Editor:
After reading numerous opinions about the controversial long-term care plan for the Sunshine Coast – the new facility to be run by Trellis Seniors Services – I would like to make a few points.
Whether private or public funding, for-profit or not-for-profit, care for the elderly, frail and vulnerable seems to be abysmal, right across the country. I speak from experience, as my 88-year-old mother recently needed care in a publicly funded “rehab” facility in Montreal. The “care” she received in this facility was nothing short of neglectful and undignified.
To mention just a few issues: They wanted to diaper her because she needed assistance to get to the toilet due to a broken ankle. Normally quite meek and undemanding, if she rang the bell for assistance it took at least 45 minutes for anyone to respond, and the response didn’t always involve meaningful assistance. As a matter of protocol, she was put on heparin to prevent blood clots. This drug also significantly increases risk of hemorrhage if the person falls, a huge risk for an elderly person who is unstable. The rehab she got was inconsistent and very minimal. Most of the time she was left to lie in bed in a dismal, unstimulating environment. The list goes on and on.
Our family opted to hire private caregivers and to remove her from this unsafe, cold and uncaring environment as soon as possible, an option not available to others without the financial means and/or advocates to help them through this.
I recently had a very different experience while admitted to Sechelt Hospital for a minor surgery. The care I received there was excellent and the resources more than adequate. What a contrast to the “care” my 88-year-old mother received. We can talk about overstretched resources, but what about redistributing and managing those resources so our older people can get the same standard of care as I received?
I believe part of the problem is that our society doesn’t fully appreciate the care needs of older people. I only hope that this warehousing of seniors gets more attention. Until you experience it yourself with a loved one, you may be ignorant to how seniors are treated in our health care system. That goes for public as well as private for-profit facilities. You would never see this in a pediatric setting.
Corinna O’Neill, Roberts Creek
