The President of the Personal Care Home Owners Association is pleased with an increase in the subsidy rate provided to their facilities and he’s disappointed to hear that some private residents are suddenly seeing big hikes to their rates.

Shaun Lane was responding to concerns recently raised by family members of some personal care home residents in the metro region who do not qualify for subsidized rates.

VOCM News was contacted by at least two families who indicated that their loved ones had notifications slipped under their doors telling them their rates were going up by more than $400 a month.

Lane says private pay residents are responsible for 100 per cent of the rate charged. He says increasing their rates in one fell swoop is unfortunate.

“Whether that’s a good business move, or whether that should be done or whether it’s done professionally or done compassionately, that comes down to every owner.”

He says some homes are talking with their residents and bringing the increases in gradually. Lane says in some cases, residents who previously didn’t qualify for the subsidy, may now be eligible.

In his case, Lane says his staff are sitting down with residents and their families to see if they now qualify, and if they don’t, they’re finding a way forward to ensure that any increases are done gradually.