Budget Recognition for Long Term Care

MARKHAM, ON, March 25 /CNW/ - The Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA) appreciates that today's provincial budget contains measures to support long term care homes in maintaining care and service levels to over 76,000 of Ontario's oldest and frailest citizens. The association is also looking forward to the opportunity for continued discussions with government to attempt to resolve outstanding questions to further protect the capacity of homes to provide the care and services residents need.

"While we don't have specific details, it is our understanding that current care and service funding levels will be retained with adjustments in recognition of increasing cost pressures," said OLTCA CEO Christina Bisanz. "We appreciate that government continues to recognize the need to invest in the important role that homes play in meeting the healthcare needs of long term care residents."

OLTCA expects to meet with government over the coming weeks to get more details on the budget's provisions and discuss outstanding questions with respect to issues related to the impact of the HST on long term care homes and the costs associated with meeting the regulatory requirements of the new Long Term Care Homes Act which comes into effect on July 1 this year.

"Ontario's long term care homes are committed to continually improving the quality of resident care, comfort and safety and being recognized and supported as a full partner in the healthcare delivery system," Ms. Bisanz said.

OLTCA is the only association representing the full spectrum of Ontario's charitable, not-for-profit, municipal and private operators of over two-thirds of the province's long term care homes that provide care and services to 50,000 residents and employ some 50,000 Ontarians.

For further information: Media Contact: Gilbert Heffern, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, [phone], ext. 25, [phone] (cell), [email protected]