Pleasant Manor appreciates this opportunity to correct and clarify some of the statements made about us in the Nov. 15, 2018 issue of The Lake Report.

Pleasant Manor currently accommodates 41 long-term care residents. We know this is completely inadequate to address the current needs, let alone the future needs, of Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Region. Accordingly, in consultation with our health system and community partners we have developed a plan. We have achieved some notable successes already. In 2016, the Ontario government authorized Pleasant Manor to redevelop our long-term care home with up to 160 beds. Earlier this year, the Ontario government officially allocated 81 licences to add to our existing 41. We are currently engaged with the Ontario government to obtain the full number of bed licences needed for our growing seniors populations.

Radiant Care, that operates Pleasant Manor in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Tabor Manor in St. Catharines, is a completely independent, not-for-profit organization. We are committed to maintain that status and independence. Radiant Care has never contemplated a sale to or merger with Revera Retirement Living, or to or with any other organization and has no plans to do so.

The Ontario government allocates identical funding to not-for-profit and for-profit long-term care homes. Nonetheless, not-for-profit homes such as Pleasant Manor that are also registered charities receive substantial funding from community groups and individuals. We are able to use those donations to support our goal of furnishing our residents with more amenities and the highest quality of care.

The management of Radiant Care has always prided ourselves on our commitment to the communities we serve and to seek advice from those communities. I assure The Lake Report’s readers that any major initiative or change undertaken by Radiant Care would occur only after consultations and transparency with our residents, our employees, our partners in healthcare delivery and the communities we serve.

We appreciate this opportunity to clarify our situation and plans and to restate our commitment to support the seniors and families of the Niagara Region.

Yours sincerely,

Glen Unruh, President, Radiant Care Board of Directors