Extendicare's plan to build two new long-term care facilities and the redevelopment of at least one existing facility in Greater Sudbury got a boost April 26.
The province announced it's adding 54 new long-term care beds in Sudbury to help seniors better access care and continue to live happy and healthy lives.
Extendicare's plans are awaiting approval from the Ministry of Health, so there aren't a lot of details available yet, but president and CEO Tim Lukenda said the company has secured some property on Algonquin Road in the South End where they would like to build one of the new facilities.
Overall, the goal is to create 523 new long-term care beds in Greater Sudbury, in addition to the 54 beds announced by Thibeault at Extendicare York.
“This announcement is a big step forward for Extendicare in Sudbury,” Lukenda said. “LTC homes are designed for people who require the availability of 24-hour nursing care.”
Long-term care beds have to meet very specific design requirements, as dictated by the ministry, so they are quite expensive, he said. Each of the new properties in Greater Sudbury would cost more than $50 million to build.
One of the new facilities will house 256 long-term care beds, but land availability and size will determine the exact number of beds that end up in each of the new facilities, he said.
Anytime time you create new LTC beds, it means job creation as well, Lukenda said. Furthermore, there's an effort from the ministry to fund the increase of additional positions at existing buildings that create new jobs and opportunities.
“There's a sequence and timing that has yet to be approved, but we're working with the ministry to get to that stage,” he said.
For Extendicare York resident David Henri, who is president of the facility's resident council, the announcement on Thursday was great news.
“It's essential for residents in long-term care to feel safe and to have that privacy, so that when our families visit, we feel more comfortable,” he said. “I'm thrilled to hear of these developments. They are essential, because they will help our seniors live better. It will mean a lot, and our families will have more peace of mind knowing their loves ones are living in a great and well-supported environment.”
More long-term care beds are being created throughout Northeastern Ontario, too.
Mauno Kaihla Koti in Sault Ste. Marie is getting 68 beds; Extendicare (Canada) Inc. in Sault Ste. Marie is getting 20 beds; Temiskaming Lodge in Haileybury is getting 46 beds; and Weeneebayko Area in Moosonee is getting 32 beds.
For places like Moosonee, this announcement is incredible, said Jeremy Stevenson, CEO of the North East Local Health Integration Network, who was also on hand for the announcement.
“There is currently no long-term care home in Moosonee, and residents have to travel to Timmins and Cochrane to receive long-term care,” he said.
These new beds are part of the province’s commitment to build 5,000 new beds by 2022 and more than 30,000 new beds over the next decade.
“Today’s announcement will mean more care for seniors in Sudbury and throughout Northeastern Ontario,” said Thibeault. “By making these investments, we will ensure that our elderly will be able to be taken care of close to home and in the language they are most comfortable. By expanding our local long-term care facilities, we can improve care for seniors and comfort for loved ones.”
Extendicare is getting ready to celebrate 50 years of providing care for seniors.
It operates 117 senior care and living centres and has the largest home-care operation in Canada, with 25,000 team members dedicated to helping seniors live better.
