To the editor:
Senior abuse and neglect in senior home facilities continue even though the provincial government claims the key issues have been addressed in the Seniors Action Plan.
They have focused on over-medicated seniors. Their solutions are medical reviews and better oversight.
The root of this problem is that over-medicated seniors are easier to deal with by insufficient staff numbers.
Has an increase in staff levels been legislated?
No.
The issue of abuse has been addressed with $1.4 million of our tax dollars spent on the "Community Response Network." This puts a priority on the response to abuse, not the prevention of it.
Have they issued a mandatory personality test to ensure the temperamental suitability of an employee.
No.
The government admits that one of the actions that has not been implemented is a licensing review to "identify changes needed to ensure standards of care."
Are facility operators penalized for a pattern of non-compliance?
The Health authorities, system' of "progressive compliance" allows a facility to commit multiple infractions over the course of years with little more than verbal warnings, followed by written ones.
Does this make them accountable?
No.
The Seniors Action Plan has increased the focus of inspectors on "high risk" facilities.
Focusing their attention without enforcement is a waste of time and our tax dollars. The abuse and neglect of our seniors is largely due to poor management, insufficient staff and a lack of enforcement.
Does the Seniors Action Plan address any of these issues?
No.
There were 16,000 Elder Abuse Prevention Kits distributed in 2013. By 2014, the demand was so high that they had to print 15,000 more.
Has the Seniors Action Plan been effective? Obviously not.
Judy Galley
Sorrento
judygalley0@gmail.com