Provincial Budget Is a Step Forward in Supporting Long Term Care Residents

TORONTO, Feb. 25, 2016 /CNW/ - The Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors (OANHSS) welcomed the provincial government's investment today to provide added support to long term care residents with behavioural issues. The government announced $10 million in each of the next three years for the Behavioural Supports Ontario program.

"Our message to government for the past few years has consistently been that residents with aggressive behaviours and mental health issues need critical help," said Donna Rubin, CEO of OANHSS. "We are pleased that the government has heard us and has provided targeted, much-needed funding to long term care residents with behavioural issues." Among all of the residents in Ontario's homes, 46% exhibit aggressive behaviours and a significant number -- approximately 9% of the total population -- are considered severely aggressive.

"Today's budget is a step in the right direction; however, long term care still needs a significant staffing increase to meet the increasingly complex needs of all residents," added Rubin. OANHSS has been asking for a provincial average of 4 hours of care per resident per day.

Although the budget included a 2% increase to nursing and personal care, it will not impact existing staffing levels; rather, it will allow homes to maintain their current levels of care. "We will continue to advocate strongly for a significant staffing increase to give residents the quality of care they deserve," said Rubin.

OANHSS is the provincial association representing not-for-profit providers of long term care, services and housing for seniors. Members include not-for-profit long term care homes (municipal, charitable and non-profit nursing homes), seniors' housing, supportive housing, and community service agencies. Member organizations serve over 36,000 long term care residents annually and operate over 8,000 seniors' housing units across the province.

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

Chris Noone, Manager, Communications and Member Services, (W) 905-851-8821 ext. 253