The senior population (age 65+) in the County of Renfrew and City of Pembroke is expected to grow in the coming years. A seniors housing strategy is currently being developed.
According to information gathered for the seniors housing strategy, the current population in Renfrew County and the City of Pembroke is roughly 102,000 with just over 21,000 seniors. In the next 20-years that number is expected to grow by up to 10,000, with a large share in the 75+ age group. The report indicates that by 2040, roughly three out of every ten residents in Renfrew County (approximately 30%), will be seniors citizens.
The report shows in Renfrew County there are a total of 12 privately owned retirement homes with an estimated 855 beds provided through these facilities. Average fees at these facilities for accommodation and services can range from $2,800 to over $5,000 per month.
For seniors with more elevated care needs, there are 9 long term care homes with roughly 782 beds across Renfrew County. The seniors housing strategy shows a current waitlist of 844 clients with placement rates anywhere from 1,000 to 1,400 days (3-years, 10 months) for ‘basic’ beds. In the county, Deep River appears to have longest wait times and fewest beds.
The seniors housing strategy has identified that based on current level of need, roughly one third of those on the long term care wait list could actually be served at home through the use of additional supports instead of moving to a care home. As part of a new pilot project, Community Paramedics in Renfrew County will be working with residents on the waitlist for long-term care homes. Paramedic Chief Michael Nolan says they will be able to identify the ones who are at greater need of services. Director of Long-Term Care for the County of Renfrew, Shelley Sheedy, says identifying the best place for seniors to stay will help reduce long wait times to get into care homes.
There are an additional 72 long-term care beds planned or under development including:
- The Grove (Arnprior) – expansion from 60 to 96 beds (36 new beds)
- Marianhill (Pembroke) – expansion from 131 to 160 beds (29 new beds)
- Valley Manor (Barry’s Bay) – redevelopment from 89 to 96 beds (net 7 new beds)
Across Renfrew County there is 1,300 units community housing units with more than 100 of these units specifically dedicated for seniors.
Renfrew County is currently served by 5 hospitals and a number of other agencies including:
- 14 Community support service agencies
- 11 Mental Health/addictions agencies
- 8 Family Health team locations
- 2 Community Health Centres
The seniors housing strategy looks at options that help seniors age in place including, assisted living, supportive housing, community paramedic partnership for in‐home/virtual care and adding more long-term care beds. Data suggests that roughly one third of those on the long-term care wait list could be served with additional at home supports instead of moving into a care home. Transportation for seniors was also noted as an issue.
Some unique options proposed to help solve the seniors housing problem included:
Cluster housing ‐ Cluster housing (also termed village communities) is a development where small
homes are situated in groupings in close proximity to each other to form a small community or
village. Residents typically rent the homes and share services that are available to those in the
community.
Tiny homes ‐ Tiny homes are small, single detached homes that typically have a footprint of less
than 400 sq. ft. Because of this size, they tend to be less expensive to build, heat, cool and
maintain than typical housing. This size also promotes affordability because the land required to
accommodate them is substantially reduced. Typically, multiple home will be clustered to
maximize land savings and in this configuration, homes are most commonly rented.
The seniors housing strategy makes five strategic recommendations with 17 action plans.
Strategy #1 – Expanding appropriate housing options that enable seniors to transition from their
traditional homes
Strategy #2 – Broadening the continuum of supports to help seniors remain at home safely
Strategy #3 – Addressing sustained demand for assisted and Long Term Care housing facilities
Strategy #4 ‐ Leveraging opportunities that respond to seniors housing needs
Strategy #5 – Improving seniors’ access to care and supports
It is recommended that an inter‐departmental steering group be tasked with guiding implementation.
The director of long-term care for the County of Renfrew, Shelley Sheedy, says next steps include presentations to the health and social services committee in February. Sheedy says pending approval from committee the report will go to County Council at the end of February. If county council receives the report staff will start a work plan for elected officials to consider down the road. Sheedy says they’re looking for feedback on the plan.
If you have thoughts, concerns or ideas about seniors housing you want to share, you can send an e-mail to the following address: seniorstrategy@countyofrenfrew.on.ca
The full reports can be viewed by following the links below:
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Seniors housing options being reviewed in Renfrew County and Pembroke
