Pictou County Seniors Benefit from Replacement Nursing Homes
Seniors in Pictou County will receive long-term care in more home-like surroundings with the opening of two new replacement nursing homes in Trenton and Pictou.
The new homes reflect the province's Better Care Sooner plan to provide more personalized care to seniors close to their friends and families.
Residents, staff and families will celebrate the official opening of Shiretown home in Pictou today, May 26, and Ivey's Terrace in Trenton on Sunday, May 27. The new facilities replace Shiretown nursing home, an 89-bed facility in Pictou that was built in 1975. Residents moved into the new homes in late February.
"The way we deliver long-term care now is very different from the 1970s, so these new homes are a much-needed improvement to the living and working conditions for residents and staff," said Energy Minister Charlie Parker, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister Maureen MacDonald. "The design is open and user-friendly, and the level of care at these two homes is exceptional."
Shiretown has 53 beds and Ivey's Terrace has 36 beds. The facilities follow new provincial design guidelines that feature households built on one level around a central core. The layout reduces traffic, increases privacy and ensures facilities are easily accessible for staff and residents.
The homes also have landscaped outdoor courtyards, living and dining areas, a spiritual room, multi-purpose space and a therapy room.
"The new buildings offer more privacy for residents, incorporating additional living spaces and amenities," said Bonnie Linkletter, administrator of Shiretown and Ivey's Terrace. "It has truly been a team effort to get to the point where we're all together in these beautiful buildings."
Both homes deliver 24-hour nursing care as well as medical, nutritional and pharmacy services, occupational therapy and physiotherapy, and varied social and recreational programs.
"I love it here, the rooms are big and spacious. There is more privacy than we had before; it is wonderful," said Sheldon Chisholm, member of the resident council for Shiretown.
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 Shiretown and Ivey Terrace, 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.