Note: This is part one of a three-part series about the closure of Niagara Health’s long-term care home.
Robin Clapp is a record-holder at Niagara Health’s Extended Care Unit (ECU). Having moved to the ECU in 2005, she has lived at the long-term care home the longest.
After suffering from a brain aneurism at the age of 35, Clapp moved to the ECU, located at the Welland Hospital, after being an inpatient for several years.
“My mom went from being a full-time mom to being in a coma and then in recovery,” recalls Crystal Molnar, the eldest of Clapp’s five children. “She never regained her ability to walk and has memory issues, but she learned to speak and eat on her own again. It’s been a long road, but she’s come a long way.”
Molnar, who was just 17 years old when the brain aneurism changed everything for her family, says her mom has been cared for by “a lot of great nurses and personal support workers” over the years. They’ve showed her kindness and gotten to know her as a person. Clapp’s flare for fashion and love of accessories has helped her bond with her caregivers, with some of them occasionally gifting her purses and new clothes.
“The staff here do her hair, makeup and nails sometimes. She’s been treated very well here.”
“The staff here do her hair, makeup and nails sometimes,” Molnar says. “She’s been treated very well here."
During her 23 years at the home, Clapp, 63, says a highlight for her has been building friendships with other residents.
One friend included a woman named Bonnie whose mother was also a resident at the home. The two struck up a friendship and Bonnie continued to visit Clapp even after her own mother passed away.
Clapp also enjoyed a romance at the ECU, falling in love with a fellow resident who passed away several years ago. The two were a lot alike, they shared a sunny disposition, a love of the Toronto Blue Jays and even the same birthday – Dec. 9.
“He was social and talked to everyone,” Clapp recalls. “He had a big screen TV in his room and whenever I would go in, he would turn the Blue Jays game on because they’re my favourite.”
The level of care and sense of familiarity that comes with living somewhere for more than 20 years made Niagara Health’s announcement that the ECU would be closing an emotional one for Clapp. In February 2026, the hospital made the announcement that the more than 50-year-old facility would officially cease operations due to aging infrastructure that no longer meets modern fire, safety and accessibility standards.
The home will close once all residents are safety transitioned to new long-term care homes.
“Throughout this process, our team has remained focused on ensuring that both residents and their loved ones have continued to feel supported and cared for,” says Simon Akinsulie, Executive Vice-President of Practice, Clinical Support and Chief Nursing Executive. “The commitment of the ECU staff and the way they continue to go above and beyond for residents and their loved ones is representative of the experience we strive to give everyone who comes through our doors.”
Niagara Health has a comprehensive transition plan in place and is working closely with the Ministry of Long-Term Care, Ontario Health, Ontario Health atHome and regional long-term care providers to support residents and families.
“I was a little worried at first, but I’m ready for a change of scenery,” says Clapp. “I’ve been looking at the same view for more than 20 years.”
The home where she’s set to move, located in Niagara Falls, has a wing that was designed specifically for people with disabilities, which will allow Clapp to be surrounded by younger people.
“I was a little worried at first, but I’m ready for a change of scenery. I’ve been looking at the same view for more than 20 years.”
One of her best friends, who was also a resident at the ECU, recently moved to a home that sits directly beside the home that Clapp is gearing up to call home.
“I think being around people her age will help to improve her quality of life,” Molnar says. “Overall, I see the move as a positive thing.”
One activity Clapp has enjoyed at the ECU that she hopes will be continued at her new home is Bingo, a pastime she enjoyed before her aneurysm.
“The last time we played Bingo, I won three times,” she says. “Everyone thought I was cheating, but I can’t cheat!”
When asked what other activities she hopes to see at her new home, Clapp made her wishes clear.
“I just want more Bingo,” she says.
Clapp, who is able to travel within the community on her electric wheelchair and on city buses, is looking forward to eventually exploring her new surroundings. Still, Molnar recognizes that the move will be bittersweet.
“I’m really thankful that this place has been there for my mom for all these years,” Molnar says. “The staff have done everything they could to make it a good experience. I know that despite everything, my mom has been incredibly lucky. Change can be hard, but I think it’s time to move on.”
