Maybe the Ford government could take note of the response to these Draconian cuts from one Ontario LTC home. They are doubling-down on reduced staffing levels; working longer hours on their own time; and ensuring in every way they can that their vulnerable elderly charges are not further damaged by this government’s actions. This could be defined as “combating elder abuse.” It could also lead to higher levels of staff burnout.
In light of the findings in the recently released Wettlaufer report, the Ford government has promised only to “study” two of 10 provisions — those related to inadequate staffing levels and the need for increased funding.
However, the same government is currently responsible for reducing the funds allocated to LTC and, in response to outrage from various consumer, professional and opposition groups, has offered only to defer these cuts, which were slated to start on Aug. 1, until October this year.
This government has also promised to review the recommendations in the Wettlaufer report, determine a course of action and provide a full accounting of its decisions to the public in a year.
A year? While we wait to find out what, if anything, the Ford government plans to do about the causative, institutional factors that contributed to Wettlaufer’s murderous actions; two of which are clearly flagged as chronic underfunding and understaffing; how many of our most vulnerable citizens have to wait for their end in LTC homes, which can neither care for them properly nor ensure their engagement, comfort and safety?
