A total of 488 new long-term care beds are coming to the Quinte Region.
The Hastings County long-term care committee reviewed a report on the ongoing projects to boost the available beds in the area.
A total of 232 of those beds are being prepared in two expansions to care homes in Belleville. Neighborhood Better Living will get 160, and 72 will be at Westgate Lodge. An expansion to the Clare McFaul Long-Term Care Home in Madoc includes another 128 beds. Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory’s Elder Care Home will also be expanding with 128 new beds.
The report notes that more than just building the facilities, staffing them is an ongoing challenge. A province-wide shortage of nurses, personal support workers, and other medical professionals is ongoing. While the long-term care homes are trying to increase staffing levels, they are in competition with hospitals and community-care organizations to hire from the same limited pool of professionals.
The projects in Belleville and Madoc are expected to be completed in 2025, while the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory’s Elder-Care Home expansion is expected to be ready in 2026.
