Long Term Care Facility Begins Construction in Port Stanley

Ontario is addressing its growing wait times for long-term care with a significant expansion in Port Stanley. This expansion of Extendicare's facility aims to help reduce the waitlist for elderly care across the province, specifically aiding residents of Port Stanley and nearby areas. Let's break down the details of this much-needed project and see what it has in store for Ontario's senior population.

Project Overview

Construction has officially begun on a 128-bed long-term care facility in Port Stanley, Ontario. This facility, operated by Extendicare, is located in Central Elgin, a community approximately 40 kilometers south of London, Ontario. The project is set to significantly impact the senior living landscape in the region by addressing the current backlog in care home admissions. The construction will expand capacity by adding 68 new beds and redeveloping 60 existing beds. This is a critical step towards alleviating the existing stress on Ontario's long-term care system.

"Our rebuild of Extendicare Port Stanley — Extendicare’s eighth redevelopment project — will improve quality of life for our current residents and increase access to care for seniors in the region who have been waiting for long-term care when doors open in 2027. This new build would not be possible without the extraordinary support of the Government of Ontario and the municipality of Port Stanley. We are grateful to both governments for their collaboration and commitment."

President & CEO of Extendicare | Dr. Michael Guerriere

Key Features and Details of the Project

Below are the main features of the new Extendicare Port Stanley long-term care facility:

1. Total Number of Beds: The facility will feature 128 long-term care beds. This number includes the addition of 68 new beds and the redevelopment of 60 existing beds, which will create a balanced and optimized care capacity.

2. Resident Home Areas (RHAs): The two-story building will consist of four separate Resident Home Areas (RHAs), each containing 32 beds. These RHAs are designed to offer a more intimate, familiar living environment for residents.

   • Living Spaces: Each RHA will have its own dining and activity spaces, lounges, and bedrooms, creating a homely environment for the residents.

   • Visitor Areas: Additional areas for visiting families and friends include a guests' lounge, private dining space, and a country kitchen.

3. Amenities for Residents:

   • Second-Floor Amenities: The second floor of the facility will include several amenities designed to enhance the quality of life for residents. Among these are:

     • A hair salon for personal grooming needs.

     • A chapel to support residents' spiritual requirements.

     • A physiotherapy support area to help residents maintain their physical health and mobility.

4. Funding Information:

• • Provincial Funding: The project has received significant backing from the Ontario government, including a substantial funding subsidy aimed at accelerating the development of long-term care homes. The total funding provided includes up to $194.7 million in ministry funding, with a $65.8 million construction subsidy spanning over 25 years. Of this, $40.9 million comes in the form of a construction funding subsidy top-up.

    .  Cost of Facility: The estimated cost of the new development is $52.7 million. When completed, the home will cover approximately 7,400 square meters (80,000 square feet).

    
    

    5. Government's Commitment to Long-Term Care:

    • The Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021: This facility is being developed under the "Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021," which aims to modernize long-term care homes and reduce waitlists throughout Ontario. This act addresses issues like staffing shortages, enhancing care quality, building new and safe homes, and connecting seniors with essential services conveniently.

    • Ontario-Wide Impact: As of November 2024, 115 long-term care projects have been completed, are currently under construction, or have received ministry approval to start construction. Collectively, these projects will add a total of 18,823 new and redeveloped beds across Ontario. The government is striving to meet its ambitious target of 58,000 new or upgraded beds across the province to improve quality and access to care for seniors.

     

    Construction on the new facility began in late 2024, with an expected completion date in early 2027. Upon completion, the facility will welcome residents from the local community who require a supportive long-term setting.

Leveraging Public and Private Sector Collaboration

The government has taken innovative steps to ensure that modern, safe, and comfortable homes are built for seniors, including modernizing its funding model and leveraging hospital-owned and unused lands for long-term care development. Such initiatives show a willingness to think outside the box to address pressing community needs.

The new long-term care facility in Port Stanley is a promising development that will bring tangible improvements to the lives of seniors in Ontario. The project's emphasis on modern design, community-centered living, and holistic amenities demonstrates a commitment to elevating the standard of long-term care across the province.