released last week on improving conditions for long-term care residents should be seen for what it represents: a sidebar to a discussion this country has put off for far too long, and which the COVID-19 pandemic made clear can no longer be avoided.an independent, not-for-profit body, and was produced at the request of the federal government.
The report is well intentioned. After all, isn’t the well-being of the aging Canadians who occupy our country’sYes. But given that this is a federally commissioned report, it’s worth noting that the federal government lacks direct jurisdiction over long-term care. Ottawa can produce as many recommendations about the management of LTC residences that it likes, but it can’t implement them.
Even before COVID-19, the LTC sector was failing to meet the challenge of an aging population. According to Ontario’s Financial Accountability Office, the number of LTC beds in Ontario increased by only 0.8 per cent from 2011 to 2018, while the number of people over 75 grew by 20 per cent. Staffing was another issue. When COVID-19 struck, LTC homes in Canada – whether for-profit, private non-profit or state run – were largely reliant on low-wage, poorly trained part-time workers. Throw in the explosive demand for LTC beds that forced homes to operate at full capacity, and the stage was set for tragedy.
Covid brought alot to the forefront on Canada's lack of preparation for an aging society. Lack of healthcare and lack of housing.
What about the lack of care? The for-profit model is not working. Phase them out and bring them all into the public healthcare system.
The lack of beds creates a backlog that is further underserved by an unreliable homecare ‘system.’ The families of loved ones in need of care then pay the price— emotionally and often financially.
That may be AN issue but after seeing an elderly resident in a very nice care facility in is one of many issues not the least of which is who really wants to be institutionalized for their final years?