KIM BURTON-SCHRAM
Local journalism initiative reporter
The budget for the Glen Stor Dun Lodge long-term care facility in Cornwall will decrease by about 1.5 percent this year.
Expenditures are expected to total $23,758,140, down from the 2025 budget estimate of $24,122,315 while revenues are expected to be $19,450,183, up from $19,291,599 in 2025.
The largest single expenditure – salaries – is to decrease from $19,236,465 to $19,071,951.
The drop in salaries and benefits of $164,514 is a result of the reorganization of the schedule at the lodge.
Information presented at a recent SDG counties council meeting shows that increases in the purchase of goods $102,738 or 5.38% are a direct result of inflation.
There is an overall decrease in services and rents of $130,799 or 11.96% due to realignment of expenses and decreased costs under contracted services.
An overall increase in revenue is due to a general increase in funding from the province to meet level of care requirements, as well as an increase in the direct care staffing supplement.
Contained in the budget are allocations for improvements and new equipment which will mostly be funded through reserves.
A sum of $481,000 has been allotted for building requirements this year, with $329,800 coming for a reserve and $151,800 from the province.
Due to the quality of water coming into the building, causing sediment buildup, water heaters are aging faster than the usually expected 15 years. Water heater tanks will be replaced over a four-year period at a cost of $75,000.
New call system
The Nurse Call Bell System is obsolete without any replacement parts available. Over the next three years, an entirely new call system will be installed to ensure residents needs can be better attended. The expected cost is $245,800.
Upgrading the handrails on three floors is necessary for hygiene purposes. The older wooden handrails can host bacteria and viruses for varying amounts of time. The handrails will be replaced with a non-porous material such as vinyl or PVC, to provide improved infection control, at a cost of $150,000.
In addition, new hand-held, micro floor scrubbers will be purchased in 2026. These floor scrubbers allow for hard-to-reach spaces, corners, edges and narrow gaps to be reached and hygienically cleaned. The cost for new scrubbers is $10,800.
Tinting of windows in residents’ rooms will take place in 2026. Tinting the windows will help maintain ministry regulated temperature warmth in the winter and cool during the summer. The cost is $35,000.
Equipment that provides benefits for both the nurses and patients includes new electric “smart” beds to replace older, obsolete beds. The cost is $20,000.
Another $20,000 will be put towards the purchase of new lifts with scales. Funding of $10,000 will be put towards a Snoezelen Multi Sensory room which promotes relaxation and reduces stress. The room also helps to stimulate various senses for enhanced wellness, promoting the emotional model of care that is imperative to long-term care.
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