First residents move into new G. Tackaberry and Family Home in Athens

The first residents have officially moved into the new G. Tackaberry and Family Home, marking the opening of the long-term care facility in Athens.

A total of 60 residents of Maple View Lodge were moved into the new home on Wednesday, Aug. 26, according to the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.

Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Athens Mayor Herb Scott and George Tackaberry were on hand to welcome residents as they arrived at the facility for the first time.

The move was coordinated by staff, families, volunteers and a professional health-care relocation team, with the Counties saying the goal was to make the transition as smooth and safe as possible for residents.

The new facility features modern living accommodations, enhanced safety features and spaces designed to support recreation, activities and social connections.

Mayor Scott noted that the opening has also been highly anticipated in Athens.

“I’m very proud to see the G. Tackaberry and Family Home open its doors and welcome its first residents. This is a day that many people in Athens have been looking forward to for a long time. This Hhme means a great deal to our community, and it’s wonderful to see residents settling into a modern, comfortable home that will serve local families for many years to come.”

Smith-Gatcke echoed these statements, noting that the opening represents the culmination of years of work on the project, and that it’s rewarding to see a project of this significance reach completion as the current council term comes to a close.

“This home represents years of planning, partnership, and commitment to providing high-quality long-term care for our community,” the warden stated.

The transition of the 60 Maple View Lodge residents is only the beginning. The home was expected to begin welcoming additional residents on Thursday, Aug. 27, expanding the number of long-term care spaces available in the region.

Counties staff worked with the Ministry of Long-Term Care and project contractors leading up to the opening to prepare the building for residents.

Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark called the opening a significant day for the community, and thanked all the officials who have “worked to ensure our seniors can receive high-quality, compassionate care in the rural community they helped to build,” along with Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta and her team for their support of this project.

A celebration for residents is being planned for the fall, once the home is fully occupied and residents and staff have had time to settle in.