We are grateful for the Ontario Government’s historic investments and commitments in long-term care capital redevelopment. Work also is still needed to help projects to move along quickly.
We are grateful for the Ontario Government’s historic investments and commitments in long-term care capital redevelopment. Work also is still needed to help projects to move along quickly.
Long term care homes are committed to delivering on the government’s pledge to redevelop older homes and to create 30,000 new long-term care spaces to provide quality care and living, affordable housing, individualized supports and a caring environment for residents.
The government’s latest enhanced capital program will help a number of building and redevelopment projects move forward.
We also know that some communities need additional supports and customized solutions due to significant economic and construction challenges – particularly homes in the Greater Toronto Area and in small, rural communities in Northeastern, Southwestern and Eastern Ontario. Their challenges include rising construction and labour costs due to inflation, access to affordable land, and rising interest rates on the money they need to borrow.
Nearly half of the province’s long-term care homes are older, with an estimated 20,000 residents living in older long-term care homes that need to be rebuilt and are waiting for approval to renovate or rebuild.
There is no time to waste because licenses for many of these homes expire in 2025. The action needed also includes municipalities who need to provide planning and building approvals for new and redeveloped not-for-profit and private long-term care homes that fall under their jurisdiction.
Data show that almost 43,000 people in Ontario are currently waiting for long-term care. Given the growing seniors’ population, by 2029, we will be looking at a waiting list of 48,000 – even with the new beds that are being built.
Data also show that 295 homes across Ontario may not be able to redevelop, which represents 30,000 spaces or 38% of the province’s current long-term care capacity.
Today’s economic realities are hitting the Greater Toronto Area and small, rural homes especially hard. Without a capital funding model tailored for them, vital long-term care homes and services for seniors in many Ontario communities will be lost. This will mean:
The size of Ontario’s elderly population and their complex care needs are rapidly growing. Long-term care homes are a critical part of our health care system for our vulnerable seniors.
The Ontario Long Term Care Association and its member homes continue to work closely with government to clear the path for capital renewal and expansion. This includes ensuring long-term care homes can demonstrate strong financial health in order to secure financing to redevelop or build a new home.
Our goal is to find solutions that are tailored to meet the needs of Ontario’s homes who face significant economic challenges and who are a vital part of their communities.