Six Nations Long-Term-Care Home Residents Displaced Weeks After Flood

Strategic Insights -

Heavy rainfall in mid-June caused severe flooding on the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve, damaging buildings and homes, including the Iroquois Lodge Nursing Home and Home and Community Care. Over 60 long-term-care residents were temporarily relocated to Norfolk County, while the affected facilities were assessed for repairs. The band council has stated that they are working with insurance to begin repairs, but no timeline for residents' return has been established.

Key Takeaways:

  • More than 60 long-term-care residents from Iroquois Lodge Nursing Home and Home and Community Care were temporarily relocated after flooding damaged the facilities.
  • The relocated residents are currently staying in Norfolk County, with their exact location undisclosed due to privacy concerns.
  • A recently redeveloped 128-bed long-term-care home in Delhi welcomed 40 Iroquois Lodge residents, who are "safe, well cared for" and looking forward to returning home.
  • Six Nations is working with insurance to begin repairs on the Ohsweken nursing home, but no timeline for repairs or residents' return has been established.
  • Assessments of 12 other affected buildings are ongoing, and some staff members may be temporarily displaced as a result of the flooding.
  • An additional 36 community members reported damage or a need for help in the wake of the flooding.
  • Six Nations is gathering information on damage and seeking emergency funding from provincial and federal governments to offset the cost of community recovery efforts.

Statistics:

  • Estimated 100 millimetres of rain fell over 12 hours in mid-June.
  • 60+ long-term-care residents relocated due to flooding.
  • 40 Iroquois Lodge residents currently staying at a redeveloped long-term-care home in Delhi.
  • 12 affected buildings undergoing assessment.
  • 36 community members reported damage or need for help in wake of flood.
  • Six Nations seeks emergency funding from provincial and federal governments.

Sources:

  • Elected band council, July 24 release
  • Caitlin Court, band council spokesperson
  • PeopleCare, redeveloped long-term-care home in Delhi, June release