More long-term care facilities receive second-wave COVID funding

WELLINGTON COUNTY – The province is providing $813,600 in funding to help long-term care homes in the county cope with the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funding, announced on Jan. 25, is in addition to “prevention and containment” funding already provided by the provincial government since the onset of the pandemic last March.

Previously Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece announced funding for facilities in northern Wellington County.

Funding will also be distributed to the following facilities elsewhere in the county:

  • Caressant Care Fergus (87 beds), $80,500;
  • Eden House Nursing Home in Guelph-Eramosa, (58 beds), $38,600;
  • Morriston Park Nursing Home in Puslinch (28 beds), $156,000; and
  • Wellington Terrace at Aboyne, (176 beds), $110,000.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who is providing care for our seniors, especially in recent months during this terrible pandemic,” stated Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott.

“Our nurses, personal support workers, caregivers and other essential staff have been magnificent, as we have worked together to keep seniors safe and overcome COVID-19.”

Officials say the the new funding will cover eligible expenses related to:

  • an immediate 24/7 health checkpoint to confirm staff and essential caregivers entering facilities are properly screened for COVID-19 symptoms and potential exposure, and to continue screening residents;
  • additional prevention and containment activities, such as hiring new staff for essential services and/or to replace workers who are sick or in isolation;
  • cleaning, equipment and operating supplies beyond typical levels for the home; and
  • implementing infection control measures based on clinical evidence and expert advice.