Stats Canada research shows that between 2003/4 and 2009/10 the total number of residents in "homes for the aged" (a phrase used by Stats Can to mean a range of LTC facilities) increased from 76,866 to 84,873 in Ontario. That is an increase of 8,007 residents, or 10.4%. The number of people aged 85 or over in these homes increased quite a bit more rapidly, growing by 18.8%. The 85 and over age group are now a majority in the homes. The number of 'approved' beds is increasing more slowly, growing by 7,186 beds, going from 81,849 beds to 89,035 . That is an 8.8% increase. In fact, the nursing home beds are not keeping up with the explosion in the number of people 85 and over, the main age group in the homes. As reported a few days ago, the population 85 and over is growing very rapidly -- roughly four times more rapidly than the number of LTC beds . Contrary to what the Health Minister has suggested , these new nursing home beds do not make up for th
Notes from Leftwords -- Doug Allan