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 meet clear standards of safety, dignity, and accountability. At a minimum, families should expect: 

Safe and respectful care that responds to the individual needs, preferences, and rights of their loved one. 

Trained, qualified staff who understand disability, health needs, and ethical care standards. Ask to see their certifications. 

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

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

Meaningful collaboration with families, legal guardians, powers of attorney, and substitute decision-makers. Ask about their resolution strategies for care issues when they arise and their collaboration methods. 

Transparent communication, including timely access to health information, care plans, and service updates. Ask for the frequency of family communication and collaboration on care and supports. 

Proper use of public funds in publicly funded care, ensuring personal income and care funding are used solely for the individual’s benefit. Ask for the service care agreement in alignment with care funding. Passport Funding is not to be used for daily care and community supports. 

Clear policies on rights, tenancy, privacy, and consent, consistent with Ontario law. Ask for a key to the residential home for your loved one. Access should be readily available. 

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

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

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

If there is resistance to providing the information in policies and procedures that support collaboration and care, these are warning signs. 

The government expects collaborations among their program business partners and families; however, there is no mechanism or will to ensure it. The moment there is hostility or harassment, families should document and report to us.