Term: April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028
Funding: $2.8 million for home and community care, $9.4 million for long-term care
Objectives
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has signed a bilateral agreement with the Government of Canada to work together to improve programs and services that support residents to age with dignity. The key objectives of the federal investment are:
- Improving Access to Home and Community Care Services
- Supporting Workforce Improvements for Long-Term Care and Setting Standards to Ensure Safety and Improve Quality of Life for Long-Term Care Residents
Home and Community Care Initiatives (2023-2026)
1. Implementation of Assessment Tools
Aging with Dignity funding will advance the implementation and support ongoing operational needs of the International Resident Assessment Instrument (interRAI) tools. This initiative will improve Continuing Care services, allowing NWT seniors to age in place with dignity. The InterRAI assessment tools will facilitate effective client assessments, ensuring services are tailored to individual needs. The standardized approach will enable monitoring of health status changes, ensuring optimal care and engagement of additional services when necessary.
2024-25 Measuring and Reporting on Results
| Indicator | Number of communities that have transitioned to InterRAI and Continuing Care Information System (CCIS) |
| Baseline |
0 communities (as of 2022-23) |
| Target | 33 communities |
| Timeframe | 2025-2026 |
| Progress as of 2024-25 | 0 communities in 2024-2025 Fiscal Year |
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Notes There are significant delays in the implementation of the interRAI that include staff turnover, change in technology and vacancies. The goal is to start a phased approach in 2025-26 with 1-2 regions (approximately 10 communities) and continue yearly implementation until all regions and communities are onboarded. |
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2023-24 Measuring and Reporting on Results
| Indicator | Number of communities that have transitioned to InterRAI and Continuing Care Information System (CCIS) |
| Baseline |
0 communities (as of 2022-23) |
| Target | 33 communities |
| Timeframe | 2025-2026 |
| Progress as of 2023-24 | 0 communities |
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Notes Implementation of interRAI is delayed. Phased implementation approach starting Q4 of 2024-25 fiscal year. |
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2. Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Coordinator
Funding will support an IPAC Coordinator position for continuing care programs. The coordinator is responsible for the integration of IPAC training and practices, implementing standardized policies and procedures aligned with best practices. This initiative, building upon previous HCC bilateral agreement activities, focuses on mitigating IPAC risks, safeguarding staff and clients, and addressing the specific needs of caregivers.
2024-25 Measuring and Reporting on Results
| Indicator | Number of IPAC site visits completed each year |
| Baseline | 0 IPAC visits completed |
| Target | 14 visits each year |
| Timeframe | 2026-2027 |
| Progress as of 2024-25 | 15 site visits in 2024-2025 Fiscal Year |
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Notes These site visits include general site visits to both long term care and to home care, IPAC policy adherence, and training of staff. These site visits exclude cleaning audits. |
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2023-24 Measuring and Reporting on Results
| Indicator | Number of IPAC site visits completed each year |
| Baseline | 0 IPAC visits completed |
| Target | 7 visits each year |
| Timeframe | 2026-2027 |
| Progress as of 2023-24 | 9 site visits in 2023-24 |
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Notes IPAC coordinator site visits include visits to long-term care facilities and home care programs. |
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Long-Term Care Initiatives (2023-2027)
Priority Area 1 – Workforce Stability
LTC Staffing Standard
Aging with Dignity funding will support the transition to a minimum of 3.6 hours of direct care per resident per day within LTC facilities. This includes adopting a staffing ratio of 30% nursing to 70% Resident Care Aide (RCA) and RN coverage 24/7. Investments in Practical Nurses (PNs) and Personal Support Workers (PSWs) through training programs aim to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in Continuing Care programs, ensuring culturally safe services.
2024-25 Measuring and Reporting on Results
| Indicator | Percent of facilities that meet Standards for Direct Care Staffing |
| Baseline | 22% (2/9) facilities meet the staffing standard |
| Target | 56% (5/9) facilities meet the staffing standard |
| Timeframe | 2027-2028 |
| Progress as of 2024-25 | 100% (9/9) in 2024-2025 Fiscal Year |
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Notes Success in surpassing the target was a result of hiring permanent staff and hiring of local community members after they completed Personal Support Worker certificate. The Standards for Direct Care Staffing require a staffing ratio of 30% nursing to 70% Resident Care Aid, and Registered Nurse coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
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2023-24 Measuring and Reporting on Results
| Indicator | Percent of facilities that meet Standards for Direct Care Staffing |
| Baseline | 22% (2/9) facilities meet the staffing standard |
| Target | 56% (5/9) facilities meet the staffing standard |
| Timeframe | 2027-2028 |
| Progress as of 2023-24 | 44% (4/9) facilities meet the staffing standard |
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Notes The Standards for Direct Care Staffing require a staffing ratio of 30% nursing to 70% Resident Care Aid, and Registered Nurse coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
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Priority Area 2 – Long-Term Care Standards
Funding will support a Territorial Housekeeping Specialist position to address deficiencies through the development of policies and standardized training. Additionally, funds will support the replacement of LTC equipment and furnishings to meet IPAC standards. These activities, complementing previous Safe Long Term Care funding initiatives, aim to improve quality and safety in LTC, particularly in addressing deficiencies revealed by IPAC audits. The involvement of elders and LTC residents will ensure cultural relevance and resident-informed decision-making.
