Prince Albert Northcote MLA Nicole Rancourt (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

Care and COVID

Opposition MLA calls for improvements in long-term care facilities

Jun 2, 2020 | 1:20 PM

Local NDP MLA Nicole Rancourt says action is needed to confront the underfunding of long-term care homes across the province, including in Prince Albert.

On Friday, the provincial government released an annual report on conditions in the facilities based on visits to the homes by SHA leadership. It also includes feedback from residents and their families on what they liked about the facilities, as well as areas they believed could be improved.

Rancourt told paNOW the 251-page document supports concerns she’s heard from families, seniors, and staff in the city.

“Staff and administrators are run off their feet in these facilities,” Rancourt said. “They’re doing their best with the limited resources they have.”

At the Herb Basset Home, residents and family members praised the overall quality of the care, food, and recreation programming. The home’s new van for outings was also noted as a positive addition.

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However, communication between staff was listed as an area for improvement, as was perceived understaffing during mealtimes. Residents were sometimes expected to wait for care, including toileting.

“Families that visit frequently do not feel that they can go away and trust that the care will be consistent. They feel the need to have ‘reminders’ in place,” the report noted.

Rancourt said she hopes the provincial government will take issues raised in the report seriously and act quickly.

“I think with the threat of a second wave [of COVID-19] this is the moment we need to step up and show some leadership in securing better care for our seniors,” she said.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom