Long Term Care Residents Will Benefit from New Funding

TORONTO, May 2, 2013 /CNW/ - The Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors (OANHSS) was pleased to see new funding in today's Budget for long term care homes.

"Our message to government in the lead up to the Budget was that, at a minimum, we needed a two percent increase in funding just to ensure current care levels continue," said Donna Rubin, CEO of OANHSS. "We were pleased to see that they responded so that we don't lose the gains we have made."

The government has targeted these funds to address the increasingly complex care needs of residents. A recent analysis of current resident profiles showed high growth levels in several high prevalence areas with dementia, depression, and anxiety increasing at an average annual rate of 3.6%, 9.8% and 7.8% respectively.

"This investment will keep us moving forward but we are continuing to see an increasing number of residents with heavy care needs and mental health issues. We will continue to work with government to ensure homes have the resources they need to provide safe, quality care for residents," added Rubin.

OANHSS also commends the government's continued investment in the community sector.

"The government has put a high priority on supporting people to stay in their own homes as long as possible. This funding will help ensure the community sector has the resources it needs to play a larger and more effective role in the continuum of care for seniors," said Rubin.

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 8,000 seniors' housing units across the province.

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

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