2024-25 Measuring and Reporting on Results
| Indicator | Number of IPAC site visits completed each fiscal year |
| Baseline | 0 facilities |
| Target |
9 facilities |
| Timeframe | 2024-2025 |
| Progress as of 2024-25 | 9/9 site visits completed in 2024-2025 Fiscal Year |
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Notes These site visits refer to long-term care facilities carried out by the IPAC Coordinator. |
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| Indicator | Number of Compliance Audits of cleaning practices completed each fiscal year |
| Baseline | 0 compliance audits |
| Target | 9 compliance audits |
| Timeframe | 2024-2025 |
| Progress as of 2024-25 | 8/9 facilities in 2024-2025 Fiscal Year |
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Notes The territorial specialist for housekeeping was vacant until January 2025; only able to complete 8/9 audits between January and March 31, 2025 |
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2023-24 Measuring and Reporting on Results
| Indicator | Number of IPAC site visits completed each fiscal year |
| Baseline | 0 facilities |
| Target |
9 facilities |
| Timeframe | 2024-2025 |
| Progress as of 2023-24 |
4/9 LTC facilities had site visits |
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Notes IPAC Coordinator visits facilities to:
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| Indicator | Number of Compliance Audits of cleaning practices completed each fiscal year |
| Baseline | 0 compliance audits |
| Target | 9 compliance audits |
| Timeframe | 2024-2025 |
| Progress as of 2023-24 | 0 compliance audits |
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Notes Compliance audits have not occurred as the Territorial Housekeeping Specialist was not filled. |
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Northwest Territories Personal Support Workers and Related Professions
NWT has met the first threshold to invest the federal personal support worker (PSW) funding provided to support incremental wage increases of the lowest-paid PSWs by 20% or to reach $25/hour over the 5 years of funding. Therefore, federal funds will be used to support additional non-wage related recruitment and retention measures. These activities include hiring a PSW Educator in each Health and Social Service Authority to provide support to PSWs in home and community care and long-term care; supporting existing PSW training; and enhancing funding for the Aurora College PSW program. Reporting on PSW related activities was introduced in 2025 after the Canada-Northwest Territories Aging with Dignity Funding Agreement (2023-24 to 2028-29) was amended in 2024-25.
2024-25 Measuring and Reporting on Results
| Activity |
Aurora College program attendees in each cohort:
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| Indicator | Number (%) PSWs who completed each cohort |
| Expected Outcome (at end of this agreement) | 75% students enrolled will graduate |
| Progress as of 2024-25 (% completed) |
In 2024-25 Fiscal Year:
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Notes There are 3 options to complete a PSW certificate in the Aurora College program in the NWT. In person in Yellowknife, PSW Distance (of which most attendees are part time and graduate rates per year are lower) and PSW outreach (of which most attendees are part time and graduate rates per year are lower). The distance and outreach options allow for a flexible model where attendees are part time and can take longer than 9 months to complete the course. There are 3 regions where this is offered: Fort Smith (courses do not start until fall 2025), Inuvik (part time course started in fall 2024) and Behchokǫ̀ (part time courses started in fall 2024). In this stream there are no graduates for the 2024-25 fiscal year, but graduates are expected in the 2025-26 year. |
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| Activity |
Hiring of PSW educator in each region |
| Indicator | A PSW educator will be hired in each HSSA |
| Expected Outcome (at end of this agreement) | 100% hired |
| Progress as of 2024-25 (% completed) | 1 of 3 PSW educators hired (33.33%) in 2024-25 Fiscal Year |
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Notes PSW educator hired for TCSA. HRHSSA and NTHSSA expect to hire in the fall of 2025. |
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| Activity | PSWs will receive education in Palliative Care |
| Indicator | Number (%) PSWs who received palliative education and training |
| Expected Outcome (at end of this agreement) | 70% will receive education and training in palliative care |
| Progress as of 2024-25 (% completed) |
In 2024-25 Fiscal Year:
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Notes Palliative care education/training has always been provided to PSWs and other health professionals but there has been no standardized approach in the provision and monitoring. With the hiring of the PSW educators, the goal is to standardize the approach and ensure all PSWs receive education in palliative care. Expect these numbers to go up within the next 1-2 years. |
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| Activity | PSWs will receive education in mental health and addictions |
| Indicator | Number (%) PSWs who received mental health and addictions education and training |
| Expected Outcome (at end of this agreement) | 70% will receive education and training in mental health and addictions |
| Progress as of 2024-25 (% completed) |
In 2024-25 Fiscal Year:
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Notes This is a new education/training requirement for PSWs. With the hiring of the PSW educators, the goal is to standardize the approach and ensure all PSWs receive education in mental health and addictions. Expect these numbers to go up within the next 1-2 years. |
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| Activity | PSWs will receive education in behavior supports (i.e. dementia and positive training for those with complex behavior) |
| Indicator | Number (%) PSWs who received behavioral support education and training |
| Expected Outcome (at end of this agreement) | 70% will receive education and training in behavior supports |
| Progress as of 2024-25 (% completed) |
In 2024-25 Fiscal Year:
Total: 61 (37%) |
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Notes Education/training has always been provided to PSWs and other health professionals in the domain of supporting individuals with dementia/behavior, but there has been no standardized approach in the provision and monitoring. With the hiring of the PSW educators, the goal is to standardize the approach and ensure all PSWs receive education in behavior supports. Expect these numbers to go up within the next 1-2 years. |
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