Ontario Health atHome has acknowledged that they are critically short on medical supplies that can have serious implications for seniors receiving home care. If you or a loved one is dealing with a shortage of medical supplies, Ontario Health atHome has advised you follow these steps:
Call you care coordinator.
If your care coordinator is not able to help, call the medical supply escalation hotline at 1-866-377-7567.
Additionally, Ontario Health atHome has added a reimbursement form for medical supplies to their website HERE. If you follow that link you will find the reimbursement form, as well as other contact information. Ontario Health atHome has stated:
"Patients, their families and caregivers should not have to incur the cost of purchasing much-needed medical supplies on their own due to delivery issues. That is why we will be reimbursing any patient, caregiver or family member who has paid out of pocket for medical supplies due to delivery issues."
We hope everyone dealing with the medical supply shortage are able to get the supplies you need.
2024 marks the first ORCA Conference for Elderado. Daniel created a daily video to recap what happened. ORCA Con was an opportunity to learn, network, and share ideas. It was attended by leaders from retirement homes, commercial partners, and other industry stakeholders. It took place at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario from September 10 – 12, 2024.
Today was an easy introduction to my first ORCA Conference with a round of golf at Deerhurst Highlands. I'm here solo, but I hit the jackpot getting paired with Krystal, Arta, and Ashley. Kids might say the vibes were high, but so was our score. I'm looking forward to a full day of keynotes, panels, and information sessions tomorrow.
What do they actually talk about at a retirement home conference? I’m at the Ontario Retirement Communities Association Conference, and these are my top 3 takeaways from today’s education program.
79% of families want transparent pricing and fee info before contacting a retirement home.
“We’re actually paying for more expensive care that nobody wants.” Hospital care, and even long-term care is very expensive for tax payers, and rarely is it the care we want.
“When we improve life for seniors we improve life for everyone because we all want to be seniors one day.” The Minister of Seniors and Accessibility, Raymond Cho, shared these words during his opening remarks to kick off the day.
Day 3 at ORCA Con focused on staff retention. Staffing shortages are a big problem among frontline staff like PSWs, nurses, and housekeepers. I was impressed by how openly different retirement homes shared the challenges they are facing, and what they tried. (And yes, it wasn't lost on anyone in the room that higher pay is an important factor)
Rachel Merucci from TBH Legal joined us to answer all our questions about adult guardianship. Adult guardianship in Ontario is a legal mechanism designed to protect individuals who are unable to make certain decisions for themselves due to physical or mental incapacity. It allows a designated guardian to make decisions on behalf of an adult who has been deemed incapable, with the goal of safeguarding the person’s well-being and managing their affairs. Someone might need an adult guardian instead of a Power of Attorney (POA) if they didn’t establish a POA before becoming mentally or physically incapable.
What if it's too late to create a Powers of Attorney?
We all know we should have a Will and Powers of Attorney (POA), but what do we do if we need a POA and don’t have one? That’s what Adult Guardianship is for.
Powers of Attorney vs. Adult Guardianship
In general, Powers of Attorney are created by someone when they are mentally capable in case they need it in the future, and they pick who they want to step in to make decisions for them. An adult guardian is someone who steps up and asks to be picked for the responsibility because their loved one has been proven to be mentally incapable.
What are the two types of Adult Guardians?
Adult guardianship appears to be modelled after Powers of Attorney. There's guardianship of personal care, and personal care of property.
What age does someone need an Adult Guardian?
In Ontario as soon as someone is 18 years-old they are assumed to be mentally capable to make their own decisions. If someone is not mentally capable they could require an adult guardian at 18 years-old.
Why might you need to be an Adult Guardian?
Caregivers to incapable adults have to have the legal authority before they can step in to make decisions, apply for benefits, pay bills, etc.
How do I become an Adult Guardian?
There are two ways to become an adult guardian – through a judge in court, or through an application process through the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee.
What is the process to become Adult Guardian of Property?
If you are to apply to be an adult guardian of procerty through the application process, the process involved picking a capacity a assessor for your loved one, answering questions about the incapable adults expenses and assets, and reading and understanding the responsibilities of an adult guardian. Everything is sent to the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee, who is responsibile for granting adult guardianship.
How long does it take to be granted Adult Guardian of Property?
It usually takes about 1 month to complete the Adult Guardian of Property application, and once the application has been submittied it typically takes 3 weeks to 6 months to be approved.
Is the process to become an Adult Guardian different at different ages?
No, it's the same at all ages as long as the incapable adult is at least age 18.
It’s remarkable how our experiences in volunteering can have such a profound impact on our lives. Several years ago, I volunteered at Evergreen Hospice in Thornhill, Ontario. But the experience was more than just rewarding; it gave me great insights into how to help my father deal with his end-of-life issues.
Ten years ago, he was trying to manage cancer. Unfortunately, he also wound up falling down the stairs at his home. After a very challenging month in hospital that also included a fall from his bed, he was taken to a local hospice. My father died peacefully, without any suffering, four days later, surrounded by friends and family.
Had it not been for the time volunteering at the hospice, I don’t think my father would have had the same experience. In 2014, hospice wasn’t on people’s radar as it is now. I recall some of my father’s visitors, upon entering the hospice, wondering aloud what they were visiting.
After working in the publishing industry for over two decades, I sold my business and worked at a funeral home. Again, I credit the time spent volunteering at the hospice that helped move me in this direction. Many people felt it was an odd job choice, but I saw it as an opportunity to support people during their most difficult times. As a funeral director’s assistant, I attended well over 500 funerals and met with hundreds of families in their homes, hospitals, retirement homes and hospices.
When surrounded by death, you get a profound appreciation for life.
While working at a funeral home, I felt my creative spark reignite, leading me to write a book. From here, I decided to launch a business that captures people’s stories in a magazine. I called it Time For My Story, and it has led to the creation of a new initiative called The Legacy Expo.
I fully acknowledge that death is one of those topics that most people have a hard time discussing. My initial goal for the event was to demystify and destigmatize the subject of death. I wanted to help transform the way people view death and legacy planning. I knew that fostering open discussions in a low-key, grassroots environment would make things much more accessible for people.
Another one of my goals was to educate and empower attendees when it came to making difficult decisions. For example, dealing with finances and logistics when someone has just died can be a harrowing and emotionally taxing experience for many people. I view it as knowledge is power. By giving people critical information now, they can make better decisions regarding end-of-life care and dealing with funerals and wills.
As a result of my work in publishing, I knew the power of community and was determined to help create a supportive environment for attendees and exhibitors. It was crucial that people would be able to share their journeys, learn from each other, and find solace in a collective experience.
I am pleased to tell you that the first Expo brought together 17 exhibitors in May of this year. It did indeed foster a positive and supportive environment. Most importantly, we had a wide range of businesses and nonprofits exhibiting. This included local funeral homes, grief counsellors, planners, insurance companies, and two technology companies. On the nonprofit side, we had a variety of exhibitors, including Canadian Blood Services, Hospice Toronto, and the Bereavement Ontario Network.
The combination of for-profit and nonprofit created a dynamic environment that benefited everyone in attendance. We had about 150 people attend the Expo, and they found it very informative, just as I had hoped. There was also a great deal of interaction between the exhibitors. It has now led to working relationships and strengthening the overall sense of community within the deathcare field.
Building on the foundation of the first Expo, I have set my sights on creating something a little larger. This September 28 at Thornhill United Church, we are showcasing over 40 exhibitors from various companies and nonprofits.
Because the subjects of death and grief are complex for many to discuss, I have also decided to focus on the importance of hosting a face-to-face gathering only. While some video footage of the first Expo can be seen on YouTube, I have decided not to livestream this event. I also decided to make the event free of charge so that it can be accessible to all.
As the Baby Boomers in North America age, discussions around end-of-life will become more frequent. My vision is that The Legacy Expo inspires others in cities around Canada to start their expos to further the conversation.
Disclaimer: Elderado is not suggesting or encouraging the use of cannabis in any form.
Since the legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada in 2018, its use among seniors has been steadily increasing. Cannabis, once a taboo topic, is now becoming a conversation starter, including in settings like long-term care homes where health, comfort, and quality of life are key concerns. But with this rise in popularity comes questions about the rules and regulations surrounding cannabis use in these environments. Can residents of long-term care homes in Ontario legally use cannabis, and if so, under what conditions?
The short answer is, sort of – the Fixing Long-Term Care Act states:
(2) Nothing in this Regulation prevents a resident from cultivating, acquiring, consuming, administering, possessing, storing or disposing of recreational cannabis in accordance with the licensee’s policies and procedures as required by subsection (1).
One long-term care home told us:
"Residents are able to consume alcohol and cannabis unless the doctor deems that it would not be safe due to a health condition/medication. Residents would either store their alcohol/cannabis locked in their room, or locked in the medication room with the nurse, depending on a capacity assessment that is completed (goes over risk, abilities, etc.). Residents have choice and can consume at their leisure, however there are rules in place for where they can/can’t."
In this blog, we'll explore the key regulations and considerations related to cannabis use in long-term care homes in Ontario, referencing both the Cannabis Control Act and the Fixing Long-Term Care Act. We’ll also look at the increasing usage of cannabis by seniors, supported by recent studies.
The Growing Popularity of Cannabis Among Seniors
Since Canada legalized cannabis in 2018, the stigma around its use has slowly faded, and many people, including seniors, have begun exploring its potential benefits. According to a 2021 study by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), the use of cannabis among seniors (aged 65 and older) more than doubled from 2017 to 2019. Many seniors are turning to cannabis as an alternative treatment for conditions like chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety, with both recreational and medicinal cannabis use rising.
A 2020 study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that 15% of Canadian seniors reported using cannabis, with most of them doing so for medical reasons. For long-term care residents, the potential benefits of cannabis include helping to manage pain, reduce the need for opioids, and improve overall well-being.
The Cannabis Act and Long-Term Care Homes
The Cannabis Act, which came into effect in October 2018, legalized the recreational use of cannabis across Canada. It allows adults to possess and share up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or its equivalent in other forms, grow up to four plants per household, and purchase cannabis from licensed retailers. However, the act also gives provinces and territories the authority to implement additional rules and restrictions, particularly when it comes to where cannabis can be consumed.
In Ontario, cannabis use is regulated by a combination of laws, including the Cannabis Control Act, 2017, the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018, and the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017. While adults are generally allowed to use cannabis in private residences, the rules for public consumption are stricter and aligned with those for tobacco. In institutional settings like long-term care homes, the regulations can vary depending on the facility’s policies and whether the use is recreational or medicinal. Exemptions to public consumption rules may apply in certain long-term care or retirement homes under specific conditions.
The Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021
The Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 is a key piece of legislation in Ontario that governs long-term care homes. It establishes standards for the safety, care, and rights of residents in these facilities. When it comes to cannabis use, long-term care homes must balance the residents' rights to make personal choices with the need to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.
There is no blanket prohibition on cannabis use in long-term care homes, but individual homes may have specific policies that residents must follow. These policies are usually designed to ensure that cannabis use does not interfere with the care environment, the safety of residents, or the legal obligations of the home. For instance, some homes may require residents to consume cannabis only in designated areas, and smoking or vaping cannabis indoors is generally prohibited under Ontario’s Smoke-Free Ontario Act.
Medicinal Cannabis in Long-Term Care Homes
For residents who use cannabis for medical reasons, the situation can be more straightforward. Under Canadian law, individuals with a medical authorization can legally access cannabis products to treat various health conditions. Long-term care homes in Ontario are required to accommodate residents' medical needs, including those who have been prescribed cannabis by a healthcare professional.
However, the use of medical cannabis in long-term care homes may come with additional regulations. Homes must ensure that cannabis products are stored securely, administered safely, and do not pose a risk to other residents. In some cases, residents may be required to provide a medical prescription, and the home’s staff may be involved in managing the resident's cannabis use, similar to how they handle other medications.
Key Considerations for Residents and Families
If you or a loved one is considering using cannabis while living in a long-term care home in Ontario, here are a few key points to keep in mind:
Check the Home's Policies: Each long-term care home may have its own rules about cannabis use. Be sure to ask about these policies before bringing cannabis into the home.
Consider Medical Authorization: If you plan to use cannabis for medical purposes, having a prescription from a healthcare provider can simplify the process. It also ensures that the long-term care home is aware of your medical needs and can provide appropriate support.
Respect Other Residents: Remember that cannabis use, especially smoking or vaping, can affect others. Be mindful of the designated areas for cannabis use, and always follow the home’s guidelines.
Safety First: Long-term care homes have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment for all residents. This means that cannabis products, like any other medications, must be stored securely to prevent accidental ingestion by others.
Conclusion
The Cannabis Act provides the legal framework for cannabis use across Canada, while the Fixing Long-Term Care Act governs how long-term care homes manage cannabis use among residents. If you or a loved one is living in a long-term care home and considering cannabis, it’s important to understand the home’s policies and ensure that your use complies with all laws, rules, and guidelines.
Cannabis use among seniors has been on the rise since its legalization in 2018, with many finding it beneficial for managing chronic pain and other health conditions. While cannabis is generally legal in Ontario, the use of cannabis in long-term care homes is subject to specific regulations that balance individual rights with the safety and well-being of all residents.
With an aging population, the demand for home care services in Ontario is increasing, and the current system is straining to keep up. Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) are a new-ish concept designed to improve home care in Ontario, making it easier for older adults to receive the care they need while remaining in their homes.
What Are NORCs?
Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities, or NORCs, are residential areas where a large number of older adults live, even though these areas were not specifically designed for seniors. In Ontario, nearly 2,000 such communities have been identified, housing over 200,000 older adults. These communities provide a unique opportunity to improve home care delivery due to the high concentration of seniors living in close proximity.
Current State of Home Care in NORCs
Challenges Faced by Residents
Residents in NORCs face several challenges with the current home care system:
Confusion and Frustration: Many older adults are confused about how the home care system works and what services they are eligible for. This leads to frustration with scheduling and coordinating care from multiple agencies.
Underfunding: The home care sector is underfunded, which limits the ability to provide adequate compensation and training for staff.
Fragmentation: Over one-third of NORC buildings in Ontario have four or more home care agencies providing services, leading to a lack of coordination and inefficiency.
Statistics
Service Hours: Personal support workers (PSWs) delivered nearly 3.5 million hours of home care services in Ontario's NORCs in 2022-23, valued at over $120 million.
Proposed NORC-Based Home Care Model
The report suggests a new model for delivering home care in NORCs that is client-centered, efficient, and better for workers. Here are the key features:
Single Lead Agency: Each NORC would have one lead home care agency responsible for coordinating and providing care. This would reduce fragmentation and improve coordination.
Dedicated PSWs: Personal support workers would be dedicated to specific NORCs, allowing them to work full-time or part-time shifts with minimal travel. This would enable PSWs to provide more consistent and personalized care.
Local Decision-Making: The lead home care agency would make day-to-day care scheduling decisions, making the system more responsive to the needs of residents.
Population-Based Funding: Funding would be based on the population of the NORC rather than individual service episodes, providing more flexibility to meet the needs of residents.
