Regina Lutheran Home families want care home kept open until province builds new facility
Families impacted by the planned closure of the Regina Lutheran Home went to the legislature on Wednesday to fight the move.
They feel the province should keep the care home open until a new government-owned care home is built.
“Is it possible, at all possible that SHA (Saskatchewan Health Authority), our government would subsidize the Regina Lutheran Home until they have a new place,” family member Joyce Hextall said.
The government recently announced plans for a new nursing home across from Sask. Polytech, but it could take five years to build. The government also isn’t interested in assuming the operation of Regina Lutheran Home from its owner.
“This isn’t a facility that is government-owned or SHA-owned so the assessment was made by officials at SHA to deem whether or not the facility was viable to continue and it was decided that it’s not,” Minister Responsible for Seniors Tim McLeod said.
Earlier this year, the government purchased five nursing homes from Extendicare in Regina, Saskatoon and Moose Jaw.
“Which are all relatively similar ages to the Lutheran Home. I’ve been looking around and checking and they are very similar ages so I don’t understand that,” family member Lorraine Simpson said.
The Saskatchewan NDP says it doesn’t make sense.
“What is different in this situation than in the four Extendicare homes that the government took over,” NDP MLA Matt Love said. “Those homes were old, those homes were housing four residents to a room.”According to Love, the Extendicare homes also had narrow hallways and other issues that would not be standard in facilities built today.
“Yet the government found it fitting to take over those facilities to keep those seniors living in their home so why can’t they do that here,” Love said.
The long-term viability of the former Regina Extendicare nursing homes could also be questioned but the government couldn’t say whether they will remain open once construction of the new government nursing home has been completed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Wildfire smoke drifts across Canada, over parts of U.S., prompting air quality advisories
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
BREAKING City of Ottawa negligent in allowing Uber to operate outside of taxi bylaw, judge rules
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of the city's taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to begin operating in 2014, harming the city's established taxi industry.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.