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Amid health problems, finding safety and a calling at Nigel House

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Samson (Sam) Trach, 49, has epilepsy and has been doing well at Nigel House, where he has carved out a niche as bingo caller. ADRIAN LAM, TIMES COLONIST

Sonya Rhodes doesn’t fear for her brother’s safety like she used to, now that he lives at Nigel House.

“I’m just happy he’s looked after and I don’t have to worry about him, because before, I was just constantly worried that he was going to have a seizure and be found in a comatose state,” said Rhodes.

Her brother Samson (Sam) Trach has epilepsy, and a number of years ago, he developed a severe problem with seizures that put him in hospital.

After a pair of surgeries, the second one in response to a brain bleed, he started to get better. But it was apparent he wouldn’t be able to live by himself, ­Rhodes said.

That’s when she found out about Nigel House. She said Trach was in his 40s and fit in well with the the home’s demographic, which ranges from 19 to 55.

Now 49, he has been doing well at the complex-care facility, Rhodes said.

“He’s had a few seizures and things like that, but overall he’s calm, he’s not worried about ­anything,” she said. “Before, he was worried because he didn’t know how to do stuff for ­himself, but he knows he can ask for help anytime.”

He has some problems with his left side, but is now able to walk with a cane, Rhodes said.

For his part, Trach said he has enjoyed making connections at Nigel House and being able to reach out to others in similar circumstances — people he can relate to.

He has also carved out a niche as the Nigel House bingo caller.

“I’m pretty good, actually,” he said with a laugh.

While there is some fitness equipment at Nigel House for Trach to use, his sister makes a point of taking him to an outside gym once a week.

“I take him every Saturday to a fitness place that’s for people that have had strokes and things,” she said.

Rhodes said there is a lot for her brother to like at Nigel House — he has his own phone and television, gets home-cooked meals and enjoys parties and other group activities.

And things are about to get better now that a new Nigel House is in the works to replace the existing building, which is over 40 years old. Fundraising for the project is well underway, with less than $500,000 still needed to reach Broadmead Care’s $3-million goal in its New Home for Nigel House Campaign.

Broadmead Care, the society that oversees Nigel House, is partnering in the building project with B.C. Housing, Island Health, the District of Saanich and the Capital Regional Hospital District, said Mandy Parker, vice-president of philanthropy and communications for Broadmead Care.

Former Saanich mayors Frank Leonard and Murray Coell are the fundraising campaign’s voluntary co-chairs.

“They’ve been involved since the beginning and they’re keen to get it done,” Parker said. “They’ve made some great connections in the community for us.”

Residents at Nigel House get to know each other well, with the average stay being 12 years.

“It literally is the essence of a long-term care home,” Parker said.

She said the residents need the complex care that Nigel House provides for a variety of reasons, including medical issues and injuries, and have been called “the hidden population.”

“Now we’re just sort of raising the profile of Nigel House and making people aware that there is this group of people that really need help, they really need support.”

To make a donation, go to givetonigelhouse.com.

jbell@timescolonist.com