At The Broadway Group, we believe a home is more than a place to live — it’s a place to belong, to grow, and to stay connected to the people and activities that bring meaning to everyday life. We are proud to partner with Emily Carr University’s Health Design Lab on an innovative research project exploring how the Social Model of Care can enrich the lives of residents at our False Creek Residence Supported Housing community.
What the Social Model of Care Means
The Social Model of Care shifts the focus from “doing for” to “supporting with.” It emphasizes independence, personal choice, meaningful relationships, and opportunities for residents to participate fully in daily life. It recognizes that quality of life is shaped not only by excellent care, but by connection, dignity, purpose, and the freedom to make decisions about one’s own day.
Why This Matters
Through a collaborative co‑design process, residents, families, team members, and community partners shared what truly matters to the people who call False Creek Residence home. Their insights highlighted a simple but powerful truth: when individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered, their confidence grows — and so does their sense of belonging.
The research identified practical ways to strengthen community life, encourage independence, and create more moments of joy and engagement. These findings are already guiding meaningful change.
What We’re Doing at False Creek Residence
Our team has begun intentionally shifting our culture from one centred primarily on care tasks to one that recognizes and builds upon each person’s abilities, strengths, and social potential. This means:
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- Encouraging residents to do more for themselves when they choose to
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- Supporting meaningful relationships with family, friends, and neighbours
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- Creating opportunities for residents to participate actively in daily routines and community life
And we’re just getting started.
The next phase of this initiative includes transforming an existing office into a warm, private multi‑purpose space where residents can:
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- Enjoy family visits
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- Have personal conversations
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- Celebrate small gatherings like birthdays
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- Share meals and connect with one another
We are also investing in specialized grief‑support training for our team members. Caring for people often means walking alongside them through difficult moments, and supporting our team well is essential to creating an environment where residents can truly thrive.
Our Commitment Moving Forward
This partnership reflects our ongoing dedication to innovation, person‑centred care, and building communities where people experience dignity, joy, connection, and a genuine sense of belonging. Team members at False Creek Residence are actively participating in training to deepen their understanding of the Social Model of Care and bringing these principles to life every day.
