Ontario nursing home advocates say more funds needed

July 9, 2007

n 11-cent increase in the daily food allowance for elderly residentsof long-term care facilities falls woefully short of what’s requiredfrom the Ontario government, advocates say. The increase, which kicked in on Canada Day, brings the funding to$5.57 per person per day, an amount that’s supposed to cover the costof buying three squares, plus snacks, a day. “It is quite serious,” said Leslie Whittington-Carter of Dietitians of Canada. The current funding is really inadequate in order to ensure adequate nutrition. There does need to be a major increase.” Those involved with seniors praise Premier Dalton McGuinty’sgovernment for being responsive to their concerns, noting the $5.57 isnow 33 cents more than the $5.24 the government was paying when hisLiberals took office in October 2003. But all are adamant that it’s not enough. “It desperately needs increasing,” said Pat Prentice, executive director of the Ontario Association of Residents Councils.

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Health Care/Long Term Care