Arnprior 'engaged' in planning future of the Grove

Posted Jan 26, 2012 By EMC News

Last week consultations were held with a wide variety of community stakeholders as part of the preliminary phases of work in the Grove Redevelopment Options Study.

Grove officials are also asking municipal councils for input. Grove and Arnprior Memorial District Hospital CEO Eric Hanna and board chairman Jay Johnston made a presentation to McNab-Braeside council Tuesday.

In a news release Wednesday, the Grove Nursing Home explained that community seniors, caregivers and senior's service providers as well as families, staff and leadership of the Grove participated in various open forum sessions.

While consultations are not complete, more than 40 people have participated in the process to date.

The consultation process represents an important component in the analysis of gaps in services to seniors in and around Arnprior, says the Grove.

The service gaps will identify opportunities for further consideration as part of the Grove redevelopment project.

The Grove is a 30-year-old building. Its bedrooms, washrooms, dining room and lounge spaces no longer meet the building design standards of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC). As such, the Grove is eligible for some capital funding to redevelop its existing 60 beds under the MOHLTC Capital Renewal Program.

The Board of Directors commissioned the Grove Redevelopment Options Study to provide recommendations on how best to redevelop the existing 60 beds.

The mandate of the study also includes the investigation of service expansion opportunities that can realistically contribute to meeting the needs of seniors as well as support the feasibility of the redevelopment project and the long-term viability of the Grove.

As the Redevelopment Options Study evolves, the Board of Directors will consider the stakeholder input, and the analyses and recommendations of the Options Study in their deliberations.

The Board will ultimately approve a preferred direction for the redevelopment project, a direction that is achievable and sustainable. Johnston chair of the board of directors noted that: "the Board of Directors is committed to maintaining its services to the seniors of Arnprior and surrounding area into the future and is grateful to the consultation participants who so willingly and expertly shared their opinions, experiences and ideas for seniors' services."