Commitment to care : Plan for long-term care in Ontario

In the short term, dollars must be concentrated in resident care and therefore any future spending for care should be tied directly to the nursing and personal care envelope to ensure the money goes directly to frontline care. [...] The Ministry should encourage the use of existing programs offered by the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, the College of Nurses, the Registered Practical Nurses Association, the Alzheimer Society and others. [...] We recommend a public update that outlines the number of calls and referrals with an analysis on the type of complaints to better inform the public and assist with further planning around inspection and compliance. [...] The Ministry should also maintain a detailed record of those homes in non-compliance and the length of time it takes a home to address the issue and come into compliance. [...] They could also advise the Minister directly of trends and issues in provincial inspection and compliance.10 The appointment of a Superintendent for a two-year term to restore the public’s confidence in the safety of all of our homes would be welcomed by many.