Is public reporting compulsory for all homes?

Not in this first round. At this time most homes are not yet able to report their results. Many are still in the process of developing the capability to collect this information using a new data collection tool, the RAI-MDS (Resident Assessment Instrument – Minimum Data Set). The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is currently working with homes to implement the RAI-MDS across the province. The OHQC is inviting those homes who have been using RAI-MDS for at least a year to post their results. It is anticipated that by the end of 2011, RAI-MDS will be fully implemented and results for all homes will be publicly available.

When will results for all homes be available?

It is anticipated that all homes will be able to participate in public reporting by late 2011, once the RAI-MDS (see above) is fully implemented.

Where does the data come from?

Most of the data comes from a new data collection tool, the RAI-MDS (Resident Assessment Instrument – Minimum Data Set). This standardized tool is now used in most Canadian provinces and many other countries around the world. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is currently working with homes to implement RAI-MDS across the province. Under the system, every resident undergoes a detailed assessment of their health, at least once every three months by a staff member at the home specially-trained to collect this information.

We also use provincial databases on access, emergency department visits and drug use, and data from a resident satisfaction survey from a sample of 30 homes conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto. For this study, in-person interviews were conducted with 60 randomly selected eligible residents (willing to participate, no severe dementia) by trained interviewers independent of the long-term care home. Planning is underway to implement resident and family satisfaction surveys for all homes over the next two years.

What is the Beers list?

The list of drugs elderly people should not take is called the Beers list, after Dr. Mark Beers, who drew up the original version. A University of Toronto study found almost half the Beers list drugs available in the United States are not covered in Ontario, so they’re less likely to be prescribed here. For a list of drugs on the Beers list, click here.

What is the difference between the information on the OHQC’s website and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Long-Term Care Homes Report site? 

Although complementary, the two sites have different purposes. The information on the OHQC’s site tells you about the quality of care provincially and within long-term care homes and about how satisfied residents and families are with the care. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Reports on Long-Term Care (LTC) Homes website is intended to tell you about whether a home is in compliance with legislation, regulations, standards and policies. The ministry through its Compliance Management Program, monitors all long-term care homes in Ontario on an ongoing basis, and inspects their performance at least once a year.  For more information see About the Reports (http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/program/ltc/30_pr_reports.html) and About the Inspections (http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/program/ltc/31_pr_inspections.html)

Are retirement homes included on the site?

Retirement homes are not regulated or funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and are therefore not part of the province’s public reporting efforts.  

Long-term care homes are government-funded and regulated by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. They provide care and services for people who no longer are able to live independently or who require onsite nursing care, 24-hour supervision or personal support. They offer a higher level of care than retirement residences or supportive housing and are usually run in one of three ways:

• Nursing homes are privately run for-profit and not-for profit  corporations
• Municipal homes for the aged are owned by local councils.
• Charitable homes are usually owned by non-profit corporations, such as faith, community, or cultural groups.

Where can I register a concern or complaint about a long-term care home?

If you have a concern about a long-term care home, you are encouraged to follow the complaint process posted in each home. If you are not satisfied with the response, you can call the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's Action Line at 1-866-434-0144 to register your concern(s) about a home.

How can I contribute to improving the quality of care in my home?

In short, be engaged and be constructive. Find out all you can about the quality of care within the home and talk to the home administrator and staff about the home’s plan to make improvements. Note your own observations; for example:
Are the staff interacting with residents in a respectful manner? Do they appear to know residents’ names? Are the residents engaged in interesting activities, socializing with family, friends or volunteers? Are the spaces well lit and free of clutter? (For more information see Questions for Residents & Families to Ask)