The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care assumed control of Rainycrest Home for the Aged here Friday and appointed Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc. as interim administrator to run the day-to-day operations.
“The ministry took this action after recent inspections and reviews of the home revealed ongoing risks to health, safety, and well-being of residents and a failure by the home to meet ministry standards,” the ministry said in a press release issued Friday.
“The board of management for the Rainycrest District Home for the Aged requested and consented to the ministry’s decision,” it added.
Riverside representatives were at the home on Friday acting on the ministry’s behalf.
The Rainycrest board noted the ministry has not selected one of the three management proposals submitted earlier this month.
“This decision came about following countless discussion with ministry officials who have not approved any of the proposals solicited by the board,” the Rainycrest board said in its own press release Friday.
“The ministry has stated that [it is] confused as to the true wishes of the municipalities because of confusing representatives made recently,” it added.
The Rainycrest board put out a call for management proposals in late February, as requested by the ministry.
Three formal proposals were received by the deadline, including one from Riverside and another from the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board.
It is believed Extendicare, a private company, submitted the third proposal.
The Rainycrest board submitted the three proposals, as well as some letters of intent and applications for the position of administrator, to the ministry—along with the board’s recommendation—back on March 7.
Jill Colquhoun, the home’s administrator since January, 2003, had announced her retirement in January. Her last day on the job was Friday.
Family members of Rainycrest residents were invited to an informational meeting there Saturday, where Riverside reps explained the new arrangements.
“Riverside will be submitting a plan to the ministry that addresses immediate resident safety and care issues that have been identified,” the ministry said.
Furthermore, admissions to the home were suspended Feb. 18 and will remain suspended until further notice.
The ministry’s control of the home is temporary, “until a local solution can be reached,” it said.
“The board’s key concern for the past year has been the care and safety of the residents and this is ultimately the responsibility of the minister,” the Rainycrest board said.
“We are hopeful a long-term solution can be found as the home has been experiencing problems for several years,” it added.
Ontario NDP leader and local MPP Howard Hampton said he supported the ministry’s decision.
“There are serious issues that need to be resolved at Rainycrest and this is the best short-term solution,” he said in a press release Friday.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
