A Green House dining room (copied with permission)
In June, CARP Ottawa submitted a letter to the editor, the Ottawa Citizen (unpublished) on the controversial topic of privatization of long-term care homes.
Politicians need prodding on care for our seniors – Mohammed Adam – June 21st.
Mohammed Adam does an excellent job of capturing the salient points of the event last Saturday – the screening of the poignant NFB film, Stolen Time. Click here to read the article
The privatization of long-term care homes has been a hot topic for years, escalating dramatically during the pandemic. Although there have been countless debates and published articles by researchers and experts in the field, we have yet to hear from either the large private chains operating so many of Ontario’s homes or the Ontario Government, not even to the Government’s own Commission’s report re a potential solution.
The Ontario government’s Independent Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission addressed the for-profit home issue in its carefully thought-out Report tabled on April 30, 2021.
It recommended that “The government should separate the construction of long-term care facilities from the care provided in those facilities……. Such a model is already employed in hospitals in Ontario. For example, construction of long-term care homes would continue to be open to the private sector so that the capital required to construct the facilities could still be accessed. The province would pay to use the facility as a long-term care home, thereby providing a return to the investors who put up the capital to build. The province would license not-for-profit operators or for-profit operators who are mission-driven rather than dividend-driven to manage the long-term care home.”
Surely there is a way for the Ontario Government and the Private Investors to look at a potential solution. If it is not perfect, it is at least a start. The residents, staff and families all deserve a better quality of life and working conditions. We need to change their institutions to homes.
As one reader rightly comments on Adam’s article, “here we are again, lamenting the same issues and not learning”.
City operated LCT facilities are superior as they must strictly comply with codes & fire & safety regulations. There are regular fire drills including resident relocation as well as inspections resulting in a safer environment for residents. Privately owned & operated facilities tend to cut corners on these.
Thank you for your comments. It is our understanding that all long-term care homes (be they not-for-profit or for profit) are required to comply with codes and fire and safety regulations. If you are interested in seeking more information or clarification you may want to contact organizations like AdvantAge Ontario and the Ontario Long-term Care Home Association.
G’afternoon,
As a recent caregiver for my late husband, living in Ontario, after having to move from our home province of NB, to find help in caring for him, since 2011, diagnosed with Cognitive Impairment, early stage Dementia.
We arrived in the fall of 2017, and within 36hrs, facing the Dementia/ Renfrew office, where we were told that, both of us were going to be taking care of and we weren’t Alone! Beautiful words to my ears!
Within a short period of time, we established residential status….etc. Once receiving all necessary documents, David was registered in 2 Day programs, which were an absolute gift from God, which gave me a time of respite and open to educating myself on this horrible disease. Once again, Ottawa Dementia Society was there for teaching us the Basis of what we needed to know and what our expectations should be as we progressed in time of David’s changes.
In time, it did become necessary to finalize his entry into LTCHOME, the most difficult decision, I’ve ever had to make, but with my two children, it was a majority consensus. In January, 2019, Yes, Covid disaster, we admitted him in the Sarsfield Colonial LTCHOME. Knowing what I went through from 2019 to October 2022, I realized that this was the biggest mistake I have ever in my life made.
First, the System, then the LIHN, which facilitate the beds available, with choices that you make..#1 problem…definitely an unexceptable way for accounting. WHY, THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THESE HOMES OFFER AND THE CONDITIONS THERE IN! As a Privately-owned residence, it was beyond being neglected, in all aspects, old equipment, a doctor who visits a half day per week, not sure why to this day, the DOC was definitely a plus, the handful of employees
Dedicated to their work, especially the kitchen chef and assistance, never to be forgotten how did went out of place to help. This is just a very short Chronology of my story, of which I have more disturbing information, that I had to face reality of speaking, with my lawyer, for guidance on approaching major issues, which I did, ending with an investigation that was shocking, still ongoing.
Respectively,
Geraldine Mason
We are very sorry for the experience you and your late husband, and your family, lived through, and that you are still living through with the ongoing investigation. We work closely with the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew and are fortunate to have their expertise and guidance for the Ottawa and Renfrew County community. We recognize there has been the tragic loss of lives in long-term care homes during the pandemic and that the conditions in these homes have been in need of major change before the pandemic even arose. Our advocacy continues to champion changing long-term care homes from ‘institutions to homes’ and to avoid the very type of situation you and your family encountered.