Province to spend $7.1M to improve staffing levels at local long-term care homes

The Ford government has announced over $7.1 million to increase staffing levels at long-term care homes in Waterloo Region.

The announcement was made Friday morning by Mike Harris, MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga.

Harris said the province is also adding 136 new beds and upgrading over 300 beds at two homes in Kitchener and St. Jacobs.

“These new and redeveloped beds and increased funding for staffing allocations will allow homes in our community to hire and retain more staff so they can provide the world-class care that Ontario's residents, every day,” he added.

The rest of the details were contained in a news release:

BED ALLOCATIONS

– Derbecker's Heritage House in St. Jacobs. There will be 56 new and 72 upgraded beds as part of the new construction.
– Forest Heights in Kitchener. There will be 80 new and 240 upgraded beds as part of the new construction.

FUNDING ALLOCATIONS

– Barnswallow Place Care Community, in Elmira, will receive up to $837,252 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents. 
– Chartwell Elmira Long Term Care Residence, will receive up to $313,968 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents. 
– Chartwell Westmount Long Term Care Residence, in Kitchener, will receive up to $1,395,420 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents. 
– Derbecker's Heritage House, in St. Jacobs, will receive up to $627,936 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents. 
– Forest Heights Long Term Care Centre, in Kitchener, will receive up to $1,500,084 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents. 
– Lanark Heights Long Term Care Centre, in Kitchener, will receive up to $1,395,420 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents. 
– Nithview Home, in New Hamburg, will receive up to $845,976 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents. 
– Twin Oaks of Maryhill Inc., will receive up to $200,592 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents. 

In total, the Ford government is providing over $670 million to long-term care homes across Ontario.