Health Reports
A Canadian peer-reviewed journal of population health and health services research
July 2025
Staffing levels and expenses in Canadian long-term care facilities by ownership status before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Residents of long-term care (LTC) facilities, also known as nursing homes, were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 80% of COVID-19 deaths during the first wave in Canada occurring among residents living in these facilities. While residents of LTC facilities experienced more adverse outcomes from COVID-19 infections because of advanced age and underlying comorbidities, research shows that the characteristics of the facilities were key contributors to excessive morbidity and mortality among residents during the pandemic. Notably, for-profit ownership was associated with increased COVID-19 outbreaks and resident deaths across Canadian LTC facilities. The association between COVID-19 resident mortality and for-profit ownership has been attributed to a prevalence of older design standards and chain affiliation. However, low staffing levels of front-line health care workers are another potential risk factor that may also vary across nursing homes with different ownership statuses (public, non-profit, and for-profit facilities), particularly during the pandemic, given the reports of critical staff shortages. Pandemic staffing levels in LTC facilities have been insufficiently researched in the Canadian context.
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Staffing levels and expenses in Canadian long-term care facilities by ownership status before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Clarke, J. Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in nursing and residential care facilities in Canada. StatCan COVID-19: Data to Insights for a Better Canada, 2021. Statistics Canada.
Aging in the community: Factors associated with home adaptations and receipt of informal care, home care, and community support services among older Canadians
While there is no formal definition of the term “aging in the community,” it is commonly used (along with the related terms “aging in place” and “aging at home”) and generally refers to the desire and ability of older adults to remain in their own homes as they age. This concept embodies the importance of maintaining independence in one’s residence, as well as social connectedness and participation in one’s community.
Full article PDF versionRelated articles
Aging in the community: Factors associated with home adaptations and receipt of informal care, home care, and community support services among older Canadians
- Bushnik T, Tjepkema M, Martel L. Health-adjusted life expectancy. Health Reports. 2018; 29(4).
- Garner R, Tanuseputro P, Manuel DG, Sanmartin C. Transitions to longterm and residential care among older Canadians. Health Reports. 2018; 29(5).
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