Mayors in the eastern region of Ontario express concerns regarding the possible closure of three long-term care homes, highlighting the significant impact it could have on the elderly residents and their families. The Ministry of Long-Term Care is currently assessing a proposal that involves shutting down three Southbridge Care Homes once a new facility is constructed and operational in Cornwall, Ontario.
The three facilities at risk of closure are Pinecrest, a 60-bed long-term care home in Plantagenet, The Palace, a 70-bed long-term care home in Alexandria, and Heartwood, a 118-bed long-term care home in Cornwall. The proposed new facility would have a total of 320 beds, 72 more than the combined capacity of the existing three homes. It is planned to be situated across from an existing Cornwall Southbridge home on 800 Nick Kaneb Dr.
However, there are dissenting voices against the proposal. North Glengarry Mayor Jamie MacDonald emphasized the emotional attachment of residents to The Palace, highlighting its significance as a place where they lived, worked, and contributed to the community. He expressed concerns about the repercussions of relocating care services to Cornwall on the well-being and connections of the residents.
A representative of the United Steelworkers union, which represents workers at The Palace and Pinecrest, mentioned that the union has limited information about the potential consolidation. Concerns were raised about the uncertainty surrounding the closures and the impact on existing staff and recruitment of new employees.
Regarding the French service standards, it was noted by France Gélinas, the provincial NDP’s critic for health and long-term care, that Pinecrest in Plantagenet might have protected beds under the French Language Services Act. This designation requires offering services in French 24/7 to all residents, which could pose challenges if the beds were relocated elsewhere.
Conservative MPP Stéphane Sarrazin stressed the importance of complying with regulations, especially in facilities providing French services. The possibility of isolating seniors and the difficulties they may face in moving to a new location, particularly in harsh weather conditions, were highlighted by Yves Laviolette, the mayor of the Township of Alfred and Plantagenet.
Southbridge did not respond to requests for comments from Radio-Canada before the deadline. Public feedback on the proposal is still open for submission until October 16.