Alarm bells have sounded after a study by The Canadian Press found a majority of Ontario’s nursing homes have failed to meet basic standards set out by the province to preserve the rights of residents.

The investigation found that 60 per cent of the province’s homes, and 84 per cent of North Simcoe Muskoka homes, were cited for failing to meet some of the standards.

There are 400 provincial standards that ensure residents are kept clean, free of pain, are well-fed, as well as instructing homes how to care for incontinent residents and when they use restraints.

Ombudsman Andre Marin told The Canadian Press his office has been doing a “pre-investigation” for the past three months.

He is expected to make an announcement as to whether a full study on the issue is needed in the coming days.