DURHAM/KAWARTHA LAKES: The Ontario government is investing over $40 million in additional nutritional support funding for long-term care homes so residents can receive more individualized food choices, more fresh produce and local foods in season, and additional menu flexibility.
“Our government has a plan to fix long-term care and to ensure Ontario’s seniors get the quality of care they need and deserve,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Long-Term Care. “This major funding increase for food and nutrition will go a long way to supporting the comfort and quality of life of residents.”
In addition to providing a 15 percent funding increase for nutritional support to homes, the government is adopting new regulations under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 which will further increase quality of life and care for residents. Once they come into effect on April 11th, long-term care homes will be required to deliver:
• Menu planning flexibility that better reflects the needs of the residents such as speciality diets and menu substitutions that have consistent nutritional value;
• Menus that are approved by a registered dietitian in addition to residents’ preferences;
• Menus that provide a variety of foods every day, including fresh produce and local foods in season;
• More flexibility for each home to increase menu choices for residents and reduce food waste; and
• Meals and snacks at times that are chosen with support from the home’s Residents’ Council and its administrator.
The government has a plan to fix long-term care and to ensure Ontario’s seniors get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve both now and in the future. The plan is built on three pillars: staffing and care; accountability, enforcement, and transparency; and building modern, safe, comfortable homes for seniors.