Stepping up

The municipality owns about 20 acres around McFarland Memorial home that might be used to expand and extend health care services in this community.

Municipality seeks to kick start aging-in-place strategies

The municipality has at times, been an advocate, a contributor, a critic and a facilitator in improving health care in this community. Now it is proposing to take a more direct role in moving forward with a plan.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Mayor Peter Mertens was expected to announce that it was formally putting the County’s 20-acre property around McFarland Memorial Home on the table as part of a plan to develop additional seniors’ housing options, as well as a possible new hospital facility and other health care facilities.

“This development could include entering a seniors’ living village, capable of caring for yourself, and transitioning as age and health require to increased levels of assisted living and care,” said Mertens in a statement. “The purpose of this session is for health care professionals and industry, developers, media, municipal staff and councillors to explore this idea further.”

QHC will be submitting a business case later this year for a new integrated hospital and health care facility that would be built on a new site. The McFarland site, in terms of size, location and access, might fit that bill.

Also with the Picton Manor set to close in a matter of months,there is a need and a desire by the municipality and the Local Health Integration Network to keep these 78 beds in this community. A new facility on this property might also be accommodated on this site.

The community is currently rallying strongly behind the development of a new residential hospice residence. Some see a benefit in integrating this proposed facility into new hospital and health care facilities.

Together these facilities might offer a comprehensive array of health care and related services—creating efficiencies and improved access to care.

“It is part of our responsiblity to play a role in ensuring our residents get the care they need in this community,” said Mertens.