CHSLD Wales Inc. signs 15-year agreement with CIUSSS de l’estrie CHUS
Becomes priority facility for English-speaking Quebecers in the Townships
It’s history in the making,” said Wales Home Executive Director Brendalee Piironen, describing the $84 million contract ($5.6 million for 15 years) signed with the provincial government yesterday, ensuring the sustainability of the CHSLD Wales Inc. long-term care facility for the foreseeable future.
“I’ve been working on this since 2012 with Karine (Vallières)”, Piironen said.
“It’s finally having equity for our residents and equity for our employees,” Piironen commented. “The care will improve; it’s a benefit for everybody.
The facility will continue operating as before, Piironen explained.
“It’s still completely private, but the beds are government funded.”
Previously, a resident was charged roughly $3,500 per month, and required to pay for any products, transport or extras required for their care.
Piironen said that now, the long-term care residents will pay a maximum of $1,836 for a private room, and $1,535 for a semi-private room, with the new funding covering any extra care necessities.
“Now everyone can afford long-term care in the language of their choice,” Piironen said.
The new funding will create six full-time positions, according to Piironen.
“We’re still a not-for-profit organization,” Piironen said, adding that the Wales Home Foundation will continue fundraising to invest in capital improvements and maintain a high level of care and services.
Piironen said the first phase of a plan to expand and improve the facility is almost complete. The plan included new resident and staff lounges, therapy facilities, a day program centre, an aquatics facility, a new handicapped accessible main entrance and a parking lot expansion.
Piironen said that phase two of the plan will be to increase the number of beds in long-term from 84 to 96.
Piironen acknowledged that the oldest seniors’ residence in Quebec shows no signs of slowing its pace in improving client care.
“We really want to be innovative,” she said, referring to care benchmarks like two baths per week and nurses available on the floor full-time.
“We want to be the model for long-term care,” Piironen said, “We want to be a leader.”