Ontario’s long-term care homes are primarily accepting new residents from hospitals due to bed shortages caused by closures, especially in Toronto. To address this issue, AdvantAge Ontario, a major long-term care association, is urging the province to increase funding for various sectors before the upcoming budget. Lisa Levin, CEO of AdvantAge Ontario, emphasizes the need for a new strategy to support the growing elderly population and avoid crisis-driven admissions to long-term care.
Statistics from the Canadian Institute of Health Information reveal a significant rise in hospital-to-long-term care admissions, with over 50% of new residents coming from hospitals, a 67% increase from pre-pandemic levels. AdvantAge Ontario advocates for expanding seniors’ supportive housing with income-based rent options and allocating an additional $600 million to enhance home care services.
The organization also highlights the changing demographics of long-term care residents, with a notable increase in individuals with psychiatric or mood disorders. Levin stresses the importance of investing in long-term care facilities to cater to diverse resident needs and calls for more community-based care options to prevent unnecessary long-term care admissions.
Concerns over the difficulty of accessing long-term care from the community are echoed by Levin, who notes the overwhelming reliance on hospital admissions for placements. At Belmont House in Toronto, nearly all new admissions are categorized as crisis cases, indicating a lack of alternative care options for these individuals.
The closure of nearly 700 long-term care beds in Toronto due to facility shutdowns has exacerbated the bed shortage crisis. While the province has allocated substantial funds for long-term care redevelopment projects, ongoing closures continue to impact accessibility to care facilities. Initiatives like the community paramedicine program aim to enhance home care services and alleviate pressure on long-term care homes.
Despite these investments, challenges persist in meeting the demand for long-term care services. Stakeholders emphasize the urgency of expanding support for seniors and enhancing care options to ensure a sustainable and inclusive long-term care system in Ontario.
