Correction: A previous version of this article indicated more beds than were approved. It has been corrected to reflect there will be 62 new beds at Grey Gables. CollingwoodToday apologizes for the error.
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Grey Gables, the long-term care (LTC) facility in Markdale, will be expanding by 62 beds.
“As our population ages we are seeing an increased demand for LTC and other services for seniors. More beds means more people will receive these services in Grey County. We are excited to work with the province on this very important project,” said Jennifer Cornell, director of LTC for Grey County.
On Friday, Bill Walker, MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, announced the province has approved the development of 62 new LTC spaces in Markdale.
This will go alongside the 66 spaces already at Grey Gables, resulting in a new 128-bed home in Markdale at Grey Gables.
“This is great news for our cherished senior citizens who call Grey Gables their home. As a result of our government’s investment in seniors, they will enjoy a warm, safe and modern environment with the best quality of care that they deserve,” said MPP Walker in a news release.
The project will involve the construction of a new building.
The additional spaces are expected to help reduce LTC waitlists in the province, as well as improve the quality of care.
“This announcement is great news for the people of Grey County. In addition to the new LTC at Grey Gables, we’re also building a new hospital and adding health care capacity across Grey Highlands,” said Grey County Warden, Paul McQueen.
As of June, more than 38,500 people were on the waitlist to access a LTC bed, according to provincial statistics.
“More beds will increase the possibility for area seniors to access LTC services in their home community; however, these beds will be available to anyone in the province in need who applies to the home,” Cornell said.
The expanded LTC model in Markdale will be part of campus care, which involves varying levels of care on one site.
“For example, this could include LTC, assisted living (retirement home), seniors apartments, and other services. There is not one single definition of a campus of care. A campus reflects the needs of the community and is designed to support an individual throughout the aging journey,” Cornell explained.
She notes that no decisions or plans have been finalized for how best to provide these services at this location.
“A campus of care model has the potential to keep senior couples closer together. If one partner requires the acute care of LTC, the other partner may be able to access other care services on the campus,” she added.
The project in Markdale comes through the province’s 2020 budget and is one of 29 LTC projects that are expected to create 2,983 new and upgraded LTC spaces.
Earlier this year, Grey County also announced plans to expand Rockwood Terrace, the LTC facility in Durham in West Grey.
The province approved the development of a new 128-bed LTC facility in Durham last year, with targeted completion in 2025.
“The Rockwood Terrace and Grey Gables projects represent significant investments in our local economy and seniors services,” added Cornell.
