Improving Veterans' Access to Long-Term Care at The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre Français
Minister Hehr supports a new partnership arrangement for specialized long-term care beds for Veterans at The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre
OTTAWA, March 27, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada's commitment to support quality care to injured, disabled and aging Veterans is a long-standing priority, dating back to the First World War. Strong partnerships with provincial health authorities enhance the supports available to Veterans. Through flexible services and benefits, Veterans can make choices about their future that best suit their needs and the needs of their family.
The Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence is pleased to support a new partnership arrangement between the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Champlain Local Health Integration Network that will provide specialized long-term care beds for Veterans at The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre. Veterans who are eligible for financial support from Veterans Affairs Canada in a community bed will now have access to up to 25 long-term care beds designated solely for their care. The Minister commends both the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Champlain Local Health Integration Network for their commitment to all Veterans and recognizing the needs of war Veterans as well as modern-day Veterans.
Quotes
"It is heartwarming to see the province and the community working together to better address the needs of Veterans. I am honoured to support this new agreement and congratulate The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre for their exceptional advocacy and care for Veterans."
Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of the Department of National Defence.
"At The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre, our roots in caring for the unique cultural and clinical needs of Veterans reach back more than 70 years. I am proud that our expert staff and team of committed volunteers will continue to care for Canadian and Allied Veterans in our safe and enriching home. We applaud our partners from Veterans Affairs Canada, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and Champlain LHIN for continuing to support the programs and services that benefit Veterans from the Ottawa region and beyond."
Akos Hoffer, CEO, The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre.
"The new specialized 25-bed unit has increased access to long-term care beds for eligible Veterans. I commend The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre for working to meet the evolving needs of seniors in our community."
John Fraser, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health and Long Term Care.
Quick Facts
- The Perley and Rideau Veterans Health Centre (Perley Rideau) was created from the merger of The Perley Hospital, the Rideau Veterans Home and the National Defence Medical Centre. Part of a growing Seniors Village, today Perley Rideau is a 450-bed long-term care facility, including 200 beds for seniors for the community along with 250 beds for Veterans of the Second World War and the Korean War.
- In 1992, the Rideau Veterans Home was transferred from Veterans Affairs Canada to the province of Ontario. Since that time, the Perley Rideau and the federal and provincial governments have worked together to support Veterans.
- In 2016, Veterans Affairs Canada contributed almost $9 million to Perley Rideau to support special programming and enhanced services.
- The current funding for long-term care for Veterans of the Second World War and the Korean War pays for enhanced care, including the expertise of the Psychogeriatric Resource Nurse, as well as dental care and other higher-than-standard services and programs. One such program is the highly prized Recreation and Creative Arts program, which receives more than $1 million per year.
- Perley Rideau's enduring commitment to all former members of the Canadian Armed Forces is evident in its policy that provides priority access to the two independent-living seniors' apartment buildings within the Seniors Village.
SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada
Sarah McMaster, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 613-996-4649; Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468, [email protected]; Jay Innes, Director, Communications, The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre, 613-526-7171, ext. 2207, [email protected]; Fadi El Masry, Office of MPP John Fraser, 613-736-9573, [email protected]
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