The CEO of the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario [RNAO] wants long-term care funding modernized, so funds aren't clawed back when facilities are providing good care.
Doris Grinspun delivered the message to staff at Fiddick's Nursing Home when she stopped in Petrolia on her fourth annual fall tour Thursday.
"As you do good practice, the complexity of clients may decrease because there are less falls, less pressure injuries, less use of restraints, even less incontinence, less aggressive behaviours etc.," said Grinspun. "It makes no sense that the funding gets cut then."
Grinspun wants the funding formula changed to account for both complexities of residents needs and quality outcome.
"If the complexity decreases because of evidence-based practice and compassionate care, and altogether produces better results for residents, they can retain that funding and --that's the piece that comes as quality outcomes -- that it be reinvested in programs for residents."
Grinspun said the number of registered nurses at long-term care homes needs to be increased to 20 per cent, 25 per cent needs to be registered practical nurses and no more than 55 per cent needs to be personal support workers.
Following her stop in Petrolia, Grinspun visited Chatham and Windsor.
