As a result of the attention brought on Long-Term Care Homes (LCH) with COVID-19, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) conducted a thorough investigation into some of Ontario’s worst hit LCH.
The report details shocking and disturbing conditions in the homes. The report highlights serious concerns about shortages of personal protective equipment, staffing shortages, and failures to follow basic procedures to keep both residents and staff safe.
In the report, the CAF confirmed observing cockroach and bug infestations, seniors calling out repeatedly for help, rotting food, COVID-19 infected patients placed in the same room with those who are healthy, missed meals, as well as seniors left in soiled diapers and linens.
The report’s findings are sufficiently serious enough that it warranted it also be shared with the Province of Ontario, who has jurisdiction over these homes.
What is important to note is at the time of the report, there were 175 inspectors for 626 LCH in Ontario.
The Ontario Nurses' Association’s (ONA) president, Vicki McKenna said the association has contacted the Ministry of Labour about working conditions in long-term care homes, but the Ministry has written few orders and has "rarely been on site to conduct physical inspections."
A 2017-2018 public inquiry into the safety and security of residents in long-term care homes found "systemic vulnerabilities" in the system.
With more than 80 percent of all COVID-19 related deaths attributed to LCH, it is time the provincial and federal governments make a change.
All nursing home residents deserve to be properly cared for in a safe and healthy environment. If your loved one has been a victim of neglect in a long-term health home resulting in your loved one’s death, please contact JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLPfor a free consultation.
Please stay healthy and safe during this pandemic, from everyone at JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP.