A long-standing seniors care facility in St. Stephen, N.B., may not be closing its doors after more than 90-years serving the community as once thought. The Board of Trustees of Lonicera Hall (The Maria F. Ganong Seniors Residence Inc.) has signed a letter of intent with the Board of Directors of Home Support Services Inc. to work in partnership on a proposal that would see seniors care continue at the border town site. “The Letter of Intent enables both organizations to collaborate more effectively with private and public stakeholders as they explore the feasibility of sustaining operations in the short term and advancing a longer-term vision for senior living and community support in Charlotte County,” reads a joint statement from the two boards. In mid-April Lonicera Hall announced it would be closing the doors of the iconic institution as a result of declining occupancy, rising operational costs, changes to the seniors care environment, and the limitations of a volunteer-based governance model. Lonicera Hall was built in 1841 and opened as a seniors care residence in 1935. The 20-room facility provides independent seniors with short and long-term rental options while also receiving care. Resident transitions out of the hall have been paused amid the development of the letter of intent. Home Support Services Inc. says the emerging concept for the facility “would create a unique multi-use facility focused on the wellbeing of seniors in the community.” Both organizations say the shared goal is to maintain the hall that honours the vision and intent of Maria F. Ganong as it pertains to seniors care. The hall says new information will be provided to the public as it becomes available. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
