New Long-term Care Facility Opens in Yarmouth
The province is providing more home-like surroundings for residents who need long-term care with a new 105-bed replacement nursing home in the Yarmouth area.
Staff and residents celebrated the official opening of The Meadows today, Oct. 28. The new facility replaces Tidal View Manor, an older facility connected to Yarmouth Regional Hospital.
"This new home is a positive addition to the community," said Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister Maureen MacDonald. "The design is open and user-friendly and the level of care here is exceptional."
The Meadows is designed to meet new provincial standards. The facility has nine households with 11 or 12 people in each. The units are built on one level surrounding a central core. The layout reduces traffic, increases privacy and ensures facilities are easily accessible for staff and residents. It reflects the province's Better Care Sooner plan to make the health-care system more user-centred.
The facility also has a landscaped outdoor courtyard, central kitchens, living and dining areas, a spiritual room and a multi-purpose room.
The Meadows has hired about 30 additional full-time staff. Most of the employees live in the Yarmouth area.
"The new building is more comfortable and private. I know the staff, as well as residents and their families are pleased with the move," said Sandra Boudreau, administrator of The Meadows. "The new location means more people can get outside and we're in a residential neighbourhood, which is less institutional."
The Meadows delivers 24-hour nursing care, as well as medical, nutritional and pharmacy services, occupational therapy and physiotherapy.
"I love it here, the rooms are big and spacious. There is more privacy than we had before; it is wonderful," said Kathleen Laverie, president of the residents' council.
The province has opened, or plans to open, nearly 1,100 new beds in 13 new, stand-alone facilities and 10 facility expansions. Long-term care is a major priority of the province's 10-year, $262-million Continuing Care Strategy.
Access to The Meadows, as well as other provincial long-term care facilities, is through the Department of Health and Wellness' single entry access system at 1-800-225-7225.