Most COVID-19 nursing home deaths in Saskatchewan happened in private facilities
Final winter, when COVID-19 unfold all through Parkside Extendicare, a personal long-term care dwelling in Regina, Brian Albert was suggested by employees to speak to a priest.
His mom, 98-year-old Marie, had examined constructive for the virus after dwelling in a room with three others.
She survived, which Albert calls a miracle, however she will be able to now not stroll or go to the toilet by herself.
“Now sadly due to COVID she’s on oxygen full-time and due to COVID she’s caught in a wheelchair,” Albert mentioned.
As horrible as it’s for her to push a button for help, he’s extremely completely satisfied she’s alive, as a result of 39 of her neighbours within the dwelling didn’t survive the outbreak after getting contaminated.
Knowledge from the Ministry of Well being reveals COVID-19 deaths in Saskatchewan’s long-term care properties usually tend to happen in non-public care properties versus ones run by the Saskatchewan Well being Authority.
As of Oct. 18, 154 residents of long-term care properties in Saskatchewan have died from COVID-19 all through the pandemic, which makes up almost 20 per cent of all COVID-19 deaths within the province throughout that time-frame.
Of these deaths, 62 occurred in non-public, non-profit properties; 45 occurred in non-public for-profit properties; and 47 occurred in properties run by the well being authority.
Damaged down by beds, one in 13 residents died in non-public, for-profit properties; one in 41 in non-public, non-profit properties; and one in 108 in public sector properties.
Albert, who’s a part of a class-action lawsuit towards Extendicare, mentioned he’s not stunned to listen to that COVID-19 deaths occurred at the next price in properties the place a revenue is to be made.
He mentioned whereas the employees gives glorious care, the identical can’t be mentioned for the executive aspect. The most typical grievance he’s heard is just not sufficient private protecting tools has been offered to employees coping with sick residents.
Saskatchewan has 5 non-public, for-profit properties — all operated by Extendicare.
Nevertheless, following the province’s deadliest COVID-19 outbreak at its Parkside dwelling, and investigations by the province’s ombudsman and well being authority, the non-public firm is leaving Saskatchewan and transferring the administration of the properties to the federal government.
In an announcement, a spokeswoman mentioned Extendicare Parkside complies with all tips laid out by the well being authority.
“Our focus stays on offering high quality care to our residents and supporting our households and group members,” she mentioned.
Minister of Seniors Everett Hindley mentioned the federal government is engaged on a brand new inspection course of for long-term care properties, which is predicted to be launched within the weeks forward.
Nevertheless, NDP seniors critic Matt Love says the Saskatchewan Social gathering authorities must legislate minimal care requirements.
“The federal government has not signalled the tip of for-profit care in Saskatchewan, they merely acknowledged the tip of their relationship with Extendicare,” Love mentioned.
“I believe now we have all of the proof we have to know that for-profit properties don’t have any place in Saskatchewan.
“This can be a probability for our provincial authorities to not solely take over the services however take cost of the long-term care sector and herald legislative adjustments that enhance the care residents obtain.”
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