Some changes are coming to the way residents are cared for in long term care homes in the province.
Premier Doug Ford says the government is increasing the hours of direct care each resident gets.
“We will be increasing average daily direct care in our homes to four hours a day, compared to the 2.75 hours. To put that into perspective, that’s over 31% increased care for our loved ones.”
He adds “We’re making sure a resident takes their heart medication three times a day. A grandparent is getting assistance they need with bathing, a change of clothes and meals.”
Ford indicates this makes Ontario the leader among Canadian provinces in the provision of care for long term residents.
Minister of Long-Term Care Merrilee Fullerton adds “The increase level of care will help us dramatically enhance residents quality of life while at the same time reassuring family members about the care their loved one is receiving.”
Fullerton admits the government will have to hire thousands of personal support workers and nurses to meet what she calls “hard targets”.
The changes will be formally announced in Thursday’s provincial budget.
