FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
TORONTO (June 18,
2004) – The Ontario government’s report on long term care contains many
excellent proposals for reforming the system – including a recognition that
the province needs to work with stakeholders in overhauling standards in order
to restore public confidence.
“Current standards are confusing, complex and open to
interpretation,” said Donna Rubin, CEO of the Ontario Association of
Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors.
Speaking today at OANHSS’ annual conference, whose
members operate some 26,000 not-for-profit beds in the province, Rubin said the
highest priority now is to establish standards that are clear, consistent,
outcome-based, and achievable.
“Only then can meaningful and relevant information be
generated – information that truly reflects the status of each facility –
information that ministry staff, administrators, residents, and the general
public can rely upon,” Rubin noted.
“We are absolutely supportive of greater openness and
transparency. But until clear standards are established and reliable data is
produced, releasing comparative information at this point could be dangerously
misleading, causing the public to make erroneous choices about the care of their
loved ones.”
The government report was written by Monique Smith,
Parliamentary Assistant, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, who also
addressed the OANHSS conference today. Her report contains dozens of
recommendations that OANHSS welcomes, including:
·
Identifying key risks to residents, and addressing these risks
through graduated sanctions.
·
Reporting abuse. OANHSS notes that long term care facilities are
already required by law to do so. It agrees with recommendations to strength
this provision through whistleblower protection and penalties for non-reporting.
·
Separating the inspection and compliance functions within the
ministry, and having ministry staff conduct unannounced annual inspections of
homes.
·
More community integration. Not-for-profit homes have been leaders
in reaching out to their communities. OANHSS notes, however, that new and
re-developed homes are impeded in these efforts because the existing capital
funding formula prevents facilities from dedicating space for these programs.
·
Enhanced resident, family and volunteer involvement. Most of
not-for-profit homes already have residents’ councils, and many have family
councils or equivalent community advisory groups. As well, these homes enjoy
strong volunteer support.
·
Limiting resident co-payment increases to no more than an annual
cost-of-living adjustment.
·
Establishing an Ombudsman. In addition to acting as an advocate
for the public, the Ombudsman should also provide an appeals mechanism for
facilities to address perceived unfairness or issues with Ministry inspections.
There are three areas of concern. First, the report takes
an overly prescriptive approach to human resource issues, recommending that
government get involved in determining staffing levels, staffing mix, and staff
qualifications.
“We maintain that it is management’s responsibility to
put in place the care team that can best meet the needs of residents,” Rubin
stated. “From facility to facility, there are enormous variances in the
clients we serve, the communities and cultures we reflect, and the cost
structures we have. Imposing a staffing formula across the board will not
produce the desired results.”
Second, the report touches on the issue of funding equity
but does not address it. Currently, for-profit nursing homes receive more in
operating funding from the province than not-for-profit homes. OANHSS is
confident, however, that the province will correct this unfair situation.
Third, the report suggests reviewing current redevelopment
projects. Given that most of these projects are being undertaken by OANHSS
members, there is concern that any pullback would further reduce the size of the
not-for-profit sector relative to the for-profit sector (especially since the
for-profit nursing homes received most of the new bed allocations).
“Our members’ redevelopment projects are vital to
ensuring that not-for-profits have a continued strong presence in Ontario ...
and that consumers continue to have choice in the kind of long term care they
want,” Rubin said.
On balance, OANHSS is very much in accord with the report
and delighted with the government’s previously-announced increase in operating
funding for the sector.
“After many long years of voicing our concerns,
advocating for change, and championing the rights of the frail elderly, it is
rewarding to know that someone is finally listening – and finally acting on
these issues,” Rubin stated.
“We look forward to working in partnership with the government as we build upon our many strengths in delivering the highest quality of life and care to our elderly.”
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For further information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Debbie Humphreys
Steve Williams
905-851-8821 ext. 233
416-777-0368
|
Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes & Services for Seniors
7050 Weston Road, Suite 700, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 8G7
(P) 905-851-8821
(F) 905-851-0744
Comments or questions about our site?
Contact
Debbie Humphreys
at 905-851-8821 ext. 233
Media Enquiries
© Copyright 2008 OANHSS
OANHSS members include not-for-profit providers of long term care, services and
housing for seniors in Ontario.
Members include municipal and charitable long term care homes, non-profit
nursing homes,
seniors' housing projects and community
service agencies.