Good News for Residents of Retirement Homes March 2010- Gerry Phillips, minister responsible for seniors, announced in February 2010 that the provincial government has committed to regulating retirement homes by this spring. Minister Phillips promised to introduce legislation that will ensure all retirement homes are regulated. The Bill will require retirement homes to assess new residents and tell them what services they will be getting. The homes will also have to meet standards in infection control, safety, staff training and resident services. Currently, retirement homes, which are private-pay accommodations for seniors, are not regulated in Ontario, unlike long-term care homes. However, retirement homes do have to meet provincial fire and building codes, abide by tenant protection laws and meet public health and food safety provisions under Ontario 's Health Protection and Promotion Act. |