We must speak out on LTC crisis
Provincial policy is totally ludicrous and unreasonable
After reading an editorial from a PSW in North Bay regarding a measly six minutes to provide morning care in long-term-care homes, I did some further research.
That investigation and the review of recent literature about LTC made my blood boil. Even ablebodied people performing their morning hygiene rituals prior to work take more time than that. Now imagine if you will entering a vulnerable senior’s room in the morning, who may be confused, hard of hearing, have mobility issues, may be incontinent, startles easily and may be slow to move due to a multitude of aches and pains. This is a seniors’ residence not an army barracks for basic training where the sergeant yells, “Move it, move it.” Given the vulnerable population that PSW’s and nursing staff serve, the Ministry of LongTerm Care’s policy is totally ludicrous and unreasonable.
In my 31 years of nursing practice, I have never been a proponent of assembly line nursing and essentially that is what this policy is in a nutshell. This task orientation approach to nursing objectifies residents and robs them of their dignity and self-worth. Seniors are not a piece of metal on a Chrysler assembly line. They are human beings who were gainfully employed before retiring and were productive members of society. They deserve our respect and compassion. Seniors pay an exorbitant amount to reside at these for-profit homes, so they deserve to have their needs met and not settle for bargain-basement substandard care.
How is this policy congruent with the Long-Term Care Act which states residents have the right to be treated with courtesy and respect in a way that fully recognizes individuality and dignity?
COVID-19 has thrust the inherent long-term problems in nursing homes for all of us to see. Unfortunately, the government is fickle and reactionary instead of being proactive. When the military delivered its scathing reports of long-termcare homes there was tough talk to placate people instead of developing some much-needed oversight and practical policies to keep residents safe. The book, “Broken — Long Term Care in Canada” written by Kathy Pearsall catalogues and addresses the ongoing problems in a comprehensive way. Bottom line: If the Ministry of Health identifies problems in long-termcare homes but fails to act then that makes it complicit and negligent. You do not need any more studies. Put your money where your mouth is.
A consistent health-care team of all classifications need to be employed by long-term-care homes so there can be continuity of care. That concept is so vital to seniors who reside in these facilities.
The caring PSWs and nursing staff at these facilities need support from administration. They also need to be provided with an ongoing appropriate supply of PPEs to reduce the chances of further COVID outbreaks, adequate staffing levels, lower patient/staff ratios, and ongoing in-service so they can deliver safe, compassionate, dignified, quality care. The failure to provide support to the PSWs and nursing staff will result in staff burnout, more sick time and rising PTSD which will adversely affect patient care. The Nursing Association reported that 60 per cent of nursing staff who are employed in LTC are experiencing PTSD symptoms since COVID.
A private member’s bill (Bill 13) has been presented to amend the Long-Term Care Act to establish a minimum standard of care by Mrs. T. Armstrong, however the government of the day wants to kick it down the road to 2025. With all the reports that is stunning to me. This is a start to advocate for seniors who are in LTC. I realize that this may not be in the minds of many, however with our aging population you might have to contemplate entering a senior’s home yourself one day. Call or write your MP and have your voice heard.