Seniors in Barrie Need Long-Term Care Homes Modernized and Better Dementia Care

BARRIE, ON, Feb. 3, 2016 /CNW/ - 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. With more than 60% of seniors living with Alzheimer's or related dementias in long-term care homes province-wide, newer homes create a better, safer environment for all residents and staff.

"The needs of seniors in Barrie and Simcoe entering long-term care have risen dramatically in recent years," said Candace Chartier, CEO of the Ontario Long Term Care Association. "Too many seniors are living in homes that need to be rebuilt and modernized. Too many seniors with dementia aren't getting the supports they need to ensure their comfort and safety. Our seniors deserve better care."

At a long-term care home in Barrie, Ms. Chartier outlined the challenges facing seniors in the region:

• 287 seniors in Barrie alone (more than 25%) are living in homes that are outdated and need to be modernized.
• The number of seniors in North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN over the age of 75 is expected to grow by 54% in the next 10 years and 132% in the next 20 years.

The Association's plan for action, "Better Seniors' Care," is calling for immediate action to improve seniors' care in Ontario, including:

• Implementing a plan to modernize every long-term care home in Ontario that has been classified as outdated by the province – increasing the quality of care to the 35,000 seniors who live in these homes.
• Providing long-term care homes with dedicated resources to protect and care for the more than 65,000 seniors living with dementia and responsive behaviours.
• Ensuring small and rural long-term care homes can continue to meet the growing needs of the seniors in these communities.
• Providing the necessary funding to ensure that long-term care home operators can hire the staff required to care for the growing needs of our aging population.

To help raise awareness of the challenges facing seniors living in long-term care the Association is undertaking a province-wide tour to meet with residents and families. Its first stop was at Roberta Place Long-Term Care, a home owned by Jarlette Health Services.

"Thanks to our dedicated staff, we continue to provide the highest quality of care possible to our residents." said David Jarlette, President, Jarlette Health Services. "But there is work to be done to ensure residents across the province are getting the care they require as their needs continue to increase."

"We need our elected officials to make providing better seniors' care a priority for the long-term. We know that Ontarians share our concern about our ability to care for their parents and grandparents," said Chartier. "Our seniors need to know that when they can no longer be cared for at home, that the long-term care services they need will be there for them. The time for action is now."

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

Patrick Nelson, 416-602-4770, [email protected]