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NDP's 'Time to Care Act' would require four hours of care per day in nursing homes

Front-line staff 'run off their feet,' says Horwath
Elderly Care shutterstock
The Ontario NDP is pushing the provincial Liberals to adopt a private member's bill entitled the Time to Care Act in a vote set for Wednesday. (Supplied)

The Ontario NDP is pushing the provincial Liberals to adopt a private member's bill entitled the Time to Care Act in a vote set for Wednesday.

The bill would require a minimum of four hours of nursing and personal support care for every individual in a long-term care home.

Today, there are no minimum standards.

This bill was previously introduced on behalf of the NDP health critic and Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas. 

Unfortunately for those people in care, the progress of that bill was halted when Kathleen Wynne prorogued the legislature recently, said a press release from the NDP.

Horwath has now reintroduced the bill, saying that those in care shouldn't have to wait for the election.

“We can ensure that every long-term care resident gets the hands-on attention they need,” said Horwath, in a press release.

“With a guarantee of at least four hours of care every day, our parents and grandparents will live healthier, happier, more dignified lives. 

“Families across the province will feel less stress and worry, knowing that their loved ones are finally receiving the care they deserve and front-line health care workers will have the time they need to provide the quality care they want to deliver to residents.”

Four hours of individual care per day is a highlight of the recently-released NDP election platform. 

Horwath has also committed to building 15,000 new long-term care beds over five years rising to 40,000 over 10 years, launching a find-and-fix approach to improving care, and updating the Long-Term Care Residents Bills of rights to enshrine the right of spouses not to be separated against their will.

"Too often, people arrive for a visit with a loved one to find that they haven't been given the help to get out of bed and get dressed,” Horwath said.

“Or, they find unexplained bruises. Decades of damage by the Conservative and Liberal governments have left front-line staff run off their feet, and left residents without protections for their dignity, health or even their safety. 

“It's time to make some major changes for the better for seniors, and everyone in care."


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