The coronavirus pandemic has brought to light the realities of long-term care (LTC) facilities in Canada.
The companies that own many of these facilities, that we trust to provide care to our most vulnerable, are being called out, deservedly or not, for making millions of dollars in profits while allowing residents to live in deplorable conditions.
Cockroach infestations, rotting food, and patients spending endless hours in soiled beds are just some of the things reported by military personnel called in by our government to assist in these homes. They alleged that shocking conditions and practices within these facilities has allowed Covid-19 to spread like wildfire, resulting in over 1,600 resident deaths in Ontario homes alone.
Issues in long-term care are not new
It was recently announced that Ontario’s ombudsman is launching an investigation into the province’s oversight of LTC homes during the pandemic, Unfortunately, the state of long-term care has been an oversight since well before the pandemic or the scathing report by the military.
It’s long been know that many of these homes are underfunded and understaffed and their workers underpaid and overworked. Again, this while many companies that own them continue to reap significant profits.
Scrambling to find alternatives
The horrific reports have the government rethinking senior housing and long-term care in Canada, while families are scrambling to find safer alternatives for their aging loved ones. It’s long been known that older persons are more likely to thrive when able to remain in the comfort and familiarity of home. And now, more than ever, finding ways to keep seniors in their own homes or with their families is more important than ever.
Using in-home care to age in place
Statistics clearly demonstrate that the vast majority of Canadian seniors would prefer to live at home. In-home care can help them do just that. Along with the mental and physical health benefits of aging in the comfort of home, living at home significantly minimizes the risk of contracting infections and illnesses from others because it limits exposure to others – something that is demonstrably problematic in long-term care facilities and retirement homes.
An in-home senior care provider can assist with all the tasks of daily living as well as advanced home health care for those living with illnesses. Our services can be adjusted as needs change, providing as much – or as little – help as the care recipient requires.
In-home care services help you care for your elderly parents in your home
Moving in with their adult children or grandchildren is another option.
In-home care can also help in these situations by allowing you to share caregiving duties, which can sometimes be hard to juggle with work, child care, and other responsibilities.
Our caregivers are available to provide personal care and help with errands, shopping, and escorting your elderly parent to medical appointments.
For those able to care for an aging loved one full-time, we also provide respite care so that you can take a break from caregiving.
In-home care can help keep you or your aging loved one remain safe and healthy.
Even in a perfect world without PPE shortages and poor practices, outbreaks in long-term care homes and retirement homes happen throughout the year. Age and other underlying medical conditions lead to a weakened immune system, making residents especially vulnerable. Living in close quarters and coming into contact with other residents, staff, and visitors further increases the risk.
If you are considering alternative senior care and would like more information about our services, contact us any time. We’re her for you, 24x7x367.
Article sources
Ontario Ombudsman to Investigate Government’s Oversight of Long-term Care Homes During Pandemic. https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/resources/news/press-releases/2020/ontario-ombudsman-to-investigate-government%E2%80%99s-oversight-of-long-term-care-homes-during-pandemic
Respiratory Outbreaks in Long-Term Care Facilities and Retirement Homes. https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/professionals-and-partners/long-term-care-respiratory-outbreaks.aspx
Companies Managing Troubled Ontario Long-term Care Homes Run Dozens More, Make Millions in Profits. Ryan Tumilty. https://nationalpost.com/news/companies-managing-troubled-ontario-long-term-care-homes-run-dozens-more-make-millions-in-profits