Deadline looms: Council, residents discuss pending closure long-term care home

City council wants to see the Revera Interim Long Term Care Home stay open.

The long-term care facility is scheduled to close Oct. 31, but advocates for the senior’s home helped convince council Monday night that there was still life left in the building. The recommendation asked council to request officials with the province including the Local Health Integration Network, local MPPs and the Minister of Health and Long Term Care to reconsider closing the 65-bed facility.

The long-term facility opened in 2006 and was intended as a short-term solution. Instead of its original run of three years, the facility has operated for six.

Some councillors felt concerned that they weren’t getting the full story and had requested officials with the LHIN attend a meeting.
At-large Coun. Aldo Ruberto said it’s important that they speak to the LHIN so they can get that full story.

“We all care about seniors but if you’re going to make a decision than make it a balanced decision,” Ruberto said. “I think the LHIN would like to speak.”

There are around 480 seniors waiting to go into long-term care in the region. Many are waiting for the Centre of Excellence for Integrated Seniors’ Services.

Although 75 supportive housing units will open in 2013, the long-term part of the facility has been delayed until late 2014 or 2015.
Mayor Keith Hobbs said the city is facing a gridlock at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and if they close the facility then they will only be adding to the problem.

He questioned the LHIN’s absence during the meeting and agreed they should attend the meeting following the Thanksgiving break.

“If they really cared…they should be here,” Hobbs said. “We’re talking about lives here. If they want to provide answers, they should be here. I think we’re closing facilities and that needs to stop.”

McKellar Coun. Paul Pugh reminded council that there is a sense of urgency since the deadline for the closure is only a few weeks away.

Neebing Coun. Linda Rydholm agreed and said they wasn’t any time to waste.

“The government has known there are a number of elderly people in this town,” Rydholm said. “In 2006, they said the interim facility would only be for three years. They have fallen behind. They have known this for a long time.”