Checklist for Families: What to Expect from Publicly Funded Care

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Families have the right to expect that publicly funded care homes adhere to clear standards of safety, dignity, and accountability. At a minimum, families should expect:  

Safe and respectful care that addresses the individual needs, preferences, and rights of their loved ones.  

Trained and qualified staff who are knowledgeable about disability, health needs, and ethical care standards. Always ask to see their certifications.  

Strong governance and oversight, providing clear accountability to the provincial government.  

Immediate reporting and follow-up on health, safety, or abuse concerns. Inquire about weekly reporting on care.  

Meaningful collaboration with families, legal guardians, powers of attorney, and substitute decision-makers. Ask about their strategies for resolving care issues and how they facilitate collaboration.  

Transparent communication, including timely access to health information, care plans, and service updates. Request information on how often families are communicated with about care and support.  

Proper utilization of public funds in publicly funded care, ensuring that personal income and care funding benefit the individual exclusively. Request to see the service care agreement in alignment with care funding, noting that Passport Funding should not be used for daily care or community supports.  

Clear policies on rights, tenancy, privacy, and consent consistent with Ontario law. Ensure you can obtain a key to the residential homes for your loved one, providing ready access.  

Documented quality-assurance practices are essential, including inspections, incident reporting, and corrective actions taken by management.  

Publicly available performance and compliance information, similar to that seen in long-term care or consumer protection models.  

If this information is not available, families should inquire why. Transparency is a fundamental indicator of safety, quality, and accountability.  

Resistance to providing details on policies and procedures that support collaboration and care can be a red flag.  

While the government encourages collaboration among their program business partners and families, there often lacks the mechanism or willingness to ensure it. If hostility or harassment occurs, families should document and report the incident to us.