Government showing their cards on long-term care
Re Just do the right thing, Editorial, Oct. 26
The Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) could not have written a more perfect and accurate piece than the Toronto Star’s editorial.
ONA and many other organizations have worked tirelessly for decades to convince successive governments to take action to improve long-term care.
ONA has provided expert testimony and recommendations to dozens of coroner’s inquests, commissions, panels and, most recently, the Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission.
Not surprisingly, those recommendations have been fairly consistent over the decades: increase funding; increase staffing (particularly for registered nurses and registered practical nurses); legislate a minimum standard of care for residents of four hours of hands-on care daily, per resident; and ensure that 0.8 hours of that care is provided by a registered nurse.
The late poet Maya Angelou once said that when people show us who they are, we should believe them. If this government fails to take action now, there can be no doubt what they are telling us. Vicki McKenna, RN, Ontario Nurses’ Association
Another inquiry report and more acknowledgement of the issues that have been known for years. More “commitment” to fix a care system that has not simply been broken, but devastated by years of governments lack of initiative.
Why should current and future residents have any confidence that there will be improvements translating into better care levels?
It is not only seniors who are at risk in Ontario’s long-term-care homes; there are middle aged and young people.
The poor care levels we hear of, along with administrative shortcomings, are present at some level in all LTC homes. This is where the problems are and where we must get control.
Action is required to ensure that proper, respectful care with dignity is provided, in a safe environment, to all those who are vulnerable and require care. Ernie Ilson, Mississauga