OMNIway file photo

Lida and Melbourne Prime live together at Springdale Country Manor. The McGuinty government is making it easier for couples to reside in the same long-term care home

New law aimed at making it easier for couples to live in same long-term care home
Friday, November 26, 2004 - Natalie Miller
When a Peterborough-area man moved into a long-term care home about a year ago, his wife moved in alongside him.

After living together for 68 years, Mel Prime wouldn’t want it any other way.

“We like to live together very much,” Mel says.

“Regardless of where we were at any time.”

Mel and Lida share a room at Springdale Country Manor, a 68-bed OMNI home in Springville. The couple keeps active, leading Bible studies and helping out fellow residents.

“I know it’s good that she (is) with me. I don’t know what it would be like without her. I like it here at Springdale too.”

The McGuinty government announced a new regulation this week that’s intended to make it easier for couples like Mel and Lida to live in the same long-term care home. Eligible couples who both require care will be given “higher priority” for placement in the same setting, according to a press release from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

"People who have lived together most of their lives deserve to stay together when they move to long-term care homes," says Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman in the news release.

"Our government is easing the way for elderly couples to remain together in long-term care homes, so that they can continue to provide love, support and companionship to one another. This is essential to building a community within the home."

Pauline Chaggares, administrator and director of care at Springdale Country Manor, agrees it’s beneficial couples are together.

“They continue their usual companionship,” says Pauline.

“It’s not so much of a loss coming into a nursing home knowing your spouse is coming in after you.”

Pauline says it’s also convenient for family when a married couple or even siblings, reside at the same long-term care home. She explains instead of setting aside time to go to each home separately, relatives can spend that time with both family members in the same location. “The residents will benefit from more frequent visits,” says Pauline.

While Pauline says there are advantages to couples living together, she says, “It’s not black and white.” For example, if a resident has dementia, it may be too difficult on the spouse if they lived at the same home, she says. “It depends on the circumstances. There are situations where it’s good and situations where it’s hard.”

The Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA) applauds the government’s announcement.

"We commend the government for their continued efforts to enhance the quality of life for all long-term care residents," says Karen Sullivan, executive director of the OLTCA, in the news release.

"Today's action is welcomed by both couples who need long-term care services and long-term care providers."