More than 1,000 staff will be trained to deliver specialized wound care to residents in the comfort of their long-term care home
The Ontario government is investing $3.74 million in skin and wound care training programs for 1,100 long-term care home staff, bringing residents faster, more convenient access to care, while reducing avoidable emergency department visits and hospital stays. The expanded program is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by investing in public services, including ensuring more seniors get the right care in the right place.
“Our government is improving the care that long-term care residents receive with strategic investments to train and upskill our long-term care workforce,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Having more staff trained in skin and wound care will support a better quality of life for residents and protect our health-care system by reducing unnecessary hospital visits.”
Earlier this year, Ontario announced $1 million in funding to Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) and Wounds Canada to deliver three education initiatives to train up to 400 long-term care staff. Building on the success of those programs, the government is now expanding funding to add a fourth training stream that will support up to 1,100 long-term care staff starting this winter through the following programs:
- Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) program for 150 diploma-trained registered nurses and practical nurses
- PSW and Caregiver Skin Health course for 600 personal support workers
- Accredited Wound Care Champion program for 150 regulated health professionals
- Skin Health Program for Personal Care Providers for 200 personal support workers
Long-term care homes are encouraged to contact NSWOCC and Wounds Canada directly to apply on behalf of their staff.
The government is fixing long-term care to ensure long-term care residents get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve, and a key part of that plan is to provide more clinical skills training to staff. The plan to improve care for residents is built on four pillars: staffing and care; quality and enforcement; building modern, safe, and comfortable homes; and connecting seniors with faster, more convenient access to the services they need.
Quick Facts
- Due to age, health conditions and chronic illnesses, long-term care residents are more susceptible to skin and wound issues.
- Seniors — people age 65 and older — make up the fastest growing age group in the province.
- In the first quarter of the government’s 2025-26 fiscal year, residents received an average of 4 hours and 5 minutes of PSW and nursing care every day.
- As part of its plan to fix long-term care and address waitlists, the government is building 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds across the province.
- Ontario is offering incentives of up to $35,400 to PSW students and eligible PSWs to launch careers in long-term care homes and in the home and community care sector.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
