Province plans to invest in Shelburne Long Term Care Home

New facility will provide about 50 full-time jobs in Shelburne

A major upgrade is in the works for the Shelburne Long Term Care Home.

The province announced April 8 plans to provide 68 new beds and upgrade 60 current beds at the home owned by Southbridge Care Homes. Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones was in attendance along with dignitaries and guests.

“Our government has a plan to fix long-term care and ensure seniors get the quality of care they need and desire, both now and into the future,” said Jones. “This plan is built around three pillars: improving staffing and care, strengthening accountability, enforcement and transparency, and finally building modern, safe and comfortable homes for our seniors.”

This is part of a $6.4-billion promise to provide more than 30,000 new beds by 2028 and 28,000 upgraded long-term-care beds across the province, according to a news release.

There are now 283 new and 197 upgraded long-term-care beds in development, under construction or completed in Dufferin County. This includes 23 new and 137 upgraded beds at Avalon Care Centre and 192 new beds at Headwaters LTC residence in Orangeville.

“This is without a doubt the largest long-term-care building program in Canada ever,” said Jones. “When construction is complete, 128 residents will have a new place to call home with their friends and families.”

The plan is to construct a building for the new beds. It will also provide about 50 full-time jobs in Shelburne.

“We are enhancing and prioritizing long-term care in Ontario,” said Ryan Bell, chief executive officer of Southbridge Care Homes. “We are excited for residents to move into our new home and experience our modern, safe and community-minded approaching to living.”

Shelburne Deputy Mayor Steve Anderson shared a few words on behalf of council, impressed by the still shots provided by Southbridge.

“The people who are going to benefit the most are not necessarily in this room, but our valued residents in Shelburne,” said Anderson. “That is the most important thing.”

He acknowledged that residents, including himself, can use long-term facilities one day, so the timing couldn’t come at a better time.

“We look forward to when we see shovels in the ground and see this state-of-the-art facility,” said Anderson.

Original Article By: Joshua Santos

Orangeville Banner

Saturday, April 9, 2022