From the wide hallways to the sizeable amount of floor space in resident rooms to colourful murals, there was a lot of attention to detail in Southridge Cornwall. From the left: Andrew Lauzon, executive director, clinical services director Chelsea Pecore and Jessica Lislen director of care are pictured near a gigantic, magnetic scrabble board which will likely become a favourite spot to spend some time.  Thompson Goddard Photo

CORNWALL – The red carpet was out as residents from the Parisien Manor in Cornwall arrived at their new home, Southbridge Cornwall on Wed., April 12, and the facility officially opened. Southbridge Cornwall is located at 800 Nick Kaneb Drive in the Seaway City, next door to Bridgewood Public School, and on eight acres of land, which provides residents and staff with the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

The long-term care facility has five modules with each one accommodating 32 people in a mixture of single and double rooms. Rooms are spacious, with each module having its own separate dining area, multipurpose area and wall murals brightening up the spaces. Meals are prepared onsite and individually tailored to reflect the needs and wishes of residents. Executive director Andrew Lauzon explained there is round the clock medical care, a physio room as well as family rooms and a family party room allowing residents the opportunity to visit with friends and family members.

A question-and-answer period with Minister of Long-Term Care, Paul Calandra was held following Lauzon’s guided tour. Calandra explained the new long-term care centres are built with infection control measures in place and designed to be less isolative if quarantines are required. The older long-term care facilities, many dating from the 1960s, can be rebuilt adding to their capacity, while the larger lots surrounding the new buildings provide the opportunity for future growth.

After explaining long-term care centres in Ontario receive subsidization from the provincial government, the minister noted there is the need for care companies and municipal governments to work collaboratively with the provincial government. The next phase of the government’s plan will be to build a strong home care system in the province, with Calandra mentioning long-term care centres can have a greater role in working with providing home care services.

The government of Ontario is assisting in the expansion, renewal, or new build of several long-term care centres in Eastern Ontario. This includes the new build for 45-year-old Dundas Manor in Winchester with construction expected to begin before the end of 2023.

“Obviously this is a beautiful addition to the community,” commented Stormont, Dundas, and South Glengarry MPP Nolan Quinn, when asked about the newly opened Southbridge Cornwall facility. He added how it feels like home and the close proximity to the next generation is wonderful.