The Role of Long-Term Care
Long-term care communities provide 24/7 nursing care and supervision, primary medical care, help with daily activities and interests, and a safe, caring home environment. The majority of people who live in long-term care have some form of cognitive impairment and/or physical disability, along with chronic health conditions that have seriously compromised their health.
As part of the health care system, long-term care communities are licensed and funded by the Ministry of Long-Term Care to provide care for individuals who need a level of support beyond what is possible at home. People living in long-term care also pay a fee for their accommodation.
How Long-Term Care Works
In Ontario, long-term care communities are regulated and funded by the provincial government. Government agencies determine who is eligible to be admitted to long-term care, and manage the wait lists. Each community is granted a license to operate by the provincial government.
The provincial government provides funding for all the staff and supplies related to nursing and personal care, social and recreational programs and support services, and food (used to make meals). In addition, long-term care communities receive other government funding for specific needs, such as falls prevention equipment. You pay an accommodation fee to the long-term care community that is used to pay for expenses such as non-care staff, utilities and mortgages, as well as building maintenance and major capital repairs (like a new roof). The government sets the rate for these fees and provides subsidies as needed.
|
Long-term care communities are licensed, regulated, and funded by the Ministry of Long-Term Care (MLTC)
|
Long-Term Care Communities Account for Every Dollar
As part of their agreement with the government, all funding provided to communities by the province must be rigorously accounted for, and can only be used for its specified purpose. Any unspent funds related to care are returned to the government.
Funding from accommodation fees is also accounted for, and the community uses these funds to pay for accommodation operating expenses, building & equipment repairs and maintenance, property taxes, insurance, and financing costs.
Every long-term care community produces an audited annual report documenting the community’s spending, which is then reviewed and audited again by the government. The final report is presented to each community’s Residents’ Council and Family Council and posted publicly in the community.
Ministry of Long-Term Care
Long-term care communities are licensed, regulated, and funded by the Ministry of Long-Term Care (MLTC). The Ministry of Long-Term Care conducts unannounced inspections of all long-term care homes throughout the province and publishes its reports online. This information is also posted within the community along with a statement of residents’ rights. For detailed information or to report any concerns about a specific community, you can call the Long-Term Care Action Line at 1-866-434-0144 or visit: www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/ltc/.
Adapted from www.oltca.com/oltca/OLTCA/Public/LongTermCare/FactsFigures.aspx