Expansion on the horizon for Bayside Home

The Bayside Home in Barrington is looking for an architect to design its 40-bed expansion. Development of the project, which has been 30 years in the making, is a source of excitement for many, including the administrator, Joanne Rose, who has worked there since 1992.

“There are a number of clients out there that require the kind of care that we can provide,” she said. With the expansion, the facility will be able to house a total of 62 clients. New admissions are decided through the Department of Health.

The facility, which opened in September 1975 as a home for the mentally challenged and physically disabled, was transferred from the Department of Community Services to the Department of Health last summer.

It was reclassified as a Level II, long-term care home; a move that will provide the 22 existing residents, who have an average age of 66, a home for life.

Level II care patients are medically stable and typically require medical attention not more than once a week.

“Previously, the clients, when they became 65 and/or required nursing care, they would be transferred to a long-term care facility within 100-kilometres of their home, like Roseway Manor or Tidal View,” said Rose.

“Now, when they became 65, they will be able to age in place, because after all, this is their home. Also people in our community will now be able to access long-term/nursing care.”

The Municipality of Barrington and Town of Clark’s Harbour are providing $250,000 and $30,000 respectively towards the expansion. MoB has also donated land.

Bayside Home has a staff of 40 but with the expansion, Rose anticipates more RN’s, LPN’s, CCA’s, housekeeping and laundry staff will be required.

Design concepts that may be incorporated include more multi-function rooms and provision for overnight stays by families. Clients with dementia or Alzheimers will also be provided for.

“If we do have clients with Alzheimers they will have to have a secure environment. That will all be determined as we progress with our design,” said Rose.

“It’s a tremendous amount of work but we have the support of the Board, and the community and the long-term care advisory committee and the staff is supportive of all these changes,” she concluded.