Premier of Ontario - Dalton McGuinty

News Release /



Office of the
PremierCabinet du
Premier ministre



For Immediate Release
August 4, 2005
MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE FOR LONG-TERM CARE RESIDENTSExtending Rate Freeze Part Of Plan To Ensure The Highest Quality of Care
TORONTO -- The McGuinty government is continuing to improve the quality of life for people living in long-term care homes by freezing basic accommodation rates for the second year in a row, said Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.
'Our seniors deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and their families want to know their loved ones will be cared for when they can't be there,' said Premier McGuinty. 'By keeping rates affordable and delivering the very best care possible, we're helping ensure our seniors stay healthy longer.'
Residents in long-term care homes will continue to pay $48.69 a day, or $1,480.99 a month, for basic accommodations. The government will continue to cover their remaining costs. Residents can also apply for a rate reduction if their monthly income is below $1,596.99.
Today's announcement is part of the government's plan to improve the quality of life for residents by maintaining a high level of care in long-term care homes. This year, the government is investing $264 million in new funding for long-term care homes -- an increase of more than 10 per cent. This investment will support 700 new beds, improve care and help hire new staff in long-term care homes across Ontario.
The McGuinty government's long-term care action plan includes:
Funding for 2,000 new positions in long-term care homes, including 600 full-time nurses
Conducting unannounced inspections of long-term care homes to ensure a high standard of c"