The provincial Conservative politician representing Haliburton, Victoria and Brock says the issues raised by operators and the Ontario Long Term Care Association are valid.

“They want to expand and refurbish,” says Scott.

“In order for them to refurbish…and modernize their homes, they’re not going to have that flexibility to go to the bank. That’s concerning,” says Scott. “We’re needing more long-term care beds not fewer.”

Scott is referring to the limited licensing component of the proposed Long Term Care Homes Act. The Act would put a 10-year deadline on older nursing home’s operating licences and provide no plan for what happens before or after that. After seven years government can decide to do anything it wants with the older homes, including close them and move the beds to another community.

With no funding commitment for the structural renewal of older homes, current and future residents will face uncertainty for the next decade while continuing to live in three- or four-bed ward rooms. About 35,000 nursing home residents live in older homes and would be impacted by the new Act, if passed.

“The residents are really, really upset,” says Scott. In small communities, there’s that level of caring. (Nursing homes) take these patients in like family.”

“They could potentially be (moved) out of the community where their families live.”

The other issue raised was the fact residents living in ward rooms pay the same money as those living in newer or refurbished homes in more private living quarters.

“They have to put more stability (in the sector),” says Scott. “There’s no plan for future capital investments.” She points out even if long-term care operators approached a bank for a loan to refurbish, with a limited licence it would be unlikely they’d secure financing.

“It’s a level of uncertainty it’s created in the long-term care sector.”

“The Long Term Care Homes Act needs to go to committee and needs major revisions if our government is going to provide adequate care to our seniors.”