October 26th, 2017
October 26th, 2017
On Thursday, NDP Home and Long-Term Care critic and London-Fanshawe MPP Teresa Armstrong called on the Wynne government to stop denying the long-term care crisis in Ontario and ensure no long-term care beds will be moved out of Toronto. Armstrong raised concerns outlined in an Ontario Long Term Care Association warning that long-term care homes may be forced out of Toronto.
“Yesterday the Long Term Care Association confirmed what the Minister of Health has been denying for three days – that there are long-term care homes in Toronto looking to relocate out of the city,” said Armstrong. “Whether or not these homes have filed the paperwork with the Ministry, they have expressed their desire to relocate – and they’ve done it publicly.”
14 long-term-care homes housing a total of 1,800 residents are at risk of leaving the city and rising costs mean that the future of long-term care in Toronto is in jeopardy. With Ontario’s long-term wait list topping 32,000 people, Armstrong stated that the situation has become critical.
“The Association’s report notes that even the City of Toronto staff acknowledges the possibility of homes closing or leaving,” said Armstrong. “City staff said there is a significant risk in future years of long-term care homes closing or moving out of the city…”
Armstrong noted that the bed shortage in Toronto is just the latest issue in a long-term care system that has reached a tipping point. New Democrats have been raising system issues in long-term care including the understaffing of care homes and safety risks to residents in care. Ontario New Democrats have called for a two-phase inquiry into long-term care to find and fix these issues.
“The redevelopment issues with these homes in Toronto are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the problems in our long-term care system,” said Armstrong. “Seniors are facing months-long wait lists just to get a bed; and when they finally do – they often have to face issues with safety and security, understaffing, and conditions that do not allow them the care and support they deserve. And now, the peace of mind of staying in the city where they get a long term care bed.
For too long this government has been ignoring this growing crisis.”
“With a wait list for care topping 32,000 people already, and now the possibility of losing 1,800 spaces in Toronto – what is the Liberal government’s plan to make sure every senior who needs care has a bed in a long-term care home?” asked Armstrong.
In her response, Kathleen Wynne refused to take responsibility for the crisis in long-term care, dismissing it a “societal problem.” Wynne would not assure Toronto families that the long-term care beds in jeopardy will remain in the city.