It originated with a group of Finnish individuals whose goal was simple – build a home for seniors of Finnish and Estonian descent. While OFRA continues to honour its Finnish and Estonian roots, over the past four decades, it has evolved into what could be described as a microcosm of the “Canadian Experience”.
Today, the Ontario Finnish Resthome Association is a mosaic of diverse cultures, a retirement community offering safe and affordable homes to all seniors in the District of Algoma. OFRA operates under the guiding principle that each resident be provided with the best environment possible within which they are able to maintain an optimum level of functioning and maximize the quality of their daily life.
Suomi Eesti Maja is a four-storey building with two elevators consisting of 134 apartments. It has a dining room/recreation hall for social events and functions, providing a warm atmosphere and clean surroundings to help each resident to feel comfortable and safe in their surroundings.
Many activities are planned and residents can be as busy and involved as they desire or, they can just enjoy the company of others.
There are 134 apartments available for seniors 60 and over who can live independently.
Uusi Koti features common spaces available to all tenants, including a fitness room, games room, a library (with computers and Internet access), a craft room, woodworking shop, sauna/tub room, and private party spaces.
There are 85 apartments available for seniors 55 and over who can live independently.
Kotitalo provides supportive, assisted and enhanced living housing. Services are for disabled adults (55 years of age and older) and adults (60 years of age and older).
While promoting the level of independence desired by each resident, services offered emphasize the physical, social and spiritual needs of the individual. These services include congregate dining, housekeeping, laundry, activation programs and 24-Hour Lifeline Emergency call response.
Mauno Kaihla Koti is home to individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other cognitive or physical limitations. Most of the individuals are from Sault Ste. Marie or the District of Algoma. Ages generally range from mid 60s to late 90s.
Residents have the option of private rooms, semi-private rooms and basic (shared) accommodations. Each private room has its own washroom. Semi-private rooms consist of a private room with a shared washroom. Shared accommodation means two individuals in the same room, with a shared washroom.
Residents are encouraged to bring personal items to decorate their rooms to help with adjustment. Staff are friendly and helpful and try very hard to make each person feel comfortable and secure. Meals are provided with care and attention to special dietary needs.
All rooms are equipped with outlets for telephone service and cable television. Arrangements can be made with Bell Canada or Shaw Cable for service.