Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Ontario Investing $3.7 Million to Expand Skin and Wound Care Training in Long-Term Care Homes
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:
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 stest-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.
Quotes:
"This investment in skin and wound care training will help staff provide faster, more effective support for long-term care residents, enhancing comfort and reducing unnecessary hospital visits. It's an important step by our government to ensure all residents receive the high-quality care they deserve."
- Billy Pang, MPP for Markham—Unionville
"We applaud the Ontario government for this investment in enhancing the skin and wound care knowledge of registered practical nurses and personal support workers, which demonstrates their commitment to quality improvement and sustainability. Through this action, the government is demonstrating their respect for the health and dignity of seniors living in Ontario."
- Catherine Harley, CEO, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC)
"Wounds Canada thanks the Ontario government for recognizing the vital role of competency-based education in strengthening skin health and wound care across Ontario’s long-term care sector. This investment equips care providers with the knowledge, skills and change management needed to improve resident outcomes. Funded, accredited evidence-based education is a crucial first step toward reducing preventable wounds and delivering timely, effective wound care for long-term care residents province-wide."
- Mariam Botros, CEO, Wounds Canada
Additional Resources:
Media Contacts:
Stuart Osborne
Office of the Minister of Long-Term Care
Stuart.Osborne@ontario.ca
Ministry of Long-Term Care Media Line
Communications Branch
MLTC.Media@ontario.ca
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