(MBC News File Photo)
Deep River’s Four Seasons Lodge is joining a pilot program to help support aging members of the community without having to move into the long-term care home full time.
Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta and Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP Billy Denault announced in Deep River on Friday, July 31st that the lodge is one of three new facilities joining the Community Access to Long-Term Care (CALTC) pilot program.
The initiative, which launched at three long-term care facilities in the Greater Toronto Area in September of 2025, allows seniors to visit long-term care facilities for assistance with clinical and personal care, nursing and dementia services, help with wound care and dementia and more.
Kusendova-Bashta explained during the announcement that the program is part of a broader effort to reduce isolation in long-term care facilities and turn them into important community hubs for seniors.
According to Kusdendova-Bashta, in addition Four Seasons Lodge, Craigholme in Alisa Craig and Woodingfood Lodge in Woodstock are also being added to the program.
She says Deep River was chosen to become part of the program for several reasons.
Kusendova-Bashta also highlighted an intentional focus on smaller, rural communities and Denault’s advocacy for the region as factors that were considered.
The program was launched as a two-year pilot, and she says Deep River will remain a part of it for the remainder of its duration, with the potential for it to expand to other long-term care facilities across the province if it sees continued success.
The province is investing a total of $15 million between September 2025 and 2027 for the pilot program.
(Steve Berard)
