February 11, 2000

Mr. Lorrie Goldstein
Editor
The Toronto Sun
333 King Street East
Toronto, ON M5A 3X5

Dear Mr. Goldstein:

In her poignant article on the struggle facing those seeking "good homes" in an overcrowded, underfunded long term care system, columnist Michelle Mandel questions the value society places on the elderly.

Ontario’s not-for-profit long term care sector is tangible and reassuring evidence of the public’s support for quality care for seniors. Nearly half of the province’s 57,000 facility beds are run by religious, charitable, cultural, or service groups, or owned by municipalities. Individuals donate their time and money in an effort to create supportive and home-like living environments for residents. And any surpluses generated by the organization are plowed back into services and not into the pockets of shareholders.

But it is not nearly enough. The crisis is not looming – it is already here. The system is sagging under the weight of demographics, increased longevity, and the complex and heavier care needs of our rapidly aging population. The number of people on waiting lists for facilities alone, not to mention those seeking other community and support services, is simply staggering.

Substantial reinvestments are needed at all points along the long term care continuum – home care, community services, supportive housing, facilities. The effectiveness of any one of these components is dependent upon the strength of the system as a whole.

This timely article clearly shows that our underfunded system has a rippling effect that is felt by frustrated consumers, overburdened family caregivers, harried staff, and service providers that are constantly struggling to do more with less. We agree wholeheartedly that the government must take action, now, to expand the capacity of community and long term facility services – for our parents and ourselves.

Donna A. Rubin
Chief Executive Officer
Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors