Long-Term Care Today
New Feature: News from the front lines in Seniors’ LTC, Inspired by Carol Wodak founding member of CITIZEN WATCH
BACKGROUNDER: CITIZEN WATCH was created as a public service for the people of Alberta. It was the work of an ever-widening network of individuals from across the province, including families and friends of long term care and assisted or supportive living residents and those requiring long term care supports in their own homes. CITIZEN WATCH WEBSITE
RECENT PRINTABLES
INDEX (CLICK on Carol’s contributed collated collections by date)
- 18 May 2020 Old money Tortoise Thousands of care home residents are dying from Covid-19, and staff are on minimum wage. But in the background, big profits are being made. Ian Birrell investigates a broken industry
CLICK for Carol’s complete collection of carefully crafted carewatch content
Commentary:
The more complex needs of today’s residents mean they need more help with daily needs such as getting dressed, bathing, brushing their teeth, using the bathroom and eating. Many require two-person assistance and greater supervision. Experts say at least 4.1 hours of care are required per resident per day, but the province provides funding for only 3.6 hours — a number that has not changed since 2009.
This means assistance is not always available when residents need it. As well, government regulations require nurses to spend more and more time filling out paperwork and conducting audits, leaving less time for them at the bedside to provide and oversee resident care.
If seniors’ living conditions were a priority, would government have essentially frozen funds for capital repairs and improvements for 25 years?
Whether you have Seniors in your life or not, we know you CARE about their WELL BEING!
How can YOU help influence government dollars for their care? Visit https://t.co/zBK8WCcM7F and fill out the form to have a letter sent to Manitoba MLAs on your behalf!#shiningalight pic.twitter.com/Wtc0D6xogk
— Long Term & Continuing Care Assoc of MB (@LTCAManitoba) July 17, 2020
Hinshaw said they are relaxing some guidelines in long-term and continuing care facilities, making it clear there are added risks to these measures. Many have expressed pain in not being able to connect with loved ones, she says. #COVID19AB
— Alanna Smith (@alanna_smithh) July 16, 2020
Main Headline:
Alberta to ease restrictions for long-term care facilities
In Alberta’s July 16 COVID announcement, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, said the province will ease the restrictions at long-term care facilities.
Starting July 23rd, Alberta will shift from restricted access to safe access into long-term care homes.
Hinshaw says this “safe access” plan will allow people to visit their families while remaining safe compared to the previous policy.
“Under the previous restricted policy, a resident could have only one designated family or support person spend time with them indoors.
The Chief Public Health Office is working with long-term care homes about continuing to connect families safely during the pandemic.
Have a look. “It’s an important discussion to have. We recognize how critical the connection is with our families and our loved ones.”#PEI pic.twitter.com/RZYwKfB1eX
— CBC P.E.I. (@CBCPEI) July 15, 2020
We know that older individuals are at highest risk of severe outcomes from #COVID19AB. The average age of those who have died is 82 years, which is why long-term care & other continuing care facilities remain a priority for me & Alberta Health Services. (3/10)
— Dr. Deena Hinshaw (@CMOH_Alberta) May 21, 2020