Media Release
WRHA adds capacity to assist adults with complex needs, behavioral issues
Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Health Minister Sharon Blady announced today the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA), working with Actionmarguerite, has created two, new nine-bed units to address the evolving needs of long term care patients within the Winnipeg region.
“With an aging population, it is more important than ever to ensure that Manitobans have the supports they need to live in dignity,” said Minister Blady. “Today’s announcement is all about ensuring those supports are in place, including specialized care for those with complex needs associated with conditions like dementia or acquired brain injury.”
The two new units, expected to open later this month, have been created at Actionmarguerite’s facility at 185 Despins Street in St. Boniface (formerly Taché Centre). Each unit includes nine individual rooms with one unit accommodating residents with challenging or aggressive behaviours. The other will be available to residents who have incurred an acquired brain injury as adults.
The creation of the new units will address a few of the recommendations proposed after the Frank Alexander inquest which evaluated access to long term care within the WRHA.
“The Region is committed to improving access to and care for our clients with complex needs,” said Gina Trinidad, Chief Operating Officer of Long Term Care for the WRHA. “This expansion of dementia care services in the Region, with the addition of special needs behavioral beds, is evidence of a common vision in long term care which will continue to safely meet the needs of individuals and their families in their journey with dementia. We’re also excited to be able to offer a unit exclusive to those with acquired brain injury in the community.”
“We recognize the growing need for specialized long term care in our community,” said Charles Gagné, Chief Executive Officer, Actionmarguerite. “While the effort is always to accommodate clients and residents as much as possible within a community personal care home setting, we are aware that an increasing number of clients require specialized services, delivered by dedicated and highly trained staff.”
The new units were created at Actionmarguerite to leverage the organization’s knowledge and commitment in caring for adults with complex health care needs. The Region is also looking into developing additional partnerships in the long term care field, as well as zoning options for new construction that will be finalized in the coming months.
“This is a welcomed announcement,” said David Sullivan, executive director of the Manitoba Brain Injury Association. “It means Manitobans affected by brain injury can have a more age-appropriate living arrangement when needing 24-hour care throughout their lives.”
Actionmarguerite a community-based, non-profit corporation dedicated to serve the elderly and the individuals with complex care needs by delivering care and programs in the Winnipeg area. It is owned by the Catholic Health Corporation of Manitoba and receives the majority of its funding through the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.
