This research analyzes the shift in Ontario's regulatory approach, the challenges of enforcement, and the move towards person-centered care models. The analysis highlights several key issues and shifts in Ontario's approach to regulation and enforcement in the long-term care (LTC) sector. Baumann, A., Smith, V., Chu, J., Antonipillai, V., Idriss-Wheeler, D., & Crea-Arsenio, M. (2025). From policy to protection: A comparative policy analysis of compliance and enforcement in Ontario's long-term care homes [Manuscript submitted for publication].
This research sought to examine reported cases of abuse in long-term care (LTC) homes in the province of Ontario, Canada, and determine the extent and nature of abuse experienced by residents between 2019 and 2022. It uncovered substantial differences between legislation intended to protect LTC residents from abuse and the abuse occurring in LTC homes. The findings suggest strategies such as establishing a climate of trust, investing in staff and leadership providing standardized education and training and implementing a quality and safety framework could improve the care and well-being of LTC residents. Baumann, A., Crea-Arsenio, M., Smith, V., & Idriss-Wheeler, D. (2024). Abuse in Canadian long-term care homes: A mixed methods study. BMJ Open Quality, 13(2), e002639. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjoq-2023-002639
This research explores systemic vulnerabilities and lessons from the COVID-19 crisis in LTC, including workforce, leadership, regulation, and resident well-being. This work has yielded a multidimensional analysis that reveals structural weaknesses and best practices. The outcome calls for reforms to strengthen leadership, workforce stability, infection control, and resident rights, embedding resilience for future crises. Deber, R., Crea-Arsenio, M., Lavoie-Tremblay, M., & Baumann, A. (2022). Introduction – COVID-19 and long-term care: What have we learned? [Special issue]. Healthcare Policy, 17, 8–13. https://doi.org/10.12927/hcpol.2022.26858
Aric Rankin
David Oldenburger
Marwa Akola
May, 2022 The presentation examines systemic inequities and abuse in long-term care (LTC) and their implications for public health, and shares findings from a mixed-methods study revealing persistent abuse, neglect, and isolation despite regulations. We highlight accountability gaps and called for integrated public health involvement and leadership-driven reforms. Presenter(s): Dr. Andrea Baumann and Dr. Mary Crea-Arsenio
June, 2022 McMaster University & National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health The presentation explores systemic issues exposed by COVID-19 and lessons for improving LTC, showcasing CIHR-funded research showing chronic problems—staffing shortages, neglect, isolation—and proposed solutions including leadership strategies and workforce innovations. The findings from this research informed national policy and contributed to a Healthcare Policy special issue. Presenter(s): Dr. Andrea Baumann and Dr. Mary Crea-Arsenio
March, 2024 Statistics Canada – Health Analysis Division The presentation analyzes abuse and neglect in Ontario LTC homes and nursing workforce shortages during and after COVID-19. The findings from this research informed strategies to improve resident safety, staff well-being, and accountability as well as provided information on the use of administrative health data in the sector. Presenter(s): Dr. Andrea Baumann, Dr. Mary Crea-Arsenio, Dr. Valentina Antonipillai, and Dr. Noori Akhtar-Danesh