Ontario Invests $ 3.1 Million to Increase Staffing at Peterborough Long Term Care Homes, Lakefield – Peterborough | The Canadian News

Five long-term care homes in Peterborough-Kawartha will share more than $ 3.1 million in Ontario funds, the area’s MPP announced Wednesday.

The funding is aimed at increasing staffing levels so that residents receive more time of care from personal staff and support workers. The government says Ontario long-term care residents currently receive an average of two hours and 45 minutes of direct care.

Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith says the new funding is part of a $ 270 million commitment in 2021-2022 to increase the daily average to three hours per resident per day at the end of the fiscal year.

Continuing the commitment, Smith says it will translate to $ 18,043,200 more than households would receive by 2024 with the goal of providing residents with an average of four hours of direct care.

“For too long, governments of all types have neglected and underfunded our long-term care system,” Smith said. “Now we have seen too painful the results of that inaction. Today, that changes. An additional $ 18,043,200 in annual funding will hire thousands of new nurses, personal support workers, aides, and physical therapists for our community homes. Our seniors will see four hours of direct care every day from our professional healthcare workers. “

Long-term care homes that receive additional staffing funds for the direct care of residents include:

• Extendicare Inc. in Peterborough: $ 619,816. For the year 2024-2025, the household will receive $ 3,796,272 annually more than its current financing.
• Fairhaven in Peterborough: $ 911,908. For the year 2024-2025, the household will receive $ 5,585,316 annually more than its current financing.
• Saint Joseph in Fleming in Peterborough: $ 712,434. For the year 2024-2025, the household will receive $ 4,363,536 annually more than its current financing.
• Riverview Manor Nursing Home in Peterborough: $ 345,530. For the year 2024-2025, the household will receive $ 2,116,320 annually more than its current financing.
• Extendicare Inc. in Lakefield: $ 356,212. For the year 2024-2025, the household will receive $ 2,181,756 annually more than its current financing.

Fairhaven CEO Lionel Towns says the funding will have “transformative effects” on the care provided in long-term care homes and the working conditions of staff.

Carl Rodd, CEO of St. Joseph’s in Fleming, echoed the sentiment.

“Our residents, their families, and our entire care team are pleased with the Ontario government’s commitment to increasing funding for long-term care,” he said. “This funding will support a staffing model that will allow an increase in direct care time for each of our residents.”

Dawn Baldwin, an administrator for Extendicare in Lakefield, says staffing has been a long-standing challenge.

“The care needs of residents have become increasingly complex, and this path to continued funding increases will make a real difference in providing safe, quality care for those we serve,” he said.

MaryAnne Greco, manager of Riverview Manor Nursing Home, says more skilled staff means more daily care for residents.

“All funds will be spent directly on nursing, personal care and programs, and any surplus will be returned to the government,” he said.

0:54New long-term care home to be built in Vaughan, Ontario.

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