Indicator results for this home

Year	Percentage of residents who had a recent fall	Percentage of residents with worsening bladder control	Percentage of residents who had a pressure ulcer that recently got worse	Percentage of residents who were physically restrained
2013-14
2012-13
Provincial Average 2013/14	14.2%	19.5%	3.0%	8.9%
Benchmark	9%	12%	1%	3%

Legend :

N/A:	This home was not publicly reporting during the given year.
Closed:	This home closed during the given reporting year.
— :	Data suppressed due to small cell sizes or data quality issues.

What is a benchmark?
Benchmarks are markers of excellence to which organizations can aspire. Health Quality Ontario used an evidence-informed process and expert panel, composed of Ontario-based long-term care home operators, clinicians and researchers, to produce Ontario benchmarks that represent good resident outcomes and high-quality care. Find more information about benchmarks on the Resources for Long-Term Care Homes webpage.

More about these indicators

• Falls

  What is a fall? A fall occurs when a person unintentionally lands on the ground, floor or any lower level. People are more likely to fall when they are taking drugs that interfere with balance and alertness, when there are tripping hazards where they live, when they have poor muscle strength or when their vision is impaired. Certain medical conditions, such as a previous stroke, are also associated with an increased risk of falling.

  Why is this important to measure? Falls among long-term care residents often result in physical injuries, ranging from minor bruises and sprains to fractures and permanent disabilities. In Ontario, falls are also the leading cause of injury-related visits to the hospital, and can result in longer hospitalizations.

  The Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007, requires all homes in Ontario to have a falls prevention and management program to reduce the incidence of falls and the risk of injury.

• Incontinence

  What is incontinence? Incontinence is the loss of bladder or bowel control. Although incontinence is more common among older people, it is not considered to be a normal part of aging. Older people are more likely to become incontinent if they have multiple chronic illnesses, if they have a neurologic condition such as Parkinson's disease or if they have experienced nerve damage. The risk of incontinence also increases for people who have cognitive impairment or certain psychiatric conditions. People who cannot move around easily may have trouble getting to the bathroom. As well, the bathroom itself may be a problem, if the toilet is inaccessible or not enough staff are available to help people go to the bathroom.

  Why is this important to measure? Incontinence can be embarrassing and upsetting for residents and their families. Studies show that incontinence has a negative impact on psychological well-being and reduces quality of life. It increases a person’s chance of falling and developing a pressure ulcer or urinary tract infection, and can also increase the cost of long-term care services.

  The Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007, requires all homes in Ontario to have a continence care and bowel management program to promote continence and to ensure that residents are clean, dry and comfortable.

• Pressure Ulcers

  What is a pressure ulcer? Pressure ulcers — also known as bedsores — are wounds caused by constant pressure, shear or friction on an area of skin, often a result of sitting or lying in the same position for too long, which can restrict blood flow to an area and result in tissue damage. People are more likely to develop a pressure ulcer when they are confined to bed or a wheelchair and cannot easily move around.

  Why is this important to measure? Pressure ulcers can be very painful and are associated with feelings of stress and social isolation. They increase a person's risk of serious infection and can have a negative impact on independence and mental health. They are also expensive to treat.

  The Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007, requires all homes in Ontario to have a skin and wound care program to promote skin integrity, prevent the development of wounds and pressure ulcers, and provide effective skin and wound care interventions.

• Use of Restraints

  What are restraints? Physical restraints are devices used to limit movement, which a resident cannot easily remove on their own. This indicator reports the use of trunk and limb restraints and chairs that prevent people from rising. Other types of restraints also exist in long-term care homes, including chemical restraints (i.e., drugs) and bed rails, but are not counted in this indicator. Residents are more likely to be restrained if they are exhibiting responsive behaviours that are disruptive or aggressive, if they are deemed at risk of falling or hurting themselves or if the long-term care home they live in is not adequately staffed.

  Why is this important to measure? Restraints are sometimes needed to prevent residents from harming themselves or others, but they come with risks and their use should be minimized. Evidence shows that the use of restraints is associated with social isolation, injuries, health conditions and even accidental death.

  The Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007, requires all homes in Ontario to have policies in place to minimize the restraining of residents. Any necessary restraint use must be done in accordance with the requirements under the Act.