A group representing Ontario non-profit nursing homes says short-staffed homes are being exploited by nursing agencies.
AdvantAge Ontario says non-profit homes are spending tens of millions of dollars on temporary nurses — which is jeopardizing the target of four hours of care per day per resident by 2025.
C-E-O Lisa Levin says the average rate for a temporary nurse has risen to $88 an hour compared with the usual rate of $43.
On top of these high wages, homes are paying agency service fees of up to 35 per cent, premiums for short-notice staff, and travel costs.
Rates for rural and northern homes are 30 per cent higher than urban homes.
“This is price gouging, plain and simple,” said Levin. “It’s an unsustainable situation.”
AdvantAge Ontario is urging government to come up with a comprehensive health human resources strategy that puts restrictions on hourly rates for temporary staff. The plan would also improve wages, benefits and working conditions for health care workers.
