Six projects at long term care homes in Thunder Bay will be splitting $1.4 million from a pot of $20 million from the provincial government.

A lion share of the money, some $700,000, is going to St. Joseph’s Care Group which purchased specialized bariatric equipment to improve accessibility for patients living at Hogarth Riverview Manor and Bethammi Nursing Home, as well for training of staff for that equipment and care for the patients.

Vice President of Infrastructure and Planning Byron Ball says accessibility plays a key role for the quality of life for residents.

“Really your supporting care for a client population that traditionally has received care but in a less than optimal way, so its going to allow them to receive care with dignity.”

Thunder Bay – Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland announced the funding Thursday, noting his fondness of how this funding package prioritized local needs.

“Its catering the services and investments into what the needs of the local community are rather than dictating a province initiative.”

Holland adds this funding will also help address capacity issues within the health system, with Bethammi Nursing Home gaining the ability to provide certain types of dialysis services.

“That resident no longer needs to be in an acute care bed in the hospital. Without the provision of services at the long term care home, they’d be required to live at the hospital basically.”

Another part of the funding includes $625,000 for St. Joseph’s Care Group to hire new staff in both of its LTC facilities with a specialization in behavior support.

A further $100,000 will provide similar bariatric equipment at both Pioneer Ridge and Southbridge Pinewood.