Ontario PsychoGeriatric Association

Contact Us: (416) 236-6836

Current Issues

Caring for the elderly and meeting their mental health needs is a tremendous challenge to our health care system. OPGA hopes to use "Current Issues" to keep you informed of what is happening in the field. We will bring new publications and research to your attention. As well, we will share our advocacy efforts with you, so check back often!

Long-Term Care Homes Act: Implementation Update #2

See attached file for information from the second newsletter.

File Type: PDF File    File Size: 224.8KB

UPDATE: Long Term Care Homes Regulation

The General Regulation under the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007 (LTCHA) has been approved and is now available on the e-Laws website at http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca. As you are aware, the LTCHA will be proclaimed into force on July 1, 2010. See the attached file for more information about this long-awaited development.

File Type: PDF File    File Size: 32KB

Patient Safety in Mental Health

The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) and the Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) collaborated and commissioned a team from British Columbia Mental Health and Addiction Services (BCMHAS) to prepare a research paper that examines the patient safety issues unique to mental health care in Canada, “Patient Safety in Mental Health”. Their report was formally launched by OHA on Sept. 18th, 2009 (see attached file).
For more information about the Patient Safety in Mental Health paper, contact Dominique Taylor, OHA Patient Safety Consultant at dtaylor@oha.com or 416-205-1372.

File Type: PDF File    File Size: 642.7KB

Creating and Supporting Age Friendly Communities through Home Care

A letter of support was sent to each LHIN as part of OPGA advocacy efforts, recognizing the challenges that must be met if older persons with mental health issues are to remain in their homes. See attached file for a copy of the letter that was sent.

File Type: WordPad Document    File Size: 768KB

Aging at Home Strategy

McGuinty government launches Aging at Home Strategy to help seniors live healthy, independent lives in their own homes.

File Type: PDF File    File Size: 29KB

It's time to act - Ontario's dementia imperative

Alzheimer Society of Ontario and its 39 member chapters have prepared a call to action to all candidates in the upcoming election.

File Type: PDF File    File Size: 264.1KB

Long Term Care Staffing Standards Report

The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has released Shirlee Sharkey's report based on her Independent Review of staffing and standards in long term care. See the full report in the attached file.

File Type: PDF File    File Size: 3424.8KB

National Seniors Council

A National Seniors Council has been created (March 2007) to advise the Government on seniors' issues of national importance and ensure that government policies, programs and services meet the evolving needs of seniors. Follow the link below to read about this exciting announcement.

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LHIN e-Health Leads Council Newsletter

The LHIN e-Health Leads Council consists of membership from the Ministry of Health and a representative from each LHIN within Ontario. The council has obligations related to provincial e-Health priorities and strategic directions and the Provincial e-Health Work Plan.
Below, you will find the first issue of the council's quarterly newsletter.

File Type: PDF File    File Size: 833.7KB

Smoke-Free Long Term Care Homes Project

As Long Term Care homes and residents continue to adapt to the Smoke-Free Ontario legislation, the Smoke-Free Long-Term Care Homes Project at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health has announced that it is now able to offer another round of support and services to the long-term care community.
Go to www.smokefreeltc.ca for full details.
Also, you can download the attached file for more information:

File Type: PDF File    File Size: 55.8KB

Mental Health Commission of Canada

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and The Honourable Michael Kirby, Chair of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, have announced the inaugural members of the Board of Directors and Advisory Committee Chairs of the Commission. Go to www.mentalhealthcommission.ca for full details.

File Type: PDF File    File Size: 36.3KB

OPGA response to inquest recommendations

It has been 2 years since the release of the jury recommendations following the tragic circumstances of the El-Roubi/Lopez death and inquest. During this time, there has been much discussion within the health care system concerning what can be learned from this unfortunate incident and the resulting inquiry. The file below is OPGA's response to the government last year, following the inquest recommendations

File Type: WordPad Document    File Size: 31KB