For 15 years, the RIA has supported research and initiatives that enhance the quality of life and care of older adults, including those who call long-term care (LTC) home. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many to face the long-standing challenges in Ontario’s long-term care system and highlighted how essential our work is. Now is the time to redouble our efforts.

The pandemic has taken (and continues to take) an immense toll on those who live and work in long-term care. Ontario’s Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission released their final report this past spring, highlighting key next steps for the province to ensure what was experienced by residents, families and team members during the pandemic is never repeated.

In October, Health Standards Organization released the findings from their inaugural national survey on long-term care. The feedback from Canadians will inform HSO’s development of new national standards. Schlegel Research Chairs Heather Keller and Veronique Boscart are supporting this work.

The RIA has many initiatives already underway that support these provincial recommendations and national needs. We are providing skill-building education to team members and building leadership capacity. We are attracting the next generation to pursue rewarding careers in long-term care. We offer thoughtfully developed tools and resources to support homes in adopting person-centred care.

We’ll be featuring stories highlighting how the RIA is supporting long-term care to put living first. Please click on the article titles below to expand.