The provincial government first announced the project several years ago. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Aging Population

La Ronge residents excited about 80-bed long-term care facility commitment

Jun 18, 2020 | 2:43 PM

La Ronge resident Gary Veteri is pleased with the provincial announcement this week about the future construction of an 80-bed long-term care facility in the community.

Throughout the last several years, Veteri has travelled to Regina twice to lobby for a long-term care facility in La Ronge. His wife was diagnosed with dementia seven years ago and she’s been in long-term care since September. Veteri noted there’s currently a shortage of long-term care beds in town and that’s what his fight has been for.

“People who have built this community and lived here all their lives, to be shipping our Elders out where they are by themselves and don’t know anybody,” he said. “They are there until they died and we take them home to bury them after. I just don’t think that’s right.”

In total, $73 million was committed to the new long-term care facility in La Ronge and Grenfell, which is in the southeast portion of the province. The facility is expected to be ready in 2022/2023 and will replace the current 14 permanent resident beds at the La Ronge Health Centre. The replacement project was part of a $7.5 billion two-year capital to plan to build a strong Saskatchewan and stimulate Saskatchewan’s economic recovery.

While Veteri was happy to hear about the announcement, he’s hoping the project will actually be completed. The province first initiated the project back in 2014, but it ultimately came to a standstill due to a lack of funding.

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“They had spent close to $500,000 at that time, and a lot of people put in a lot of time and effort to raise the money with fundraisers and stuff like that,” he said.

La Ronge’s Dr. Michael Bayda was also excited to learn about the development, noting a long-term care facility is much needed in La Ronge and the surrounding area. He mentioned as everyone ages, their heath care needs often increase and being able to meet those needs in a supportive way is crucial.

With 10 of the 80 beds reserved for respite care, Bayda said that will allow caregivers a break from family members who require high health needs. He added currently in La Ronge there were only two beds for such temporary admissions.

“I think the funding and the size of the project is really exciting and overwhelming,” Bayda said. “It’s a big commitment and I think the goal is to serve the community and surrounding area as well.”

Moving forward, Bayda also said it will be important the provincial government consults with residents and health care providers. By doing so, he said it should allow for the creation of a facility sensitive to different cultures and the unique needs in the North.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno