Cummer Lodge

Built in 1970 and renovated in 2000, Cummer Lodge has 391 beds, sits on 4.5 acres of landscaped property overlooking a wooded ravine.

All resident bedrooms are serviced with central air conditioning.

Cummer Lodge offers the following specialized services:

• Behavioural Supports
• Adult Day Program

Behavioural Support Programs

As recognized leaders in behavioural support programs, we have a long history of demonstrated knowledge of dementia, delirium and mental health in the delivery of care. Cummer Lodge has a Ministry-designated 16-person Behavioural Support Unit which receives enhanced funding.

Staff and medical professionals are knowledgeable in the most prevalent types and related causes of behavioural issues, understand disease processes, stages and progression, diagnostic and assessment process, cognitive or neurological symptoms, treatment interventions, appropriate communication to address resident needs, strategies to promote optimal quality of life and experience of the behaviour(s) from the perspective of the resident, family members and other partners in care.

Summary of Resident Responses

• 98 per cent of residents feel the home provides a welcoming environment where they feel safe and accepted.
• 98 per cent of residents feel they are able to communicate openly and freely regarding care and service needs.
• 98 per cent of residents feel that staff treat them with respect.
• 97 per cent of residents feel their issues, concerns or requests for information are addressed.

Summary of Family Responses

• 98 per cent of families/caregivers would recommend this home to others.
• 97 per cent of families/caregivers are satisfied with the quality of the care and service.
• 97 per cent of families/caregivers feel the staff treat their family member with respect.
• 96 per cent of families/caregivers feel the home provides a welcoming atmosphere where their family member feels safe and accepted.

We will continue to improve

• Enjoyable mealtime experiences
• Variety and quality of food
• Quality of laundry service
• Respectful treatment of personal belongings

For more detailed information, please email: ltc-cl@toronto.ca.

Toronto Emergency Management (TEM) leads and facilitates activities related to the City’s ability to mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from major emergencies.

We have incorporated the City’s Business Continuity Management and Toronto’s Emergency Plan into an Emergency Management Plan for the City’s directly operated long-term care homes.

Cummer Lodge has a structured emergency management process of risk identification, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

The scope of emergency management planning includes a variety of hazardous situations that may occur inside or outside of the long-term care home, such as:

• fire
• natural disaster
• biochemical and bomb threats
• chemical spills
• radiation exposure
• threats of personal violence
• power failure
• utilities and telecommunications failure

All staff members are trained to respond to these universal codes for emergencies:

• Code Red: Fire
• Code Black: Bomb Threat
• Code Yellow: Missing Resident
• Code Green: Evacuation
• Code Orange: External Disaster
• Code White: Violent Behaviour
• Code Blue: Cardiac Arrest
• Code Brown: Hazardous Spill
• Code Grey: Infrastructure Failure

In addition, we follow the Incident Management System (IMS) and have a robust Crisis/Disaster Communication Protocol.

For further information, please contact Niloshini (Nilo) Sivanandan, Administrator.

The Quality Improvement Initiative Report for 2026-27 has been developed as required by the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021. As required by Ontario Health, Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) for 2026-27 were submitted on April 1, 2026. The QIPs guide quality improvement work that improves resident care, safety and outcomes. The QIPs demonstrate our commitment to collaborate with residents, families, caregivers and external partners.

The 2026-27 QIPs, Progress Report and Narrative are available from the Administrator and are posted in each of the LTC homes.

Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Initiative Report

2026 Quality Improvement Initiatives and priorities are supported by effective partnerships, committee structures and evidence informed processes. To receive a complete copy of the report, email the Administrator.

Quality Improvement Leads

• Niloshini Sivanandan, Administrator, is the designated Quality Improvement Lead and Chair of Site Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Committee.
• Elizabeth Juraschka is the Divisional Quality Improvement Advisor.

Priority Areas

Cummer Lodge has identified these areas for improvement, developed in consultation with Residents’ Council, Family Council, and aligned to Ontario Health priorities:

• Focus on improving resident outcomes by reducing Emergency Department visits, minimizing antipsychotic medication use, reducing ulcer rates and decreasing fall rates through targeted clinical interventions
• Advance staff development by ensuring all full-time staff and managers completed Equity, Diversity and Inclusion education and training
• Improve the dining experience

Policies, Procedures and Protocols that Guide Continuous Quality Improvement

Quality improvement policies have been established to guide quality improvement work and align with the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021, Accreditation standards and required organizational practices, Ontario Health requirements and the Excellent Care for All Act, 2010.

Continuous Quality Improvement Priority Selection Process

Priorities are selected through analysis of:

• Performance data, audits, inspections, program evaluations
• Resident and Family “Your Opinion Counts” experience survey results
• Accreditation Canada and Ontario Health system level priorities

Opportunities for improvement are reviewed throughout the year by the Site CQI Committee, Residents’ Council and Family Council.

Monitoring and Measuring Progress

Cummer Lodge actively monitors and measures progress on its quality improvement plan through a structured, data-driven approach. Performance indicators are aligned with key priorities such as resident safety, clinical outcomes, regulatory compliance and overall satisfaction.

Progress is tracked against defined benchmarks and provincial standards with results compiled into monthly/quarterly performance dashboards. These dashboards identify trends, highlight areas for improvement and inform action plans.

Leadership shares outcomes through various committees and communication strategies to enforce accountability and accelerate improvements ensuring that quality improvement plan remains a living document that drives measurable sustainable enhancements in resident care and organizational performance.

Family and Resident “Your Opinion Counts” Experience Survey

The Your Opinion Counts (YOC) experience survey is administered annually to measure resident and family experiences. The survey was administered in September, after consultation with the Residents’ Council and Family Council. Survey results were analyzed to inform areas for improvement. Cummer Lodge has made every reasonable effort to act on the results of the survey and to improve the long-term care home and the care, services, programs and goods.

Resident, Family and Caregiver Your Opinion Counts Experience Survey requirements under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021

Cummer Lodge Your Opinion Counts 2025 results

Communication Records

• A multicultural setting, where residents of diverse religions and cultures live together while respecting each other beliefs and traditions, we offer a variety of culturally appropriate services
• We believe that every resident has individual needs and must be involved in decisions regarding his or her care. Taking a holistic approach in the care of each resident, the inter-professional team of highly trained and dedicated staff considers the physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual needs of each individual, to help each resident attain the highest possible quality of life. Care of the individual is planned with the resident and family/friend involvement to ensure it is consistent and based on resident’s values, beliefs and wishes.

Families are an integral part in helping make the best decisions for their family member. We offer many opportunities for families to be involved:

• Resident care conferences
• Quality Improvement, Innovation and Risk Management Committee
• Family Council
• Satisfaction surveys
• Volunteer services.

• We value partnerships and work closely with our hospitals and faith groups including Jewish Family and Children Services. We receive education from the Alzheimer and Huntington’s Society in addition to organizations like REENA who support our residents who are developmentally delayed
• We are proud of our over 300 volunteers – young and old – who support Cummer Lodge and our residents.