Budget 2001 Silent on LTC

PROVINCIAL BUDGET SILENT ON LONG TERM CARE NEEDS

TORONTO (May 9, 2001)

The Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors (OANHSS) is concerned about provincial government underfunding, and hopes that there will be more money soon to ensure that residents of long term care facilities receive the level of care they need and deserve.

Today's provincial budget did not address the operating funding needs of facilities. "We're keeping our fingers crossed in the hope that Queen's Park will recognize the difficulties we now face," says Donna Rubin, CEO of OANHSS.

"We're doing everything we can to try and keep the system from coming apart. But we're rapidly approaching the point where our facilities can no longer cope," she adds.

Currently, the province pays only about $60 a day for each resident -- one of the lowest rates in the country and one which has not kept pace with the needs of those living in these facilities who are now older and sicker, and whose care requirements are more complex, than at any time in the past.

OANHSS, which represents the not-for-profit long term care facilities in Ontario, is asking for an increase in the per diem paid by the province from $60 to $85 over the next three years. "Without this investment, we will be forced to turn away those with higher levels of need. We will find ourselves with empty long-term care beds and overcrowded hospitals and emergency rooms. Where's the common sense in that?" asks Rubin.

The average age of residents is now 86 (vs. 73 two decades ago). Typically, they often have multiple chronic illnesses and require special care. In addition, about half suffer from dementia and other mental health illnesses.

In the face of inadequate government funding, long term care facilities have had little choice but to cut back on programs and services. According to a member survey conducted by OANHSS:

The most frequently cited impact of underfunding has been in reduced interactions with residents and families. For example, residents with dementia and behavioural needs are often not getting the special attention they require.

Residents may not receive the level of personal support or help with daily living they need. For example, routine baths may be given once a week.

Staff are stretched to the limit. For example, each registered nurse is looking after up to 100 residents.

In many facilities, all employees including administrative personnel are having to help out with certain duties, such as feeding the residents, because of staff shortages.

The provincial government is funding the creation of an additional 20,000 long term care beds. "But even when the new beds are added, the problem of under-staffing and inadequate levels of care will continue to plague the system as long as the province fails to provide the necessary operating funding," Rubin explains.

Increased facility funding will help alleviate the problem of overcrowded hospitals and emergency departments. An estimated 40 per cent of acute-care hospital beds are now occupied by individuals who should be in long term care beds. Also, this is a cost-saving solution ... LTC beds can be operated at a fraction of what hospital beds cost.

- 30 -

For further information, contact:
Donna Rubin, CEO
office 905-851-8821 ext. 230

OANHSS Update on Provincial Budget

C	ontact OANHSS

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

OANHSS Privacy Policy

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.