Families are concerned about the lack of communication regarding a new program under which residents are being moved from hospitals to private care homes.Thirty convalescent care beds, of which 24 are currently occupied, have been added to Diamond House in Warman, Sask., as part of the Saskatoon Capacity Pressure Action Plan.
Saskatchewan's Ministry of Health, which regulates private personal care homes in the province, confirmed it is investigating an "allegation" at Diamond House, but did not give any details, citing privacy considerations. "Examples of individuals that would benefit from these beds would be individuals just requiring daily assistance — support with eating, getting dressed, walking, simple wound care, those waiting for surgery, IV treatment — where they could be non-weight-bearing."
CBC News tried to contact Golden Health Care, but was unable to reach anyone. Diamond House declined to give a statement.Ash said hospitals do their due diligence before transitioning patients to care homes. Ash said people who go through this process pay for the arrangement, consistent with other transitional care beds or convalescent care beds in the province. According to the SHA's website, as of April 1, a resident could be paying between $1,349 and $3,357 per month.Bill VanGorder, a seniors' advocate, said there is no way governments are going to be able to build enough care homes to keep up with Canada's aging population.