Province adds 82 new long-term care beds at Whisperwood
The Government of Prince Edward Island announced today that 82 new long-term care beds will be added at Whisperwood nursing home in Charlottetown, helping more Island seniors access quality care close to home.
Enhanced Living has been awarded the contract to expand its Whisperwood facility and operate the new beds. The project will increase long-term care capacity in Queens County and help meet growing demand as Prince Edward Island’s population continues to grow and age.
The province will provide $3.5 million annually over a 30-year agreement to support construction costs. Once the new beds are operational, the province will provide an estimated $10.1 million annually to help offset accommodation costs for the residents.
Today’s announcement marks a significant step in the province’s efforts to strengthen long-term care and improve healthcare capacity across Prince Edward Island.
With the addition of the Whisperwood expansion, 222 new long-term care beds are now under development in Charlottetown, Cornwall and Summerside. The province has also issued a Request for Proposals through the Provincial Long-Term Care Program for up to 48 new long-term care beds in Kings County.
Increasing long-term care capacity is a key part of the province’s plan to improve care for seniors, support Islanders to remain safely in their homes longer, and ensure hospital beds are available for patients who need acute care services.
Long-term care services in Prince Edward Island are delivered through nine public and 11 private long-term care homes, as well as 36 community care facilities. With the projects currently underway, the total number of long-term care beds in the province is expected to increase to 1,595 by 2029.
For more information, visit Long-term Care | Government of Prince Edward Island.
Quotes:
“Island seniors deserve access to quality care when they need it, and families deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing their loved ones are well supported. This expansion at Whisperwood will create 82 new long-term care spaces, strengthen healthcare capacity, and help ensure more Islanders can access the care they need close to home. It's another example of the investments we're making to build a stronger healthcare system for Islanders today and for the future.”
- Premier Rob Lantz
“As seniors’ needs change, the right level of care should be there for them. These 82 new beds will help more Islanders access long-term care while staying close to family and the places they know best. We’re proud to partner with Enhanced Living on this project and build on the excellent care already being provided at Whisperwood.”
- Minister of Health and Wellness Cory Deagle
“Whisperwood has been part of our community for many years, and many Charlottetown families know it well. This expansion means more seniors will be able to stay close to their loved ones while getting the high-quality care and support they need.”
- Charlottetown-Belvedere MLA Susie Dillon
“This expansion at Whisperwood is an important investment for our community and the people who call Charlottetown home. As Charlottetown continues to grow, so does the need for health care services that support residents at every stage of life. The addition of 82 long-term care beds will help meet the changing needs of our community and provide more options for seniors and their families.”
- City of Charlottetown Mayor Philip Brown
"We're delighted to partner with the province on this expansion of Whisperwood, a home our community knows and trusts. This expansion will allow us to welcome additional residents and provide them with the very best care, while helping to free up critical hospital beds for Islanders who need acute care.”
- Enhanced Living Chief Financial Officer Joshua Simon
Media contact:
Marla Morrison
Department of Health and Wellness
marlamorrison@gov.pe.ca