A recent report from Ontario's Long-Term Care Task Force on Resident Care and Safety shows that though progress is being made, more needs to be done.

The Task Force, which is looking into ways to improve resident care and safety, has released a progress update on its three-year Action Place. The latest report indicates that the culture of resident-centred care is increasingly being promoted in the care of the province's 77,000 long term care residents.

"While continuing to work on finding meaningful and measurable ways to ultimately improve the quality of life for our long term care home residents, we must include their voice," says Donna Fairley, Executive Director of the Ontario Association of Residents' Councils. "The progress of the Task Force drives necessary change and will play a key role in working towards person centred care throughout the health care sector."

The progress update mentions that 3,000 long term staff, residents, families and volunteers have participated in educational forums to improve resident-centred care and safety. It also highlights initiatives of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to support long-term care homes. These include:

• $10 million for staff training focusing on prevention of abuse and neglect and caring for residents with complex/challenging behaviours;
• $10 million for supplies and specialized equipment;
• $59 million for Behavioural Supports Ontario to hire over 600 health care professionals with specialized skills and train more than 34,000 staff to support residents with complex behavioural needs.

The Task Force was established following media reports and public concern about incidents of abuse and neglect in long term care homes. It was formed by the long term care sector in November 2011. Its first report, which recommended 18 actions, was issued in May 2012.