Sask. Health Authority walks back decision to shut down Regina care home
The province says with its support, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has been able to reach an agreement with Eden Care Communities to keep the Regina Lutheran Home open.
As first reported by CTV News in September, the care home was set to close in the spring of 2024, a move that would displace the 62 people who live there.
Many residents and their families openly expressed their disagreement over the SHA's decision to close the home after Eden Care Communities decided to move away from long-term care.
According to a news release from the province, the home’s operator Eden Care Communities will continue to operate the facility on a transitional basis while ownership is transferred to the SHA.
The province says that residents who have already moved out will have the option to return.
"After hearing from residents and families, I asked the Ministry of Health to work with the SHA to reconsider the viability of purchasing Regina Lutheran Home," Mental Health and Addictions, Rural and Remote Heath and Seniors Minister Tim McLeod said in the release.
The province did not say how long the transition will take.
“I am so thrilled. I am shocked but I am thrilled that this place is staying open," said Val Schalme, a family member of one of the residents. "Our family needs the stability, all the families here need the stability that this home provides.”
“It’s the people inside the building, the employees and the families that are part of Regina Lutheran Home that make this place work and the employees aren’t going anywhere so their level of commitment, their level of care and their just love for their job will continue,” said Bill Pratt, CEO of Eden Care Communities.
The government decision to purchase the care home at a yet to be disclosed price will save 120 union jobs.
“We are extremely happy that the voice of reasoning is finally here, that both the government and the SHA is listening and have listened to the concern that we have,” said Bashir Jalloh, president of CUPE health care workers union.
About ten residents of the nursing home had already relocated to other facilities. They will be invited to move back if they wish and the others will no longer have to search for a new place to live.
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