Benefits of the New Model
Implementing this new model across all NORCs in Ontario could significantly improve home care services:
Increased Efficiency: The model could provide an additional 754,976 hours of PSW services annually, worth $26.8 million, without requiring significant new funding.
Improved Quality of Care: By having dedicated PSWs and a single coordinating agency, the quality and consistency of care would improve, leading to better health outcomes for residents.
Better Working Conditions for PSWs: The new model would improve working conditions for PSWs by reducing travel time and providing more stable employment, which could help address the chronic shortage of home care workers.
Recommendations for Implementation
To implement this new model, the report makes several recommendations for the Government of Ontario:
Adopt and Promote the New Model: The government should adopt and promote the new NORC-based home care model.
Establish Thresholds: Criteria should be established to identify which NORCs are best suited for the new model.
Pilot the Model: The model should be piloted by selected Ontario Health Teams to refine and evaluate its effectiveness.
Develop Population-Based Funding: A funding formula based on the population of NORCs should be developed to support the new model.
Enable Staffing Model Changes: Home care agencies should be enabled to develop new staffing models that are place- and shift-based.
Conclusion
With the demand for home care expected to grow by 50% by 2031, it is crucial to find new ways to deliver these services effectively. The proposed NORC-based home care model offers a promising solution to improve the quality and efficiency of care for older adults in Ontario's naturally occurring retirement communities. By leveraging the natural densities of these communities, we can create a system that is better for both residents and workers, ultimately leading to a healthier and more sustainable home care system.
This article provides an overview of the proposed improvements to home care in NORCs, highlighting the benefits and recommendations for implementation. By adopting this new model, Ontario can ensure that its aging population receives the care they need in a more efficient and coordinated manner.
Note: Information applies to residents of Ontario, Canada only.
About 6 years ago (2018), I was faced with the challenge of jumping into caregiving together with my dad, who was quickly losing the ability to care for my mom (his wife) later diagnosed with severe dementia (suspected Alzheimer's). My parents refused all help, and by the time I was "allowed" into their world my mother was not "mentally capable" of creating a Power of Attorney (POA) of any kind.
With much research, pieces of information eventually led me to the idea of "Adult Guardianship". It was (and still is) difficult to find a lawyer providing this service. And the legal fee to attempt the Guardianship process was much higher than my father or I could afford.
Inspired by my experience as a caregiver, I recently became an Ontario licensed Paralegal. Equipped with this knowledge, I want to share how Adult Guardianship can support your caregiving journey.
Ideally, every adult should have a legal Will and Powers of Attorney properly prepared and in place, but unfortunately many adults do not. Sometimes, people who suffer from various forms of dementia are diagnosed "too late" and the individual is no longer mentally capable of creating Powers of Attorney. Sometimes our care recipients develop or are born with a developmental disability and therefore may not have the mental capacity to create Powers of Attorney. In either of these scenarios, caregivers, or Substitute Decision Makers (SDM) of the individual should be referred to information regarding how to obtain "Adult Guardianship" to ensure their care recipient's personal care and their property finances are properly and securely managed.
There are two types of Powers of Attorney:
Continuing Power of Attorney for Personal Care
Continuing Power of Attorney for Property
You must be considered "mentally capable" to create these documents, and the definition of "mentally capable" is different for each document. When Powers of Attorney have not been, or cannot be created, Adult Guardianship may be the solution.
Adult Guardianship is when someone steps in, of their own volition, and is appointed by the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee, or appointed by a judge in court, to make decisions for the adult person who is incapable.
There are two main types of Adult Guardianships
Guardian of Personal Care
Guardian of Property
These guardianships essentially "mirror" the purpose of Powers of Attorney. To date, legal fees for seeking Guardianship of Personal Care, Guardianship of Property, or both which is called Guardianship of the Person, can cost caregivers up to approximately $25,000.00.
