Concerned Friends likes ‘spirit of Act’ but question how changes will be funded
Friday, January 19, 2007 -- Natalie Miller
While she embraces the resident-focused ‘spirit’ of the Province’s proposed Long Term Care Homes Act, Lois Dent wonders where the dollars will come from to fund the changes.

“We are quite supportive of the legislation,” says Dent, president of the board of directors of Concerned Friends of Ontario Citizens in Care Facilities.

“We are very happy with the spirit of the Act.”

Dent highlights the resident-focused components of the Act including the strengthened bill of resident rights, the detailed provisions on prevention of abuse and neglect and the piece dealing with restricted use of restraints. She points also to the portion that provides family councils “with a number of powers they can use.” Concerned Friends piloted the idea of family councils in long-term care homes.

Founded in 1980, Concerned Friends of Ontario Citizens in Care Facilities is a non-profit corporation and registered charity dedicated to reform of the long-term care system and improvement of quality of life for residents.

While the Act generally looks good on paper “there’s nothing in the Act about how this is going to be paid for,” Dent says. “There are a lot of obligations put on (long-term care operators). They’re going to need increased funding to provide the care required if this Act is passed.”

When asked if Concerned Friends takes issue with the licencing component of the Act, which gives government the power to limit the duration and revoke licences of older homes, she says, “It’s a bit of a red herring.” She says governments rarely close homes, even those homes that aren’t delivering good care. That said, Dent notes, “I do agree with the need to fund a capital renewal program.”

Another issue raised by long-term care providers is the increased processes and paperwork outlined in the Act. But Dent says this is necessary. “I know there are a lot of good homes out there but it needs to be in there because there will always be a need in the poorly-run homes for this clout to make them do what needs to be done to provide proper care. Those are the ones we hear about. We do hear some horror stories. They are the minority but to the person involved, it can’t be overlooked.”

The Long Term Care Homes Act 2006 or Bill 140 is currently at the second reading stage. According to the Province, the proposed Act promotes zero tolerance of abuse and neglect of long-term care home residents, restricts the use of restraints and makes it mandatory a registered nurse be on duty in the province’s nursing homes 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It also defines licence terms for long-term care homes of up to 25 years and provides the authority to revoke licences in cases of non-compliance.

Concerned Friends addressed the provincial Standing Committee on Social Policy earlier this week during one of the five public hearings on the proposed legislation.