The Standards Council of Canada (SCC), Health Standards Organization (HSO), and Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) are collaborating to develop two new complementary National Standards for Long-Term Care that will be shaped by the needs of residents, families, and Canada’s LTC workforce.
Dr. Samir Sinha, Director of Health Policy Research at the NIA, a passionate and respected advocate for the needs of older adults will Chair the HSO National Long-term Care Services Standard Technical Committee.
“The devastating consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada’s long-term care homes have only highlighted the long-standing issues that must be comprehensively addressed in order to provide our most vulnerable Canadians the resident and family-centred, safe, reliable, and high-quality care they deserve” said Dr. Sinha. “Having a consistent approach to enhancing the quality of care across all Canadian long-term care homes through a national standard will improve the quality of life for those of us who may one day need this level of care.”
HSO’s National Long-Term Care Services Standard will focus on resident- and family-centred care practices that value the importance of respect, dignity, trust, and quality of life; safe and reliable care based on evidence-informed practices; and a healthy and competent workforce to ensure sustainable, team-based, compassionate care. HSO’s existing National Long-Term Care Services Standard currently forms the basis upon which 67% of Canada’s current long-term care homes are accredited.
Funding for the development of Canada’s new National Standards for Long-Term Care is being provided by the federally-funded Standards Council of Canada and will better support an organizational culture that is outcome focused and strives towards the safety and well-being of all.
|