgency of the person’s needs can affect the options offered.

Because long-term care demand can be high, families should begin discussing care needs before the current arrangement becomes impossible to maintain. Early assessment provides more time to understand available home care, assisted living, respite and long-term care options.

Where is Chenchenstway located and what should visitors know?

Chenchenstway is located at 7550 Rosewood Street, Burnaby, BC V5E 3Z3. Fraser Health lists the main facility telephone number as 604-451-4815 and provides ccsquestions@providencehealth.bc.ca as a contact email.

The residence is situated in a residential area and is accessible by public transit. On-site parking is available, although visitor and accessible spaces can be limited. Street parking provides another option for some visitors.

Vancouver Coastal Health currently lists daily hours from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., but visiting arrangements, infection-control requirements and unit-specific circumstances can change. Families planning an important or long visit should confirm current policies directly with the home before travelling.

The building contains common areas, gardens and secure courtyards that can provide alternatives to visiting exclusively inside the resident’s bedroom.

For families comparing facilities, travel time deserves serious consideration. A home that enables frequent contact with relatives and friends may provide stronger long-term social support than a more distant facility that becomes difficult for loved ones to visit consistently.

Final Thoughts

Chenchenstway Care Home stands out among Burnaby long-term care options because it combines a renovated 216-room facility with private resident spaces, recreation areas, outdoor courtyards, health and personal-care services, and specific Indigenous cultural and spiritual supports.

Its Indigenous identity should be described accurately. Chenchenstway is not an Indigenous-only care home. Instead, it serves people from different backgrounds while incorporating Indigenous language, territorial recognition, cultural programming, a dedicated sacred space and Indigenous Wellness Liaison services into the care environment.

For Indigenous seniors who value connections with ceremony, community, Elders or Knowledge Keepers, these services may be particularly meaningful. For other residents, the home’s private rooms, accessible environment, social programming and long-term nursing support may be the more important considerations.

Families considering Chenchenstway Care Home should begin with a Fraser Health Home and Community Care assessment rather than trying to reserve a bed directly. They should also ask detailed questions about the resident’s individual care plan, cultural preferences, additional costs, available programs and current placement options.

The right long-term care decision is not simply about choosing the building with the longest list of amenities. It is about finding an environment capable of supporting the person’s health, dignity, identity, relationships and quality of life over the long term.

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