Seniors in Niagara Deserve Better Dementia Care and Long-Term Care Homes Modernized

TORONTO, Sept. 30, 2015 /CNW/ - Staff and family members of seniors living in new or newly renovated long-term care homes are experiencing first-hand the tremendous benefits these homes provide for resident care and comfort. And 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 the Niagara Region 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 Niagara Falls, Ms. Chartier outlined the challenges facing seniors in the Niagara Region:

• 1678 seniors in the Niagara Region (more than 50%) are living in homes that are outdated and need to be modernized.
• The number of seniors in the Niagara Region over the age of 75 is expected to grow by 40% in the next 10 years and 98% in the next 20 years.

The Association 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• Implementing a plan to modernize every long-term care home in Ontario that has been classified as outdated by the province – increasing the quality of care to the 35,000 seniors who live in these homes.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 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.
• Establishing dedicated dementia and mental health support teams in every home, ensuring the safety and comfort of the more than 65,000 seniors living in long-term care homes with Alzheimer's and other dementias.

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.

"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 437 long-term care homes in communities throughout Ontario.

SOURCE Ontario Long Term Care Association

Adrienne Spafford, Director of Strategy & Public Affairs, Ontario Long Term Care Association, 416-272-0120, [email protected]