Villa Acadienne in Meteghan will be expanded to add 96 LTC beds to the facility. Photo: File Photo.

The Nova Scotian government is set to commence renovations on the former Villa Acadienne long-term care home in Meteghan, Digby County, paving the way for 47 additional single rooms for seniors in need of care. This initiative is part of the broader plan to improve senior care in the region.

Barbara Adams, Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care, highlighted the ongoing efforts to construct 3,500 new and replacement rooms across the province. While these projects continue, the government is also exploring ways to prolong the life of existing infrastructure to expedite senior care delivery.

The facility, which formerly housed 86 residents, was recently replaced with a new 96-room long-term care home, also named Villa Acadienne, rendering the older building vacant. The upcoming renovations will not only create more space for seniors but also enhance infection control measures.

The renovation process will unfold in two phases, with 28 rooms expected to become available later this winter and an additional 19 rooms in the spring. These temporary rooms will serve seniors in need of long-term care while new and replacement facilities are under development in the region.

In addition to the Villa Acadienne expansion, eight other facilities in the area have been earmarked for replacement. Upon completion, these homes will contribute an extra 60 new single rooms to the total long-term care spaces available in the region, with all expected to be operational by 2027.

Recruitment of essential staff for care provision and facility operations is set to commence this month.

The upgraded facility will be overseen by the same board, management, and administration as the newly opened Villa Acadienne.