Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker says $1,812,600 in increased funding is coming to local long-term care homes.
The money is intended for prevention and containment efforts during the second wave of COVID-19.
A release from Walker’s Office says the new funding will reduce the risk of the virus from entering long-term care homes from the community by covering eligible expenses related to creating an immediate 24/7 health checkpoint to confirm staff and essential caregivers entering the building are properly screened for COVID-19 symptoms and potential exposure, and to continue screening residents on an ongoing basis.
It will also go to hiring new staff to carry-out the added workload for essential services and/or to replace workers who are sick or in isolation as well as to cleaning, equipment, and operating supplies beyond typical levels for the home; and infection control measures based on clinical evidence, advice from a physician or other regulated health practitioners with expertise in infection control.
Homes in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound receiving additional funding during the second wave include:
Country Lane Long Term Care Residence is receiving an additional $52,600, bringing the total prevention and containment support since the start of the pandemic to $364,200
Elgin Abbey Nursing Home is receiving an additional $50,500, bringing the total prevention and containment support since the start of the pandemic to $442,800
Gateway Haven Long Term Care Home is receiving an additional $145,600, bringing the total prevention and containment support since the start of the pandemic to $444,600
Georgian Heights is receiving an additional $35,000, bringing the total prevention and containment support since the start of the pandemic to $355,000
Golden Dawn Nursing Home is receiving an additional $60,000 bringing the total prevention and containment support since the start of the pandemic to $531,200
Grey Gables Home for the Aged is receiving an additional $178,600, bringing the total prevention and containment support since the start of the pandemic to $432,800
Hanover Care Centre is receiving an additional $35,400, bringing the total prevention and containment support since the start of the pandemic to $358,200
Lee Manor Home is receiving an additional $394,900, bringing the total prevention and containment support since the start of the pandemic to $765,300
Maple View is receiving an additional $146,000, bringing the total prevention and containment support since the start of the pandemic to $578,600
Meaford Long Term Care is receiving an additional $267,800, bringing the total prevention and containment support since the start of the pandemic to $639,600
Parkview Manor Health Care Centre is receiving an additional $67,800, bringing the total prevention and containment support since the start of the pandemic to $500,600
Rockwood Terrace Home for the Aged is receiving an additional $182,500, bringing the total prevention and containment support since the start of the pandemic to $554,300
Summit Place is receiving an additional $46,000, bringing the total prevention and containment support since the start of the pandemic to $443,000
The Village Seniors Community is receiving an additional $149,900, bringing the total prevention and containment support since the start of the pandemic to $511,900.
MPP Bill Walker says, “Our government’s top priority has been protecting the health and well-being of our most vulnerable population, long-term care residents. That’s why we have met every stage of this pandemic with enhanced action, backed by dollars, to support homes to prevent and contain the spread of COVID-19,” adding, “The new funding will reduce the risk of the virus from entering long-term care homes in our communities.”
The release says, in an effort to address long-standing staffing challenges, the government has, “Launched one of the largest recruitment and training drives in the province’s history, to deliver on its commitment to provide an average of four hours of daily direct care for residents.” They say that would make Ontario the Canadian leader in the provision of care.
The Province says it is increasing annual investments, culminating in $1.9 billion contributed annually by 2024-25, to create more than 27,000 new positions for personal support workers, registered nurses and registered practical nurses in long-term care.