Ontario’s long-term care crisis: A call for better staffing and transparency

Ontario’s long-term care crisis: A call for better staffing and transparency
Ontario’s long-term care system is facing a significant crisis, as recent reports reveal that the province has failed to meet its own legislated targets for hands-on care hours for residents. This situation raises serious concerns about the quality of care provided to some of the most vulnerable members of society. With the government promising improvements, the question remains: can they deliver?

Missed targets and transparency issues

According to a newly updated document, Ontario missed its target of providing three hours and 42 minutes of direct care per day to long-term care residents by March 31 of this year. While the government claims to have exceeded its care hours target for the 2024-25 fiscal year, this achievement occurred outside the timeframe set by the Progressive Conservative government in a 2021 law. Critics argue that the lack of transparency surrounding these updates is unacceptable, especially when the information was quietly added to a staffing plan without public acknowledgment.

The staffing shortage dilemma

The core issue plaguing Ontario’s long-term care facilities is a severe staffing shortage. Current estimates indicate that the province needs an additional 13,200 nurses and 37,700 personal support workers to meet the demands of its aging population. This shortage not only affects the quantity of care but also raises questions about the quality of care residents receive. With turnover rates among personal support workers reaching as high as 25%, and even 38% in some facilities, the stability of care is at risk.

Quality versus quantity of care

As the government pushes for an increase in direct care hours, experts argue that simply meeting numerical targets is not enough. Ricardo McKenzie, director of long-term care for SEIU Healthcare, emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity. Residents need to build relationships with their caregivers, which is challenging when staff turnover is so high. The focus should be on providing stable, well-paying jobs to attract and retain qualified workers, ensuring that residents receive consistent and compassionate care.

Financial implications of staffing agencies

Long-term care homes are increasingly relying on staffing agencies to fill shifts, leading to skyrocketing costs. In 2022-23, nearly $1 billion was spent on agency staff, who are often paid significantly more than regular employees. This financial strain diverts funds away from improving care quality and addressing the root causes of staffing shortages. Advocates argue that the government must equalize wages across the healthcare system to retain workers in long-term care facilities.

Path forward: Addressing the challenges

The government acknowledges the challenges it faces, including the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and a global health workforce shortage. To address these issues, a 6.6% increase in level-of-care base funding has been proposed, alongside expanded training programs to attract new workers. However, without a commitment to improving working conditions and wages, the cycle of turnover and staffing shortages is likely to continue.

As Ontario grapples with these pressing issues, the need for reform in its long-term care system has never been more urgent. Ensuring that residents receive the care they deserve requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes both staffing levels and the quality of care provided.