Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care, Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, made a surprise visit to a care facility in Sudbury due to ongoing non-compliance issues. Extendicare Countryside has received over 100 non-compliance notices since its establishment in 2024. Recently, the province imposed two new non-compliance orders along with a $5,500 penalty on the facility. The home has been instructed to halt new admissions twice in the past, with the latest order still in effect.
During a media briefing, Kusendova-Bashta expressed her serious concerns and stated her intention to personally assess the situation by visiting Extendicare Countryside, engaging with staff, families, and residents. A ministry spokesperson emphasized the importance of meeting stringent care standards outlined in the Fixing Long-Term Care Act 2021, highlighting the ministry’s commitment to ensuring residents’ health and safety.
The ministry conducted an inspection at the facility on September 4, resulting in the issuance of two compliance orders. One order was due to inadequate monitoring of a resident’s food and fluid intake, while the other was related to insufficient assessment following a resident’s weight change. Kusendova-Bashta reiterated the need for Extendicare Countryside to address these compliance issues promptly to lift the orders and resume admissions.
In response to the situation, Extendicare stated its collaboration with the ministry to enhance and sustain improvements for residents and their families. Efforts include weight reviews, staff training, and the recruitment of additional support workers. Additionally, Minister Kusendova-Bashta announced a significant investment of nearly $13 million in expanding the Improving Dementia Care Program. This initiative aims to implement emotion-based care models that prioritize residents’ well-being and foster strong relationships among staff, residents, and families.
The program will allocate $247,545 to Villa St. Gabriel Villa in Sudbury to support staff training, establish therapeutic sensory spaces, and appoint an implementation lead.