Ontario Long Term Care Association Launches Plan to Enhance Seniors' Care in Ontario

TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2016 /CNW/ - In 2015, more than 100,000 Ontarians relied on services provided by long-term care homes, the majority requiring care for complex conditions such as dementia. Over the next decade it is anticipated that there will be twice as many seniors over the age of 75 and by extension a growth in the number of people with complex needs who require long-term care services.

"The needs of our seniors will continue to rise and we need to ensure that our system is sustainable and set up for continued success," said Candace Chartier, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Long Term Care Association. "Right now, there are too many homes in need of redevelopment, specialized human resources vary from region-to-region, and the rate at which homes are being funded requires a minimum of inflationary growth."

Addressed in the 16-page plan, the Association has articulated several priorities that, if acted upon, could help enhance long-term care in Ontario. These priorities include:

1. Improving the government's 2014 Enhanced Long-Term Care Renewal Strategy;
2. Providing specialized in-home resources to meet the needs of residents, particularly those with dementia and other complex needs; and
3. Ensuring funding for long-term care is, at a minimum, paced with inflation each and every year.

Almost 90% of seniors living in long-term care today have some form of cognitive impairment, such as dementia. Newer homes create a better, safer environment for all residents and staff. 

"Seniors living in new or newly renovated long-term care homes are experiencing first-hand the tremendous benefits these homes provide for their care and comfort. We need to ensure the government continues to support the renewal of these homes," added Chartier. "In addition to this, our human resources, particularly related to managing the care needs of seniors with dementia and other complex conditions, need to be enhanced and embedded in every home, resulting in a more individualized, needs-based approach to enhancing staff in long-term care."

About the Ontario Long Term Care Association
The Ontario Long Term Care Association is the largest association of long-term care providers in Ontario and the only association that represents the full mix of long-term care operators – private, not-for-profit, charitable, and municipal. Our members provide care and accommodation services to over 70,000 residents annually in nearly 440 long-term care homes in communities throughout Ontario.

SOURCE Ontario Long Term Care Association

Adrian Kupesic, 647-256-3492, [email protected]