Ontario has amended the Retirement Homes Act 2010 to allow for increased payments to residents during an emergency such as an outbreak.
“These regulatory amendments build on the decisive action our government has taken in recent days to make sure our seniors receive the support and protection that they deserve,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said. The Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) will now be able eligible residents to pay $2,000-$3500 in order to cover residents’ transportation, alternative accommodation, or daily care. The change also requires homes to report infectious disease outbreaks.
The change comes at the of a tough week for the Ford government. Tuesday the Canadian military made public a report detailing misconduct allegations at five of the province’s Long Term Care homes. Ford has not ruled out a full public inquiry into the issue.