Recently in the healthcare industry, Ontario’s Ministry of Long-Term Care reported that the province has reached 93 percent of its four-hour direct care target per resident, reflecting a 33 percent increase since 2021. Ontario has also expanded culturally appropriate long-term care services to 30 additional homes, bringing the total number of recognized culturally focused facilities to 59 province-wide. New research published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that Ontario’s requirement for air conditioning in long-term care resident rooms has reduced heat-related mortality, with higher risks observed in non-air-conditioned settings. Health officials are warning of rising flu-related hospitalizations across Canada, with cases increasing sharply among children and adolescents. Meanwhile, Alberta emergency departments are facing mounting pressure as influenza cases surge, further straining hospitals already operating near or above capacity.
Ontario Reports Progress Toward Four Hours of Direct Care in Long-Term Care Homes
Ontario’s Ministry of Long-Term Care reported that, as of September 2024, the province reached 93 percent of its target to provide four hours of direct care per resident per day, representing a 33 percent increase since 2021. The report outlines a $4.9 billion investment between 2020 and 2025 to recruit and retain staff, with more than 110,000 workers now delivering hands-on care, alongside programs supporting seniors at home and in community settings. Median wait times for long-term care placement increased by 25 days year over year, pointing to continued capacity constraints despite staffing gains.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care
Ontario Expands Culturally Appropriate Long-Term Care Services
Ontario announced the expansion of culturally appropriate long-term care services to 30 additional homes, bringing the total number of recognized culturally focused facilities to 59 across the province. The placement model prioritizes matching residents with homes that reflect their religious, linguistic, or cultural background to support quality of life and family engagement. The initiative responds to the growing diversity of Ontario’s senior population and reinforces the province’s focus on person-centred care.
Source: Ontario News Release
Ontario Long-Term Care Air Conditioning Mandate Linked to Reduced Heat-Related Deaths
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that Ontario’s requirement for air conditioning in all long-term care resident rooms reduced heat-related mortality, with residents in non-air-conditioned rooms facing an eight percent higher risk of death during extreme heat days. Using provincial data from 2010 to 2023, researchers estimated the policy prevented 33 resident deaths between 2020 and 2023 following the mandate’s implementation. The findings support Ontario’s 2021 regulation, introduced after reports of unsafe heat conditions in care homes, and raise calls for similar standards across Canada.
Source: CBC News
Flu Hospitalizations Expected to Rise as Cases Increase Nationwide
Health officials are warning of a sharp rise in flu-related hospitalizations as influenza cases continue to climb across Canada, particularly among children and adolescents. Vaccination uptake remains low at approximately 20 percent, while hospitals report operating beyond capacity with patients treated in hallways and temporary spaces. Alberta has recorded its highest flu hospitalization levels in a decade, adding strain to an already pressured healthcare system.
Source: CBC News
Alberta Emergency Departments Face High Demand as Influenza Cases Surge
Alberta emergency departments are experiencing significant pressure as influenza cases rise across the province, adding strain to hospitals already operating near or above capacity. Alberta Health Services reports increased emergency visits and hospitalizations related to respiratory illnesses, prompting the activation of surge plans, additional staffing, and the use of temporary and over-capacity beds. Physicians warn that the situation is particularly challenging heading into peak respiratory virus season, with low vaccination rates and limited inpatient capacity contributing to sustained demand across major hospitals.
Source: CBC News
Is your current staffing strategy keeping up with your facility’s needs? As we move through another busy season in healthcare, it’s essential to ensure your team has dependable support and consistent coverage. Priority Healthcare’s specialists are available to help assess your staffing requirements and recommend a customized approach.
For fast scheduling, here’s a link to my full calendar.