Arlene says any organization needs to have a strategic plan in place to be able to be effective. So to have to "alter those plans annually based on a fluctuating funding formula" causes an "extreme amount of chaos."

She says this ultimately affects residents care and a resident's feeling of stability. In addition, she adds it also impacts recruitment and retention in the workplace, especially because the sporadic funding formula means they are constantly hiring and re-hiring staff.

"No other company in the entire world cuts staff, then infuses money into the system again on this arbitrary funding system," says Arlene.

"How can you be effective?" with this formula, she asks rhetorically.

She says the fluctuating funding formula also contributes to family frustrations, as to what they can expect from the home they choose at any given time. But hospitals, she points out, get a "global" budget based on their history and record of serving certain numbers in the community.

Besides an infusion of funds, Arlene points out a "supportive compliance program" is needed, not a disciplinary type of "officer."

"All homes need to meet the requirements, of course, and should be dealt with harshly if any abuse of resident care is found. But assistance to those homes who are struggling with other non-care issues should be done with a positive 'helping hand' attitude. The ministry visits should be looked on as a good resource not scare tactics," says Arlene.

Arlene has worked in long-term care since 1988, beginning as a staff-development co-ordinator (trainer) until 1994 when she became the administrator of a 202-bed, long-term care home. She came to OMNI in 2000 as administrator and director of care for Maplewood, a 49-bed home.

She notes Ontario is also advocating for more family members to become volunteers in the homes.

"But it is often quite naive to ask the families to shoulder the responsibilities of care. Most of the families we are seeing today are struggling themselves with two jobs, supporting high university costs for children" and more, she says.

The administrator says there is no doubt that "volunteers put the icing on the cake, again due to lack of funding for programs."

Arlene says although more funding is needed for long-term care and for health care in general, she says it is important "as a tax payer" that people are not taxed onerously.

"What is important is the funding is used appropriately and effectively, getting good, qualified people in the sector, having the appropriate amount of staff to give care, reducing waste…all qualities of good management. The government should insist on good management," she says.

Arlene adds she likes the idea of an ombudsman or board to oversee all aspects of long-term care issues, something easily accessible to long-term care operators and not laden with bureaucracy.