Care home operators seek funding boost amid tough times

The administrators of non-profit care homes renewed calls Thursday for significant operating funding increases from the province to help fill “gaps,” while they deal with budget shortfalls, rising costs and aging infrastructure.

Executives in the sector said the 2026-27 provincial budget, tabled Tuesday, contains a welcome hike for food, but additional money is needed to meet operational pressures and continue providing safe, dignified care to Manitobans.

“The main ask for us is sustainable operational funding that really reflects the true cost of care,” said Gladys Hrabi, CEO of the Manitoba Association of Residences and Care Homes for Everyone, which represents 23 non-profit, faith-based and community-operated facilities for seniors.

“Homes are still operating with significant structural funding gaps. We’re hit with a lot of the inflationary pressures.”

The association has been vocal about care home operators’ inability to keep pace with cost increases — for everything from food and staff salaries to nursing supplies and property taxes — during years of “chronic underfunding,” dating back to past NDP and Tory governments.

Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara said the sector is a priority for the current NDP government.

“We have given, rightly, big investments into personal care homes since our first budget (in 2024-25), and we’re going to continue to invest to make sure seniors in this province have the care, have the homes they deserve,” Asagwara told reporters.

Government money for long-term care services is provided to health authorities through a “global” funding model. Funds are allocated based on residents’ needs, including staffing, care and daily operations.

Budget documents said funding for long-term care services in 2026-27 will increase to $964 million, up from $911 million in fiscal 2025-26.

Asagwara and Premier Wab Kinew held a news conference to promote an additional $5 million in funding for food for care homes in Manitoba, which has a growing population of seniors.

The aim is to provide fresher, more nutritious food and more choice to residents.

“Everyone’s needs are going to be different. There are going to be cultural considerations, obviously dietary considerations,” Asagwara said in front of residents and staff at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre.

The $5 million will be split by regional health authorities, which will distribute cash to care homes based on their needs. Asagwara described it as a “significant” amount that is complemented by other efforts to reduce food costs.

Hrabi said it’s not known if all 124 care homes in Manitoba will benefit, nor is the amount that will be provided to individual sites.

“Many homes have been subsidizing food costs under already stretched budgets. Part of this funding will also help stabilize what’s already been provided,” she said.

Laurie Cerqueti, CEO of the Simkin Centre, said she was encouraged the government took action after hearing concerns from care home operators, staff and residents regarding food costs.

She said the facility in Linden Woods runs a “significant” deficit of $200,000 to $300,000 in its food budget each year.

“Every year, it’s a challenge to balance the budget. This year will be no exception,”Cerqueti said. “We do need to keep continuing having conversations with government about how this sector can be helped. This is an important first step, but it can’t be the only step.”

A step toward supporting sustainable operations is vital, she said.

As for food, Cerqueti said Simkin Centre residents often tell her they want more choice and more fresh fruit.

Faigie Greaves, a resident and retired nurse, said she welcomes efforts to expand meal options and provide more nutritious food.

“I hope it includes everybody who needs it. If you were given the same everything day, you wouldn’t want that,” said Greaves, 84. “Diversity is the answer.”

Allan Rutherford, 79, said the announcement is “great,” but more funds are needed for staffing and food at care homes.

“There’s not enough money — $5 million (extra) for all of Manitoba. How many care homes, how many people are there? There are 200 people here,” the retired Winnipeg Transit driver said of the Simkin Centre.

Asagwara and Kinew recently announced $95 million for a new personal care home in Bridgwater in southwest Winnipeg.

chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca