A monthly roundup of long-term care news across Ontario. A lot has been happening in the sector this month! From new caregiver supports to concerns about staffing and resident care, here are some of the stories that caught our attention.
In this issue
01 · Family Councils Making a Difference02 · New Support for Dementia Caregivers03 · Are Long-Term Care Homes Meeting Care Targets?04 · Accountability and Resident Safety05 · Keeping Long-Term Care Close to Home06 · Planning for an Aging Ontario
01Family Councils
The Dufferin Oaks Family Council is organizing information sessions on November 6 and 7 to help families learn more about services available to residents. The sessions will connect families with staff, community organizations and support services, including Family Councils Ontario.
It's a great example of how Family Councils can bring people together, share information, and help families become more involved in their loved ones' care.
02Caregiver Support
The Alzheimer Society Niagara Region has received a $99,900 grant to support families adjusting to a loved one's move into long-term care.
The initiative offers counselling, education and opportunities for connection, recognizing that families often experience emotional challenges and changes in their caregiving roles during this transition.
03Staffing & Care
A Toronto Star investigation reports that nearly 300 long-term care homes in Ontario are falling short of the province's four-hour daily direct care benchmark.
The four-hour target is measured as a provincial average, rather than a guaranteed amount for every resident. The findings raise important questions about staffing, transparency and the quality of care residents receive.
04Accountability
Extendicare Countryside in Sudbury received two additional compliance orders and a $5,500 fine following inspections that identified concerns about resident weight monitoring, food and fluid tracking, and documentation.
The home has outlined corrective measures, while provincial oversight continues. The story highlights the importance of monitoring care standards and addressing concerns that affect resident well-being.
05Access to Care
A proposal to consolidate three eastern Ontario long-term care homes into a new facility in Cornwall has raised concerns among local communities and workers.
While the proposed facility would add beds, families and advocates are questioning how the closures might affect access to visits, community connections and French-language services.
Read the report · CBC →United Steelworkers statement · The Globe and Mail →
06Policy
As Ontario's older adult population grows, advocates are calling for a more comprehensive provincial aging strategy.
The conversation goes beyond building new long-term care beds. It also includes strengthening home care, community services and supports that help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life.
These summaries are shared for informational purposes and reflect reporting and statements from the linked sources.