New long-term care facility on cusp of opening

Part of the peopleCare team stand in front of the new three-story long-term care facility on Maple Lane. Left to right are: Elizabeth Owoeye, Staffing Services Coordinator; Jennifer Killing, Opening Operations Lead for peopleCare Communities and Grace Akah, Director of Care. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

The new peopleCare long-term care facility on Maple Lane will accept its first residents Aug. 17.

The facility will house 160 residents. The modern design is bright and airy. Those entering the facility walk into an open lobby that doubles as the chapel with movable chairs and also has a bistro.

Residents are housed in five home areas, with each having rooms for 32 residents and its own dining room and lounge. Each home area has its own name, with local handles like TurtleFest. An outdoor courtyard is in the centre of the facility.

“One of the features of the design is that residents have access to the courtyard,” said Sheena Campbell, vice-president of communications and engagement, for peopleCare Communities.

A suite for visiting families to stay overnight is designed similar to a hotel room.

“This is a quiet space, a space to spend the night, or at least get cleaned up,” Campbell said.

The rooms are a combination of private rooms and rooms with two beds. Residents are welcome to bring belongings to make the space their own.

One difference from traditional long-term care facilities is the absence of nursing stations. Campbell explains this was done purposely so that, for instance, nurses can sit in the lounge and complete charting while interacting with patients.

The three-floor facility has one large kitchen, and food is then moved to the server for each home area.

Before the residents start moving in, staff are still being hired for the facility, and orientation will start Aug. 4. Positions open include RNs, RPNs, PSWs and recreation staff. When all staff are hired, about 200 people will be employed. Dr. Derek Vaughan, a local physician, will be assigned to the facility.

Prior to the opening, staff have been busy receiving everything from bedding to plates and utensils to kitchen equipment. Bedding, for instance, is received in bulk, and then pillows and sheets need to be distributed to each room.

Residents will be added gradually, with a few added per day over two months.

Construction is on schedule for the facility that saw a ground-breaking in January 2025. Jenn Killing, vice-president quality care, explained the company has a mandate from the government to build the beds. Tillsonburg was identified as having a shortage of long-term care beds.

“The ministry loves it when you get your town onside,” Campbell said. “It was really a wonderful collaboration that got us here, and got us here so quickly.”

The concept is to create more beds to prevent people from leaving their community when they can no longer live alone.

“The idea is we want people to age in place so they don’t have to leave family, friends and their community,” Campbell said.

“This end of Oxford County is underserviced, compared to Woodstock, which has lots of beds; Tavistock has lots of beds,” Killing said.

She has been on site, overseeing everything that is coming into place for next month. The facility is accepting applications from people for a wait list.

The opening of a new long-term care facility brings excitement for staff. Director of Care Grace Akah will oversee the facility's clinical and operational needs while ensuring compliance with policies. She worked as a director of care in the GTA, and is looking forward to being in a new facility.

“We have opportunities to shape the culture, to meet the first residents,” she said. “I heard it’s an exciting experience, but I’ve yet to experience it personally, so I’m really looking forward to it.”