We're now getting a clearer picture of how provincial funding cuts to long-term care could impact the Sun Parlour Home in Leamington.
Administrator Jayne Brooks-Keller says changes to the funding formula could result in a budget shortfall of more than $400,000 in 2020.
She says, at this point, there has been no changes to service.
"Right now there's no impact at the home. Nothing has changed for the resident care. I think that everyone in the long-tern care sector is trying to understand the impact that it will have on their home. For us, it's always about providing exceptional resident care. We're looking at what the overall impact would be and budget accordingly."
Brooks-Keller says the removal of a couple of funding sources was a surprise.
"The Structural Compliance Fund and the High Wage Transition Fund, they're funds that have been available in the sector to the homes for over 20 years. They're now coming to an end. Understanding what that impact is in your home and trying to ensure that the resident care is preserved right? That is number one."
She says the municipal tax payer may be on the hook for the bill, unless another solution can be found.
"It's a possible reality right? So, ultimately, the funding has to come from somewhere. If the government is making changes at the provincial level then we look to where our other funding sources might be and that could be municipal."
Brooks-Keller says, while nothing is set in stone just yet, it appears the home is going to have to tighten its purse strings come budget time next year.
The provincial budget was tabled in back in April with a promise of a 1.7% increase in funding for the long-term care sector — that drastically changed in late May when the finer details were released.