Government to proceed with new dementia duplexes in Corner Brook

Health and Community Services Minister John Ottenheimer today announced that government is proceeding with its plans to build eight new duplexes in Corner Brook for residents in the early stages of dementia. Once completed, the duplexes, combined with the new 188-bed traditional nursing home, will result in an increase of 40 new long-term care beds in the region. The plan is part of government�s continued commitment to address the long-term care needs in all regions of the province.

"These dementia care duplexes represent a new model of residential care for Newfoundland and Labrador that has been successful in other jurisdictions. This social housing model is designed to promote independence, dignity and improve the quality of life for elderly residents with mild to moderate dementia," said Minister Ottenheimer. "While placement in traditional nursing homes is appropriate for those in the latter stages of Alzheimer�s Disease and other related dementias, this new model of care will offer residents a home-like environment which will make the transition from home easier and will allow for optimum functioning for the resident."

Dementia is described as a progressive, severe decline in intellectual abilities which results in memory loss, personality changes and poor reasoning. This new care model is appropriate for those with mild to moderate dementia. Residents must meet established criteria to ensure there is a good fit between the resident and this care option.

Government recently issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) seeking proposals from community associations, private and/or not-for-profit organizations to design, build and operate an 80-bed duplex in Corner Brook consisting of eight residential dementia care duplex units each with 10 bed spaces. These units will provide care and accommodations to residents with mild to moderate dementia in a residential home-like setting.

As this is a social model of care, residents will live in a home-like environment with the design providing amenities to suit residents� particular needs. Residents will be encouraged to furnish their own bedrooms to personalize their private space and environment and family visitation is an integral part of the program. Each duplex will accommodate 10 residents, who will be encouraged to carry on normal household routines, while having 24 hour supervision.

Recognizing that investments must be made now to ensure appropriate long-term care capacity in the future, government announced $2.7 million in Budget 2005 toward a new Corner Brook nursing home to proceed with detailed design and initial site work. Work is currently underway on the new 188-bed traditional nursing home, which is expected to open in late summer of 2008. These new dementia duplexes will be in addition to the new nursing home and will result in an increase in long-term care capacity in Corner Brook. These two facilities will include a combined total of 268 long-term care beds in Corner Brook, resulting in an increase of 40 long-term care beds in the region.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-1377, 685-1741

2006 03 07                                      12:00 Noon