Old thinking on elder care won't cut it
Re: Old ways of thinking aren't going to fix Canada's health care, March 25.
Michel Bilodeau couldn't have said it more eloquently. That's exactly why CARP Ottawa is advocating to change Ontario's long-term care homes from “institutions” to “homes,” notwithstanding that we recognize the need for improvement across the continuum of health care.
Many ideas Bilodeau highlights have already been addressed by a few homes in Ontario that have implemented an innovative model of care — such as the Eden Alternative, the Butterfly Approach and the Green House. These proven approaches to care all promote relationships between residents, staff, volunteers and family members; provide homelike environments with between eight and 16 residents; allow for flexible resident schedules and preferences; and encourage resident participation in meaningful activities and family involvement.
These homes have succeeded in both the public and private sector; have had excellent leadership willing to tackle the fundamental change so desperately needed; have learned from countries where these approaches have long been successfully implemented (including England and the United States); and have had better outcomes both preand during the pandemic: fewer cases and deaths from COVID; fewer medications; fewer behavioural issues; less staff turnover; fewer staff sick days; and fewer visits of residents to emergency departments.
Let's hope the Ontario government, in its haste to build more large long-term care homes to meet the huge need, also has a strategic plan that goes over and above increasing the capacity of beds and actually improves quality of life. Our seniors deserve nothing less. Doing it the old way just won't “cut it.” Barbara Schulman, Ottawa, member, CARP Ottawa Advocacy Working Group on Long-term Care
Long-term care can be best option
Re: Despite falls, I'm keeping my husband home as long as possible, March 27.
Iris Winston is performing an admirable feat enabling her husband to remain at home “where he belongs” and out of long-term care.
But not every family caregiver is able “mentally, physically and emotionally” to provide what's needed for their loved one as well as what's needed for themselves.
My 50-year-old daughter with early onset Parkinson's has been in long-term care for a year now, where she has received excellent and empathetic care. She receives her many medications at the appropriate times and her physical health needs are well looked after. She has friends among the other residents and participates in stimulating group activities daily. She is living a better life than she would have at home.
There are many options when additional care is needed, and sometimes long-term care is the right answer.
Louise Rachlis, Ottawa
Let's hope the Ontario government, in its haste to build more large long-term care homes to meet the huge need, also has a strategic plan that goes over and above increasing the capacity of beds and actually improves quality of life. Barbara Schulman