Word that 36 assisted living units will be available here to high-risk seniors by 2017, along with six in Emo and additional ones in both Rainy River and Atikokan, is welcome news—and long overdue.
The need for assisted living—a bridge, so to speak, between people living in their own home and going to Rainycrest—has been well-documented. It even spawned the local Assisted Living Action Group (A.L.A.G.), which has been working tirelessly for several years to address this glaring gap.
It’s great to see that Queen’s Park, through the North West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), finally realized that providing funding for assisted living to seniors is cheaper than having them in long-term care homes.
As well, being a partnership involving Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc., the local District Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB), and the Northwest Community Care Access Centre is a wise use of existing services working together to hopefully improve efficiencies while keeping down costs.
Obviously, not every senior will be eligible for these new units, which is why A.L.A.G. needs to continue pursuing its plans for an assisted living/retirement community living facility here.
A two-pronged approach is needed to ensure seniors can keep contributing to the social and economic fabric of Fort Frances and district instead of having to move elsewhere to access such facilities.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
