Long-term care facilities in crisis amid pandemic

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Published April 27, 2020 at 11:12 pm

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Significant safety concerns in Ontario long-term care facilities have resulted in a serious crisis amid the pandemic. 

Through complaints from staff, and concerned family members of residents, Patient Ombudsman is learning of just how dire things are in many long-term care facilities across the province. 

Some of the notable safety concerns include: 

  • Severe staffing shortages; 
  • Inadequate infection control and prevention measures;
  • Inability to meet the basic care needs for some residents; and
  • Poor or no communication.

Additionally, Patient Ombudsman is urging staff and residents to come forward regarding situations and practices that may jeopardize the safety of those who work and/or live there. 

The information is intended to help improve the working conditions for staff, as well as the living conditions for residents of these facilities–including potentially launching investigations if necessary. 

“This is a frightening time for many patients, residents, families and caregivers. Our goal is to learn as much as we can about how COVID-19 is affecting residents and staff in long-term care homes,” Craig Thompson, Executive Director of Patient Ombudsman, said in a news release. 

“Our hope is to help long-term care homes with future pandemic planning–including additional and potential new waves of COVID-19,” he continued. 

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