Ask an Advisor Answers

Question: My name is Dean Goddard from BC and have been investing in a property for sustainable long term care and am now ready to move to the next phase.

We grow food of outstanding quality with no pesticides, fungicides, or fertilizers. We have purchased a 23 acre ranch in Barriere, just North of Kamloops which has exceptional water and air quality. Last year we grew over 30 crops and realized about 4 tons of food, as a test and preparation of the fields. This year we would like to begin sharing the message to Canadian communities so we can begin developing the core group of individuals to start-up and operate. We have acquired the lands and invested over $200,000 to prepare the property for this intent. Now we need to complete the addition to the main home and start with a core group of individuals.

It is hoped this gives some idea of the multiple benefits of rural community care. It improves local farm land while also helping in a meaningful way to care for the aging population. We are however in need of determining the most effective retired individuals to form the core group. This requires great thought and effort to ensure the core group has similar emotional intelligence thinking, yet also has the complementary skills needed to start up and operate the facility. Loneliness and poverty are becoming epidemics while many others are yearning for a simple, active, and healthy way of life.

We are hoping to attract 100 seniors for this special event , and be able to have 5 seniors committed to our growth and expansion. This group would then be responsible for the 1-5 year plans while slowly expanding the senior and worker base. The first year will consist of 5 senior members and 3 co-workers (1 cook). The second year is planned for 9 seniors and 4 co-workers. Year 3 is to rezone and build additional dwellings surrounding the main facility which will house those needing 24 hour care and include the main dining room, theater room, and library.

We are starting our vegetable production with a June planting so we would like to have the special event on the Ranch for July 1st.

If you have any suggestions they are appreciated.
Answer: Hello Dean, Thank you for your submission. Your progress thus far sounds outstanding, and we commend you on your program. As far as recruiting the 5 core older adults to form your core group, we recommend looking at this chapter in the community toolbox . The whole chapter would probably be beneficial to your process. Once your core group is established, it might also be beneficial to look at Chapter 8 of the toolbox to assist you in creating a strategic plan for the sustainable long term care facility. We hope we have addressed your concerns. Please let us know if you have any further questions. Thank you.
Question Date: Fri, 03/07/2014