Rae Announces Rural Long Term Care Funding
[Milverton, ON] – Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington announced that local long-term care homes will receive $132,898 through the Province of Ontario’s Local Priorities Fund. This funding will help residents with complex needs like dementia and bariatric care, receive care in the right place.
“Our seniors helped build our local communities and this province, our government will ensure we take care of them in their golden years,” MPP Rae said. “This funding will allow our rural long-term care homes to continue supporting our seniors as they age and receive the care they need, when they need it, and where they need it.”
The Local Priorities Fund will help long-term care homes purchase items such as IV equipment, bariatrics equipment bed support, bladder scanners, and ECGs. The funding even goes towards important everyday things like slip-proof floor mats, wrap around bed rails, and grab bars.
Launched in 2022, the Local Priorities Fund invested $20 million in 2022-23 to help long-term care homes purchase specialized equipment and train staff to provide more specialized care.
“Our government is continuing to take action to ensure long-term care residents across Ontario get the right care in the right place,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “This funding will expand specialized staffing, equipment and other services at homes across the province so long-term care residents with complex needs can connect to the care they need, when and where they need it.”
“Through the Local Priorities Fund, our government is continuing to ensure that Ontarians, at every stage of life, have access to the care and support they need, when they need it,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “This investment builds on the historic work our government is doing to provide people with the right care, in settings most convenient to them, whether in their community or in their home.”
This funding builds on last year’s announcement of over $80,000 for local long-term care homes through the Local Priorities Fund.
“The team at Knollcrest Lodge is thrilled about the opportunities these funds present,” said Denise Bedard, CEO of Knollcrest Lodge. “They will play a crucial role in our vision to develop and implement a Small House Alternate Level of Care Model in the near future.”
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Ministry of Long-Term Care for their continued support and investment in our community,” added Chuck Meyer, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Knollcrest Lodge. “This funding underscores the dedication of our staff, the trust of our residents and their families, and the collaborative efforts of all involved in providing exceptional long-term care.”
2023-24 funding as provided by the Ministry of Long Term Care:
| Hospital | Total 2023-24 Funding |
| Hillside Manor | $3,398 |
| Kingsway Lodge Nursing Home | $63,174 |
| Knollcrest Lodge | $53,676 |
| Spruce Lodge Home for the Aged | $12,650 |
| Total | $132,898 |