Fortunately, for a resident of Ontario, Canada, a default "Substitute Decision Maker" is AUTOMATICALLY appointed to them for medical decisions they are incapable of making, under the Health Care Consent Act. Having an "Automatic SDM" gives the caregiver the opportunity to decide if obtaining Guardianship of Personal Care (or Guardianship of the Person) is necessary since medical decisions can and are made without this legal documentation.
But what happens to the incapable adult's property?
"Property" in this context means not only real estate, but also managing the incapable adult's bills, belongings, bank accounts, taxes, etc. It contains many required, daily tasks the incapable adult cannot manage. Without legal documentation such as a POA/or Guardianship of Property, caregivers are unable to act on behalf of the incapable adult, REGARDLESS of their relationship. That means even spouses cannot step in to act on behalf of their husband/wife, and parents cannot step in to act on behalf of their incapable adult child once they are 18 years old.
There are two ways to become someone's Guardian:
Through a judge in court – for one or both guardianship types. (If seeking both guardianships, together it is called "Guardian of the Person")
Through the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) by application – only available for certain individuals, and only available for Guardian of Property.
Things to keep in mind:
It is difficult to obtain Guardianship of Personal Care or Guardianship of the Person without the help of a lawyer who specializes in the area of healthcare. (ie: a health lawyer)
You should thoughtfully consider whether obtaining this is necessary for the benefit of your incapable care recipient.
Process for obtaining Guardianship of the Person through a lawyer can be:
Lengthy in time,
Involves extensive paperwork,
A significant out of pocket expense in legal fees/disbursements.
For most caregivers and SDMs, Guardianship of Property is the one type of Guardianship that is needed and will ultimately save them much unnecessary hardship. NOTE: If the incapable adult will be admitted to Long Term Care, POA of Property or Guardian of Property is required to apply for the government of Ontario's Long-Term Care Home Rate Reduction Program.
Having been in your shoes, my goal is to help caregivers understand and obtain "Adult Guardianship of Property" at an affordable fee. Service is available and applicable to residents of Ontario, Canada only.
For more information, please email info@tbhlegal.ca, visit www.tbhlegal.ca or call Rachel Merucci, Licensed Paralegal at 519-777-9303.
The Collision Conference brought some of the biggest names in tech, marketing, AI, and healthtech to Toronto to talk about where we are headed, and showcase innovative startups. We were on the lookout for what's new in elder care, and these 4 startups stood out.
ElderPRIME
ElderPRIME helps aging adults and their families accurately track and communicate health needs and record, retain and securely share doctors' instructions to improve health outcomes, reduce diagnostic error, and prolong seniors' independence. Rob Parker, ElderPRIME Co-Founder & CEO, showed us a demo. We especially liked the ability for family members to add notes (if given permission). This can be especially helpful in a scenario where a loved one mentioned an issue or pain over the phone, but may not note it themselved on ElderPRIME. That family member can add the note so it's in the app the next time their loved one visits the doctor.
Petalz Mosaic
Petalz Mosaic is a private social media platform that aims to combat loneliness and build family unity. Basic plans begin at $19.99 and include a POD with 5 members. Anything shared on Petalz can only be seen by other members of your POD. This means families can feel comfortable to share images more freely than on traditional social media networks. The daily messaging feature, which is similar to an Instagram Story, is a popular feature to share a short daily video with your loved ones. Petalz Mosaic had been designed to run on Apple and most Android devices. However, Petalz Mosaic also offers an option to purchase a pre-configured device for $299.00 CAD.
Whimble
Whimble connects seniors and people with disabilities with on-demand support, so that no matter when unexpected issues arise, you can get the assistance you need to get back to what matters. Currently, Whimble is exclusive to Ottawa, but you can join their waitlist if you want to see Whimble near you.
Emma, the founder of Whimble, told us care is $35/hour, and it can be arranged the same day – even with just a couple of hours of notice! Caregivers on Whimble must submit a vulnerable sector check via local police services, provide a minimum of 2 references who can speak to their relevant work experience, and undergo a live interview process to review their skills and qualifications.
