Long-term care homes blame supply chain for air conditioning issues

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Despite months to meet the June 22 deadline to install air conditioning in all long-term care rooms, 90 residences in Ontario have not complied.

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Operators blame supply chain issues.

Caressant Care said 27% of its Ontario homes are affected.

“We have 15 LTC homes in Ontario. Of those 15, four do not yet have air conditioning in all resident rooms,” Caressant said in a statement.

“Two of the houses have been partially completed and are awaiting supplies and labor to be completed over the next month. Two houses are special order units and are taking longer due to supply chain challenges.

The association representing approximately 70 per cent of homes in the province said: “Homes are working with the Ministry of Long-Term Care to do everything possible to get air conditioning in place.

Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA) CEO Donna Duncan said, “Global supply chain issues and an ongoing pandemic have made this process more complicated for some homes than others.”

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The OLTCA also said the supply of air conditioning to every room can be delayed if a home goes into an outbreak.

As of July 16, Public Health Ontario reports that 160 long-term care homes have active outbreaks.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) blasts the Ontario government.

“We need immediate action to keep all residents and staff safe. Seniors have already paid the price, and others will suffer without immediate access to air conditioning,” said Debra Maxfield, frontline personal support worker and chair of the Health Care Worker Coordinating Committee. of CUPE, in a press release.

« Now is not the time for the government to continue to be absent. »

Long-Term Care Minister Paul Calandra says the province is following up on homes that haven’t met the deadline.

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A ministry spokesperson said 537 of the province’s 627 long-term care homes were fully air-conditioned as of Tuesday.

He could not say how many residents are affected.

The lack of air conditioning in all rooms occurs during scorching temperatures.

Environment Canada has issued a heat alert for Friday and Saturday – with the possibility that it will extend through Sunday.

“Hot, humid air can also cause air quality to deteriorate and can cause the air quality index to approach the high-risk category,” he said. predicted. « Watch for the effects of heat: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and worsening of certain health conditions. »

slaurie@postmedia.com

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