Delivering Results at Huron Lodge
Mayor Drew Dilkens was joined today by Jelena Payne, Commissioner of Human and Health Services; and Huron Lodge Executive Director Alina Sirbu to plant a commemorative tree in recognition of the impacts of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations, as well as to highlight significant achievements over the past year and discuss upcoming investments at Huron Lodge in 2022.
The pandemic has placed incredible strain on health and long-term care resources around the world, including here in the City of Windsor. The tree planted today will stand in commemoration of the sacrifice and determination shown by residents, staff, and their families throughout the pandemic.
Huron Lodge Highlights for 2021:
· On September 27, 2021, Council approved the addition of 5 Full-Time-Equivalent (FTE) positions to address the increased needs of the residents of Huron Lodge and ensure the continuation of effective and ongoing infection prevention and control measures to protect residents.
· Voted “Best Nursing Home” in the 2021 Best of #YQG campaign.
· Successful 3-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
· Successful in securing a New Horizons for Seniors Grant for dementia-focused programing.
· 49 staff redeployed from other departments of the corporation to ensure continuing exceptional care for residents during the pandemic.
· Return of the Alzheimer Society’s Day Away Program.
· Return of the Volunteer Program.
· Compliance with the Ministry of Long-Term Care’s COVID-19 vaccination policy.
· All staff fully vaccinated by November 15, 2021, in accordance with the City of Windsor’s COVID-19 vaccination policy.
· Implemented technology to ensure continued connections between families and their loved ones.
The City of Windsor’s draft 2022 budget is Delivering Results for the residents of Huron Lodge by proposing $10.3 million in capital investments over the next decade. Those investments replace necessary nursing, dietary and therapeutic equipment at Huron Lodge, and include building upgrades as part of the Huron Lodge Facility Rehabilitation Program of $2.7 million.
Additional Huron Lodge Projects Planned for 2022 Include:
· Nursing equipment – $1.5 million
· Dietary, kitchen and cafe equipment – $2.5 million
· Resident bed replacement – Over $1.4 million
· Resident call system – $305,000
· Resident lift systems – $875,000
Further Investments for 2022 Include:
· Investment in Medication Safety Initiatives – $58,872 for tablets to electronically document medication and treatments administered
· Funding for the continued implementation of stringent Infection Prevention and Control measures, such as active screening, increased cleaning and disinfection, hand washing, distancing and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times
· Alignment of staffing to optimize Ministry of Long-Term Care funding to increase hours of care for residents, and support homes with education and training to ensure a superior level of care through the leveraging of additional funding of just over $825,000 for the 2021-2022 funding year
· Facility upgrades to the building to ensure a comfortable and welcoming environment for residents and families
Quotes:
“The proposed 2022 City of Windsor budget is about Delivering Results. We are delivering results by prioritizing the needs of Windsor residents, including those who make their home at Huron Lodge. Investments in the physical environment and human resources contribute to a high quality of life for residents of Huron Lodge.”
– Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens
“The single largest expense included in the 2022 gross operating budget is Windsor’s Human & Health Services department. The size of this financial commitment speaks to the weight Council places on this portfolio. Huron Lodge may be one piece of that pie, but to the residents here, it is the place they call home.”
– Councillor Ed Sleiman, Ward 5, and Chair of the Huron Lodge Committee of Management
“With acknowledgement of the challenges that COVID-19 presented to residents and families of Huron Lodge, I am proud of the Huron Lodge and redeployed corporate staff who have met these challenges and continually adapted to provide exceptional care. The health, safety and well-being of our residents is always our first priority. These investments in Huron Lodge will improve services and ensure we can continue to meet the physical and emotional needs of residents and enhance their quality of life.”
– Jelena Payne, Commissioner, Human and Health Services
“I echo the sentiments of the commissioner. I am extremely proud of our staff and colleagues who have continued to put residents first during unprecedented times. The investments in operations and capital improvements will allow Huron Lodge to continue to offer the welcoming environment that makes us a preferred choice for residents requiring long-term care.”
– Alina Sirbu, Executive Director/Administrator, Huron Lodge Long-Term Care Home
Media Contacts:
| Andrew Teliszewsky Chief-of-Staff Windsor Mayor’s Office 519-990-3035 | Alina SirbuExecutive Director/AdministratorHuron Lodge Long-term Care Home519-253-6060 |
| Jelena PayneCommissioner, Human and Health Services519-255-5200 | Jason Moore Senior Manager Communications & Customer Service 519-551-9011 |