Big scare for long-term
care resolved
OMNI Health Care cancelled several big renovations in April of this year due to funding cuts by Ontario’s Liberal government. The cuts, which amounted to $1.2 million over two years, were due to reductions in the amount of reimbursements long-term care providers receive for property taxes. Fraser Wilson, CEO of OMNI, said the cutbacks would amount to $333,000 in 2003 and $838,000 in 2004; for a total of $1.2 million.

Fraser then went on to say, “Our primary responsibility at this time is to prudently manage our resources and ensure that we sustain our business to ensure that we can continue to serve our residents and our people.” As a result, the major renovations scheduled for Almonte Country Haven, Frost Manor and Village Green long-term care homes were cancelled.

In an April 23 commentary, Fraser noted “This government represents itself as advocates for seniors…[but] has already proven itself to be regressive and short-sighted.” OMNI, according to Fraser, “continue[s] to work very hard to make a difference, to heighten our benchmark and stand as an example of what is possible…. Even in times where there is validated evidence through the Level of Service Study of the need for significantly more staff in long term care.”

Public and private sector outcries seemed to change the government’s mind, however. A series of articles in the Toronto Star about long-term care homes, elder abuse and funding, in conjunction with the Ontario Long Term Care Association’s “My 5 Top Priorities” campaign may have contributed to the change of heart.

In an OMNIway article, opposition MPP Laurie Scott called the retroactive decrease in funding “shocking.” Laurie responded to the government move by saying, “This government is not addressing the needs of long-term care and I find this latest move most shocking.”

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Even a Liberal MPP seemed to be taken aback by the funding cuts. Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal didn’t know anything about his government’s retroactive property tax funding cut until told about it when he met with area administrators at Riverview Manor on April 23. “I was blind-sided when told about it,” Jeff told the OMNIway. Jeff continued by saying, “I am writing a letter to Health Minister George Smitherman about this issue and I hope the government will address the situation.”

As it turns out, the government had been trying to address the situation already. The OLTCA and Ministry officials met on April 22 to discuss restoring the level of reimbursement private long-term care homes receive for property taxes. Fraser's response to the meeting was: “Although the indication seems to be supportive, the proof will be in the pudding.”

When the pudding came on May 11, it came in the form of $191 million in additional funding for long-term care homes. The funding, which is slated for hiring 2,000 new employees, will be “great for seniors,” according to Fraser. In addition to the new funding the government has agreed to reverse their stand on the retroactive clawback on tax funding for 2003. They have also agreed to try and resolve the issue of a clawback on 2004 property tax funding.

When combined with the extra $340 million that has already been slated for increasing the number of long-term care beds in the Province’s upcoming budget, the Liberal government is doing more than keeping its election promise of $400 million for long-term care. Fraser said, “I am certainly happy with these developments. It would appear the government has recognized the importance of seniors in this province.” Karl Samuelson, administrator of OMNI’s largest home, also welcomed the funding with open arms. “The opportunity to dedicate resources to the frontline is very exciting.”

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