Ontario Ombudsman calls unnecessary hospitalization of adult with developmental disabilities unacceptable

Ontario’s Ombudsman says a lack of supports and services is forcing the institutionalization of some adults with developmental disabilities by default.

Paul Dube investigated complaints of people having to stay in hospitals when housing was not available.

Dube calls it unacceptable.

“The fact that our system continues to rely on hospitals as a default placement is not just inefficient,” says Dube.

“It’s unfair, inappropriate and profoundly harmful to them and their families.”

Dube says hospital staff do not have the training or resources to manage the complex and often challenging needs of alternate level of care patients.

He says the problem is not with the people, but the system itself, calling it fragmented, under-resourced and inadequate.

“Those responsible for finding appropriate housing, supports and services told us the same thing again and again. They simply lack options. Often, if a space is found, there is no funding, or when the funding exists, no agency has room.”

Dube says similar findings were made in 2016, but the recommendations put forward were not fully implemented, making things worse.

Dube makes 24 recommendations in his latest report, and says all were accepted by the provincial government.

They include the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services plan to develop and fund community infrastructure.to accommodate the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, including those with more complex needs.