Ontario advocacy groups for long-term care residents are raising concerns about systemic challenges across the sector, as highlighted by the recent suspension of admissions at a Peterborough long-term care home. Inspections by the Ministry of Long-Term Care revealed concerning incidents of improper resident care, neglect, and abuse, as well as staffing issues. Dee Tripp, executive director of the Ontario Association of Residents’ Councils (OARC), expressed concern about the impact on residents, stating that it could be a “scary time” for those living in the home. The OARC intends to reach out to the residents’ council at the affected facility. Meanwhile, Kristle Calisto-Tavares, president of Concerned Friends, emphasized that non-compliance in the long-term care sector is a recurring issue. She highlighted the challenges faced by many long-term care homes, including a shortage of personal support workers (PSWs), and called for more proactive inspections. In response to these challenges, Ontario launched a new long-term care home investigations unit in January 2024, investing over $72 million for a team to tackle the most serious acts of non-compliance. Calisto-Tavares emphasized that addressing these systemic issues requires increased funding to address staffing challenges and ensure an adequate level of care for residents.
Systemic Issues in Ontario Long-Term Care Homes Highlighted by Suspension of Admissions
