Ontario strengthening care for long-term care residents

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
News Release

************************

Ontario is increasing the number of comprehensive inspections of long-term care homes to strengthen safety and improve care for residents.



The province is hiring more inspectors to perform more unannounced comprehensive Resident Quality Inspections in long-term care homes. All 633 long-term care homes in the province will receive comprehensive annual inspections. This builds on the 6,700 inspections conducted since 2010.



Ensuring the highest standard of care for long-term care residents is part of the Action Plan for Health Care and supports the new Ontario government’s commitment to provide the right care, at the right time, in the right place.



QUOTES



“The people of Ontario expect the highest standard of care in their long-term care homes, as well they should. Since 2010, we’ve strengthened inspections in long-term care homes, but there is more to do. That’s why we’re renewing our commitment to annual, proactive inspections, and adding enough new inspectors to get the job done.”

— Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care



“Today’s announcement will benefit Ontario’s most frail and vulnerable seniors. Our first priority is to provide safe, quality care to Ontario’s long-term care residents.”

— Candace Chartier, CEO, Ontario Long-Term Care Association



QUICK FACTS

§ All long-term care homes will receive a new Resident Quality Inspection by the end of 2014 and annually thereafter.

§ 123 Resident Quality Inspections have been conducted in long-term care homes since 2010.

§ Long-term care funding is projected to increase to $3.83 billion in 2013/14 from $2.12 billion in 2003/04. This includes a two per cent increase dedicated to resident care needs proposed in the 2013/14 Budget.

§ Ontario has invested $43 million in Behavioural Supports Ontario to help care for residents with dementia and challenging behaviours and will invest $22.7 million over the next five years to establish Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care.

************************