RR seeking Assisted Living Units

By Ken Johnston Editor As the demographics of Canada continue to age, the needs of its seniors will grow. That situation is no different here in Rainy River and the Strategic Planning Committee has clearly identified that as a concern and began to do something about it. Rainy River Town Councillor Gord Armstrong travelled to Fort Frances last Thursday to meet with Riverside Health Care Facilities Board of Directors to talk about needs here. Armstrong brought a request to Riverside that it begin looking at construction of Assisted Living Housing in Rainy River. This is a type of housing that allows seniors to remain relatively independent but are unable to completely care for themselves on their own. It is hoped that a dozen such units could be built in Rainy River and Armstrong is hopeful that they could be built next to the existing hospital and long term care facility. But it is too early in the process to say that will happen. “We have asked them to strike a committee to crunch the numbers on such a project,” said Armstrong Monday. After all the numbers are looked at, Armstrong admits they may have to look at other alternatives such as possibly a mix of assisted living and more long term care (LTC) facilities in Rainy River. At present there are about 35 people on the waiting list for the RR LTC with an average wait of about 5-6 years. However, it is estimated that about one third of those in the facility or waiting to get into it could live in assisted living. They just do not have that option right now. Assisted living is in essence the in between stage of normal living and LTC. Residents in assisted living would have constant access to professionals at various levels. Some might need meal preparation, others might need other home care services. “It would just depend on their specific needs.” But the local committee wants to be prepared for the future noting that in the latest census there are 200 seniors 70 years and over and 155 who are 75+ in Rainy River and those numbers are expected to grow tremendously over the next five years. “We want to be ready for their needs,” said Armstrong. “Assisted living would alleviate further strains on our LTC facilities.” Councillor Armstrong said the reception from Riverside was very good. “They asked a lot of questions and promised to get back to us soon.” Armstrong noted that the Strategic Planning Committee’s efforts will undoubtedly put some more demand on existing and possible Assisted Living services down the road. “We are getting ready to send out over 2,000 letters inviting people who used to live here to come and retire here. Imagine how many more folks we could have here if even 2% of them came back.”