Resident move-in date set for new Gilmore Lodge

NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGION
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THOROLD — The new Gilmore Lodge redevelopment project is progressing well, with plans to welcome residents from the existing Gilmore Lodge and Upper Canada Lodge into their new home on Dec. 18, 2024.

Gilmore Lodge is a newly built long-term care home located at 60 King St., Fort Erie. This state-of-the-art building was designed with input from staff, residents, families, and community partners reflecting the latest best practices in long-term care. The redeveloped home features a range of innovative enhancements, including spacious, modern bedrooms and bathrooms, individual climate control for added comfort, and dedicated technology spaces to support residents' connectivity.

In addition, this 160-bed home consists of a series of “neighbourhoods” celebrating the local picturesque sites of Fort Erie. Each “neighbourhood” is home to 32 residents, which is divided further into groups of 16 residents who share a dining room, living room, activity room and spa. This approach is designed to optimize infection control and to support outbreak management protocols.

Staff also provided valuable input into the home design particularly related to sight lines in the home, workflow efficiency in the design of the resident home areas, ceiling lifts in bedrooms and washrooms, and the introduction of a heated outdoor walkway designed to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls in the winter.

Gilmore Lodge was designed with the wellness of both residents and staff at its core, incorporating the WELL Building Standards. These standards prioritize holistic health, offering not only functional living spaces for residents but also restorative staff areas to help foster a healthy, supportive environment for caregivers. Quiet, staff-only spaces have been thoughtfully integrated to ensure staff can recharge during their shifts.

In addition to opening the new Gilmore Lodge, Niagara Region is also opening the new Gilmore Community Hub on Jan. 6, 2025. The Gilmore Community Hub is attached to the Gilmore Lodge and will help facilitate services for seniors, their families and the community. The Hub will also be host to many of Niagara Region’s seniors community programs such as the Adult Day Program and Falls Prevention Exercise Program. Seniors community programs offer a variety of social, wellness and outreach services to help older adults remain safe and independent at home for as long as possible.

Prior to moving residents into their new home, Niagara Region is hosting a public open house at Gilmore Lodge on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 2 - 7 p.m. The open house will include guided tours for the public and refreshments. In addition, a grand opening celebration for the new building is being planned for Spring 2025 with more details to come.

Quotes:

"The redevelopment of Gilmore Lodge marks a significant milestone for Niagara and the future of long-term care in our community. This state-of-the-art facility reflects our commitment to providing not only high-quality care but also a living environment that fosters dignity, comfort, and connection. With its innovative design, Gilmore Lodge will set a new standard for longterm care homes in Canada." - Jim Bradley, Regional Chair

"The redevelopment of Gilmore Lodge represents more than just a new building; it’s a transformation in how we support and care for our residents and staff. Every design decision has been made with the input of those who matter most, ensuring that the space nurtures both the physical and emotional well-being of everyone who calls it home." - Ron Tripp, Chief Administrative Officer

"The new Gilmore Lodge is a game-changer for both residents and staff. The thoughtful design of quiet spaces and restorative areas gives staff the tools they need to provide the best care possible, while also ensuring their well-being so they can continue to do the work they love with compassion and energy." - Henri Koning, Commissioner of Community Services

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