August 30, 1999

Editor
The Toronto Star
1 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario
M5E 1E6

Dear Editor:

Your article puts the spotlight on a long-standing issue – the need for regulations in the retirement home sector.

What you don’t point out is that the retirement home industry includes both for-profit and not-for-profit operators. Not-for-profit homes are often owned by cultural, religious or community groups, and unlike their for-profit counterparts, are accountable to a board of directors. All revenues are put back into the operation and not into the pockets of shareholders and owners. W hat also doesn’t come across is that one poor operator is not reflective of the entire sector. There are many, many organizations, both not-for-profit and for-profit, who do an excellent job, through excellent staff, through self-imposed standards, every day of the year.

Just as importantly, your article highlights the tremendous need for affordable housing and care for seniors. Provincial and municipal governments must not quibble over whose responsible for providing these supports, but rather put their energies into adequately funding all levels of the long-term care continuum – services in the home, supportive housing, and facility care. This will ensure that vulnerable seniors are not forced to turn to undesirable options such as that described at Birch Cliff Retirement Home as a last resort.

Sincerely,

Garry Armstrong
President, OANHSS