Queens Park ON – Ontario is one step closer to strengthening protections for seniors in retirement homes across the province.
Proposed regulations under the Retirement Homes Act, 2010 were developed after extensive consultations and include:
- Care and safety standards – resident care plans, food safety, falls prevention, requirements for emergency and evacuation plans, mandatory staff and volunteer training.
- Resident rights and protections – abuse-prevention measures and requirements regarding residents’ financial matters.
- Definition of a retirement home – minimum of six residents per home and exemptions for premises governed by other provincial legislation.
- Licensing, inspection and enforcement – requirements for retirement home licenses, complaints procedures, and information to be kept on a public register of retirement homes.
Ontarians who would like to comment on the proposed regulations have until April 8, 2011 to do so on the Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat website.
QUOTES
“As a province that cares for the well-being of all its citizens, and especially our seniors, we wish to provide the very best in living conditions in the homes they choose to settle, as they age. As the Minister has said, this is all about safety for our seniors, in retirement homes, and this will bring added attention to the needs and care of our loved ones. I have had opportunities to visit retirement homes in my riding, and I know of the outstanding care given to those residents in these homes.”
Jim Brownell, MPP
Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry
“Anyone with aging parents wants to know that there are strong safety protections in place at retirement homes across the province. It’s about the safety of our parents and grandparents, and peace of mind knowing they are being protected.”
– Sophia Aggelonitis
Minister Responsible for Seniors
QUICK FACTS
- The proposed regulations are based on extensive consultations with, and advice from, care experts, seniors’ groups and advocates, municipalities and retirement home operators.
- An interim board of directors has been appointed to lead the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority.
- The second and final phase of proposed regulations will include: administrative requirements for the authority’s emergency fund; financial penalties for homes not in compliance with regulations; and processes around the transitional phase-in of regulations.
Learn More
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