Ontario gives green light to training staff in emotion-based care models.

Dear Minister Kusendova,

On behalf of CARP’s Advocacy Working Group on Long Term Care, we are writing to you today to express our congratulations on the work you are doing to improve the care for residents in Ontario’s Long Term Care Homes (LTCH). Your recent announcement of investing $9 million over three years to train staff in emotion-based care models is groundbreaking and demonstrates the commitment of the government to improve the quality of life for those both living and working in long-term care!

We know how critical well planned and successfully executed training has been in the implementation of innovative models of care such as the Eden Alternative, the Green House Project and the Butterfly Approach. We believe that this funding, focusing on emotion-based training, will help to create and enhance the culture of care in all long-term care homes. Drawing on existing expertise from leaders in this field who have already developed training programs for innovative models of care in Ontario will ensure a framework that incorporates sustainability measures providing positive outcomes for years to come.

Again, our congratulations and best wishes as you continue the work to improve the care of residents and their families in Ontario’s LTCHs as well as the working life of those who provide care and support to them.

Yours sincerely,
Kathy Wright
Chair, CARP Advocacy Working Group on Long-term Care   www.changeltcnow.ca

Margaret Geare, Social Action Committee, Chair RWTO (Retired Women’s Teachers Ontario)
Gwen Kavanagh, Chair, CARP Barrie and Surrounding Area
Murray Etherington, Chair, CARP Mississauga
Gay Viecelli, Chair, Long-term Care Transformation Committee, CARP Windsor Essex
Tom Carrothers, Chair, CARP Halton
Louise Warr, Chair, CARP Greater Bay of Quinte Area
Gloria McKibbin, Chair, CARP London-St. Thomas