October 27, 2008

Ontario is making it easier for residents to move to another long-term care (LTC) home of their choice.

New regulations under Ontario’s long-term care home legislation will enable residents in different homes to switch places if the move is mutually desired.

The highest priority will be given to residents who are seeking to be reunited with a spouse or partner. The next priority will be given to residents who are seeking admission to a LTC home that serves persons of their religion, ethnicity or language.

These changes may also encourage hospital patients, who are waiting for a LTC home bed, to accept a home that’s not their first choice, knowing there’s a greater opportunity to move to their first choice later on. This would make a hospital bed available sooner, improving the flow of patients throughout the hospital and reducing wait times.

Community Care Access Centres, which are responsible for admissions to LTC homes, will have the authority to facilitate moves when they become aware of a matching opportunity for two residents of two different LTC homes.

“Our government is ensuring that long-term care residents are getting the care they need with compassion and commitment,” said David Caplan, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. “This is a simple, meaningful step to improve their quality of life.”

• As part of the 2008 budget, the total government investment for LTC homes increased to $3.1 billion in 2008/09, an increase of 10.6 per cent over the 2007 budget.
• The government will be redeveloping 35,000 older LTC beds over the next 10 years to ensure equitable access to quality LTC homes.

LEARN MORE

Find out more about choosing a long-term care home.

• Ontario Improving Quality Of Life For Long-Term Care Residents

For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (Toll-free in Ontario only)

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