ConSoul Inc
ConSoul aims to provide caregivers with the support and resources they need to prioritize their well-being and prevent burnout. ConSoul helps those caring for people with chronic, terminal or elderly illnesses to plan for what's next, connect with family and friends, and narrate their journey.
ConSoul was born from the shared belief that everyone should have access to tools that support their individual health journeys and bring them closer to those who want to support and rally around them.
Wellesley Central Place is hosting a Pride Party, and you're invited!
Who? You are invited.
What? 2SLGBTQI+ Rainbow Seniors at Pride. It's a free events highlighting local queer performances with food, ice cream, music, & Special Guest Sofonda!
When? Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 1:00PM–3:00PM.
Where? The Rekai Centre at Wellesley Central Place, 160 Wellesley Street East, Toronto. (Google Maps)
Why? For a celebrations of 2SLGBTQI+ Rainbow Seniors at Pride.
Home to the first 2SLGBTQI+ Rainbow Wing in Long-Term Care in North America
The Rainbow Wing at Wellesley Central Place became the first Long-Term Care Home in North America to offer a wing designated to members of the 2SLGBTQI community in 2022. To facilitate this change staff were provided cultural education about providing care for the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Additional support and programs catering to the inclusive needs of our residents continue to be offered to staff. The physical changes to the Rainbow Wing have already begun with reflective artwork. The Rainbow Wing helps Wellesley Central Place to provide residents as well as the general community with the assurance that they offer an inclusive environment that respect and values the needs of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
The Rekai Centres
The Rekai Centres, a non-profit, charitable corporation owns and operates two Long-Term Care Homes in downtown Toronto. The Rekai Centres strive to enrich the lives of their residents by transforming its long-term care model, ensuring that they remain part of their downtown community.
Long-term care projects that still haven't broken ground, a new Minister of Long-Term Care, a call for comment on the role of resident support personnel, and 15,000 new caregivers from abroad. It's June 7, 2024, this is the week in elder care news.
Four Windsor-Essex long-term care projects still haven't broken ground
CBC is reporting that construction on 4 long-term care homes in the Windors-Essex area that was supposed to begin sometime over the last 2 years still hasn't begun. These 4 projects represent 200 news beds, and 504 upgraded beds, that were part of the plan to add 30,000 new beds by 2028. Advocates and community members say these delays are frustrating and show that seniors aren't a priority.
The 2022 announcement promised that the following four homes would receive upgrades:
Banwell Gardens Care Centre: 192 upgraded care beds. Construction was supposed to begin summer 2022.
Berkshire Care Centre: 11 new and 181 upgraded beds in a new facility. Construction was expected to begin summer 2023.
Chateau Park Long-Term Care Home: 101 new and 59 upgraded beds in a new facility. The home will move from Windsor to Amherstburg. Construction was expected to start fall 2023.
Regency Park Long-Term Care Home: replaced by a brand-new building with 88 new and 72 upgraded beds. Construction was supposed to start winter 2023.
Natalia Kusendova-Bashta is the new Minister of Long-Term Care
Natalia Kusendova-Bashta is taking over as the Minister of Long-Term Care. Since March 28, Natalia has been Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Long-Term Care, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. Stan Cho, the outgoing Minister of Long-Term Care, is taking over the role of Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, with responsibility for OLG.
Global News coverd the entire cabinet reshuffle HERE.
Have your say on the formalization of the role of resident support personnel in long-term care
You have until June 15, 2024 to reply to the call for comment regarding formalizing the role of resident support personnel in long-term care. You can read our dedicated blog to this story HERE.
Canada to provide permanent residence to 15,000 caregivers
Canada has announced two programs to attract 15,000 new caregivers to move here to work with the promise of permanent residence. Through these new pilot programs, candidates interested in working in Canada’s home care sector will be eligible to apply if they meet the following criteria:
Attain a minimum of level 4 based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)
Hold the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma
