The Ontario government has announced that it is investing up to $95,695 in nine licenced retirement homes in Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. This is the first round of new funding for infection protection and control (IPAC), personal protective equipment (PPE) and extra support for resident care.
“Our government is providing this additional funding to help retirement homes manage COVID 19,” said MPP Steve Clark. “Our loved ones, visitors and staff are gaining the support they need to keep everyone safe.”
The additional funding will be used for infection screening, cleaning supplies and enhanced sanitization, replacement HEPA filters, extra staff to support resident care, and PPE to keep residents and staff safe.
Two of the facilities receiving funding under this initiative are Bayfield Manor Retirement Community ($9,468), and Kemptville Retirement Living Inc. ($13,727).
A new round of IPAC, PPE and extra support for resident care will happen this summer.
“Ontario’s retirement homes provide a caring and safe place for many seniors to live,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Our government will always step up to help residents and staff stay healthy and secure as we continue to manage COVID-19 for the long-term.”
Licensed retirement homes can request reimbursement for funds spent to purchase IPAC products, new air filters, and to offset the cost of increased staff needed for COVID screening, testing, monitoring and audits, and resident care and engagement.
The Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA) will distribute the reimbursed funds to eligible licensed retirement homes on behalf of the Ontario government. As of February 2022, there were 777 licensed retirement homes in Ontario.
