Prince Edward Island is unique among provinces in not regulating rate hikes in public or private long-term care facilities, prompting the Green Party of the province to advocate for a shift in policy. Green Party Leader Matt MacFarlane highlighted the issue during a session in the P.E.I. Legislature, expressing concern over a 38% increase in rates for seniors over the past two years.
While rental rates on the island are overseen by the Island Regulatory Appeals Commission, there are no comparable safeguards in place for seniors in long-term care settings. MacFarlane stressed the discrepancy, pointing out that other Islanders renting homes benefit from strict rate protections under the Residential Tenancy Act.
Addressing the Minister of Health and Wellness, Mark McLane, MacFarlane urged a comprehensive review to establish fair, transparent, and affordable long-term care rates for Islanders. In response, McLane acknowledged the substantial investments the government has made in long-term care, including wage parity for staff and the introduction of allied health professionals to offer services like physiotherapy to seniors.
A research report from the parliament noted that Prince Edward Island stands out as an outlier for lacking consistent controls on fee increases in both public and private sectors. MacFarlane emphasized the financial burden on families, with seniors facing sudden demands for hundreds of extra dollars each month.
McLane acknowledged the escalating costs of operating long-term care facilities due to factors like rising wages, fuel, and food expenses. He mentioned that while the government endeavors to keep rates low, the sector has experienced significant cost escalations in recent years.
Approximately 80% of seniors have subsidized rates based on income, with the remaining 20% bearing the brunt of rate hikes. McLane suggested that further exploration of the issue is warranted to provide certainty to residents and address the challenges faced by those paying out of pocket.