Chester nursing home will have only 6 more beds than aging facility it’s replacing
The construction of the new Shoreham Village long-term care facility in Chester, N.S., is reaching a significant milestone, much to the delight of the community that has been advocating for a new building for almost 20 years. The new facility will replace the outdated 50-year-old building next door, which no longer meets modern health and safety standards for the industry.
Charbel Daniel, the CEO of Shoreham Village, highlighted the main issue with the current building, which is the shared rooms that lack privacy and dignity for residents. The new facility will feature independent rooms, aligning with the industry trend moving away from shared-room models, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite only providing capacity for six additional beds compared to the old facility’s 90 residents, the new Shoreham Village will address the growing demand for long-term care beds in Lunenburg County, where 108 people are currently on the waitlist for placement.
Barbara Adams, the minister of seniors and long-term care, explained the strategic decision to build medium-sized facilities in every community to ensure easier access for families to visit their loved ones. The new industry standard involves constructing wings with 12 beds and a community hub to enhance staffing efficiency and resident accessibility to services.
The province has outlined plans to build 14 new long-term care facilities in the western zone by 2032, with some projects already completed, such as Villa Acadienne in Meteghan and the Mahone Bay Nursing Home. The new Shoreham Village, set to open in early 2027, will boast a modern design wrapped around a pond, resembling a butterfly shape.
Daniel emphasized that the new facility will incorporate upgraded technology to enhance care delivery, although staffing has never been a major issue at the site. The compassionate care provided by dedicated staff will continue seamlessly in the new facility, ensuring residents receive the highest quality of care.
As construction progresses, the community eagerly anticipates the opening of the new Shoreham Village, a symbol of progress and commitment to providing exceptional long-term care services for residents in Chester and beyond.
