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Press Release

County receives increased funding to support growing needs in long term care

 

Midhurst/ April 3, 2018 – The County of Simcoe is receiving a needed $1.4 million annual boost from the Province to support increased levels of care needs at each of its four long term care homes.

The funding is the result of the 2017 Level of Care assessments completed at each home which indicated a significant increase in the levels of care requirements related to the County's nursing and personal care programming and supports.

“We thank the province for recognizing the urgent need for additional funding and stepping up to help us address the changing complexity in the levels of care our residents now require," said Warden Gerry Marshall. “Our staff do a tremendous job with the resources and supports they have available to them, however we must stress that more funding and resources are needed to address our aging population and the critical care needs of our seniors."

This additional funding will be allocated to provide support to both residents and staff at the County's four long term care homes and will address four key areas:

  • Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) Training Program – GPA is evidence-based training that focuses on understanding the individual within dementia and identifying patterns and triggers that will help the care provider provide person-centred and compassionate care. The County will incorporate GPA training as part of our mandatory education for all long term care staff and provide a two hour recertification program every two years.
  • Program and Support Services (PSS)Increase hours of Program and Support Services on evenings to address increased behavioural needs in the “Memory Care" units in each County home.
  • Registered Nurse Supervision – Increase Registered Nurse coverage at select homes where needs are greatest
  • Personal Support Worker Hours – Provide more direct care for residents to help address increases in levels of care requirements

View the fact sheet.

Long Term Care and Seniors Services in Simcoe County                                                                                                          

  • Simcoe County has a regional seniors' population above the provincial average (16.7% Ontario vs.18% in Simcoe County aged 65+)
  • The number of residents 55 and older is expected to double in the next 20 years 
  • In Ontario, one in 10 individuals over the age of 65 is living with dementia (Alzheimer Society of Ontario, 2012).
  • Approximately 65% of the 78,000 residents in Ontario's Long-Term Homes suffer from some type of dementia (Advantage Ontario).
  • Acuity levels of long-term care residents have risen significantly since 2012 with increases noted in new admissions in the Very High and High needs categories, MAPLe Scores of 5 and 4, respectively (Advantage Ontario)

The County of Simcoe operates four Long Term Care homes across our growing region: Georgian Manor in Penetanguishene; Simcoe Manor in Beeton; Trillium Manor in Orillia; and Sunset Manor in Collingwood. We are steadily recognized as a leader in managing Long Term Care homes both in terms of providing exceptional care, and for the efficient management of these facilities. The County's long term care and seniors services program is “Accredited with Exemplary Standing" by Accreditation Canada.

County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.

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Contacts:

Allan Greenwood
Director, Corporate Communications 
705-726-9300 ext. 1230
705-794-9301 (mobile) 
Allan.Greenwood@simcoe.ca

Collin Matanowitsch
Communications Co-ordinator
705-726-9300 ext. 1430
705-734-8386 (mobile)
Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca