Support for Seniors and Caregivers Act, 2025
Sponsored by Kusendova-Bashta, Hon. Natalia · First Reading Ordered for Second Reading
- Amends long-term care and retirement home laws to improve dementia care, add new offences, and strengthen protections for seniors.
- Introduces new director roles, resident rights, and ministry powers concerning infectious disease management in care homes.
- Licensees must have organized programs for dementia care and cultural, linguistic, religious and spiritual needs.
- New offences added, including for abuse or neglect of a resident.
- Licensees guilty of an offence for contravening any Act or regulation provisions.
- Medical Director role re-enacted as Clinical Director, allowing a physician or registered nurse in the extended class.
- Adds a new resident right to ongoing support from caregivers under the Residents' Bill of Rights.
- Allows senior ministry officials to give binding direction and recommendations on managing infectious diseases.