Letter from the reader: Government has a duty to ensure that long-term care residents are better protected

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The Long Term Care Repair Act of 2021 contains amendments to the Long Term Care Act of 2007, but I think the new bill will not improve the life of someone living in long term care today, tomorrow or even within a year.

As thousands of older people died in long-term care during the COVID-19 pandemic, I believe the government has a duty to ensure that our most vulnerable citizens reside in an environment that puts their lives and necessary care before the earnings of the company.

A clear way to demonstrate the responsibility required for the industry is to return to comprehensive inspections, immediately define a standard of care of four hours per resident per day, increase salaries, training and increase the number and standards between certification of the personal support worker.

Our seniors would also benefit from having care provided in a non-profit setting in small, modern, family-like homes where family caregivers are more than just visitors and management at the highest levels are professionals from the Qualified health professionals with long-term care and infection prevention experience.

The government could also implement a direct information structure and a better partnership between the Ministry of Long-Term Care, the Medical Director of Health, and local public health units.

According to the final report of the Ontario Long-Term Care Commission COVID-19, Ontario’s population of 75 and older will continue to grow and our projected need for long-term care beds could reach 115,000 by 2041.

I am concerned that without the necessary care, oversight, and development of nonprofit long-term care providers, we will continue to see chronic underfunding, severe staffing, outdated infrastructure, and poor oversight under the current model of delivering care. for-profit services.

I believe it will result in unnecessary suffering and death among our most vulnerable older people.

Gemma Gray-Hall, Windsor

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Reference-windsorstar.com

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