OANHSS Commends Government's Quick Start on Seniors Strategy Recommendations

TORONTO, Jan. 15, 2013 /CNW/ - New measures announced yesterday by the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care will have an immediate and positive impact on care for Ontario's seniors.

"These funding enhancements directly target critical needs in our sector," said Donna Rubin, CEO of the Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors (OANHSS). "OANHSS has long signaled the need for added resources and staff training to care for residents with increasing complex care needs and challenging behaviours and we are pleased that the government has responded."

Investments announced by the government include 250 new convalescent care beds for respite and restorative care; recruitment and training of 200 personal support workers to support people with challenging behaviours in long term care homes; funding for staff training and development to improve resident safety, quality of care and abuse prevention; and funding for specialized supplies and equipment for long term care residents with complex needs.

"The government has moved quickly to respond to Dr. Samir Sinha's recommendations from his Seniors Strategy Report and the report of the Long-Term Care Task Force on Resident Care and Safety," added Rubin. "It is encouraging to see a consolidated and integrated approach to seniors' care and we look forward to working with the government on implementation."

OANHSS was pleased to see its input reflected in the key highlights and recommendations in Dr. Sinha's report, Living Longer, Living Well, most notably the need for government to undertake an evidence-informed capacity planning process to meet current and future needs for long term care, supportive housing and home care.

OANHSS is the provincial association representing not-for-profit providers of long term care, services and housing for seniors. Members include municipal and charitable long term care homes, non-profit nursing homes, seniors' housing projects and community service agencies. Member organizations operate over 27,000 long term care beds and over 5,000 seniors' housing units across the province.

SOURCE: Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors (OANHSS)

Debbie Humphreys
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
(W) 905-851-8821 ext. 233
(C) 416-553-7401