By Adam Prudhomme
Staff Reporter
At long last, Hugh and Rosemary Finlay can rest easy knowing their son Scott has a home.
On Wednesday they were among the special guests on hand to celebrate the grand opening of the Finlay House, an acquired brain injury residence located in part of the former Lenadco Home at 310 Bridge St. in Napanee. The opening of the facility marked a joyful resolution to a decades long journey that began after Scott Finlay was seriously injured in 1978 while competing at a Canadian ski championship in Lake Louise, Alta.
Since that time, the Finlays have been taking care of Scott, who is confined to a wheelchair, while petitioning the government to set up a live-in ABI home for this son, who is now 61.
“This facility is the second part of an initiative that has resulted in homes and support for 12 adults living with acquired brain injuries,” said Lorrie Heffernan, CEO of Pathways to Independence which operates the home. “Six adults now call this (Finlay House) home. The first home in Napanee also opened almost two years ago. It was a long road to get here, and what we’re seeing today is the result of many, many people.”
The quest to set up an ABI home had many bumps in the road, but it all paid off when earlier this year the facility opened right in their hometown.
“Over a decade ago, a family in Napanee began to advocate for residential services for their son,” said Heffernan. “As they did, they realized there were many more who needed the services and many that were willing to help. A committee was formed, meetings were held, proposals were written. This group worked through challenge after challenge. Some had nothing to gain personally but committed to helping their friends, their neighbours and their community.”
At long last, the old Lenadco building, which is owned by the Lennox and Addington County General Hospital, was identified as the location — and the Finlays, along with five other families, got their wish.
“Each person has had a chance to become comfortable in their own home and contribute to it with their own personal touches,” said Heffernan, adding that each resident gets a say in how their room is decorated.
Along with a feeling of being home, the residents are provided with round the clock care.
“It’s way above our expectations,” said Hugh Finlay, smiling from ear to ear. “It’s really something.”
He thanks everyone from Dr. John McKinney, to the provincial government, the LHIN and the LACGH hospital board of directors for helping make the home a reality. Members of Finlay’s ski team were also on hand to celebrate the grand opening, some having travelled from as far away asBC
The Finlays moved their son into the home in the spring and have been nothing but satisfied with the care they’ve given their son.
“I’d like to thank the staff for the great care and love of the residents,” said Hugh Finlay. “Scott must like them because he blows them kisses.”