(AGENPARL) – ven 08 aprile 2022 [Ontario Logo]
NEWS RELEASE
Ontario Giving Long-term Care Residents More Nutritional Choices and Variety
Increased funding will help long-term care homes provide menus that better meet the needs of residents
April 08, 2022
TORONTO —The Ontario government is investing over $40 million in additional nutritional support funding for long-term care homes so residents can receive more individualized food choices, more fresh produce and local foods in season, and additional menu flexibility.
“Our government has a plan to fix long-term care and to ensure Ontario’s seniors get the quality of care they need and deserve,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Long-Term Care. “This major funding increase for food and nutrition will go a long way to supporting the comfort and quality of life of residents.”
– Menu planning flexibility that better reflects the needs of the residents such as speciality diets and menu substitutions that have consistent nutritional value;
– Menus that are approved by a registered dietitian in addition to residents’ preferences;
– Menus that provide a variety of foods every day, including fresh produce and local foods in season;
– More flexibility for each home to increase menu choices for residents and reduce food waste; and
– Meals and snacks at times that are chosen with support from the home’s Residents’ Council and its administrator.
The government has a plan to fix long-term care and to ensure Ontario’s seniors get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve both now and in the future. The plan is built on three pillars: staffing and care; accountability, enforcement, and transparency; and building modern, safe, comfortable homes for seniors.
Quick Facts
– The planned 15 per cent increase in nutritional support accounts for the estimated 8.3 per cent increase in food costs since 2019, as well as ‘hidden’ food inflation not captured in the official data, to enable LTC homes to better provide residents with safe and appropriate food and nutrition services that are in alignment with their plans of care, and contribute to better health and quality of life outcomes
Additional Resources
Media Contacts
Vanessa De Matteis
Office of the Minister of Long-Term Care
Ministry of Long-Term Care Media Line
Communications Branch