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Letter: COVID-19 shows how we're betraying our elders

Editor: Former American vice-president Hubert Humphrey proclaimed, “The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; those who are in the s
seniors
Deltassist will use the additional money to ensure there are no shortfalls in seniors program core funding and to support its Better at Home program.

Editor:

Former American vice-president Hubert Humphrey proclaimed, “The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.”

If we used this litmus test today to judge our moral standards as Canadians, how well do you think we would score knowing that nearly 80% of all COVID-19 deaths have transpired in long-term care facilities where many of our elderly, needy, sick, and disabled persons reside?

The truth is we are not doing nearly enough to look out for the welfare of our elders. We are ignoring the robust body of studies, which attests to the deplorable conditions of several for-profit long-term care facilities.

The research overwhelmingly shows that seniors who are placed in these facilities receive a sub-standard quality of care and suffer significantly worse health outcomes than those in publicly funded and non-profit facilities.

Of course, the disparity in health outcomes is evident for those of us who know anything about unbridled capitalism, which privileges profit over all else. For-profit facilities are less concerned with patient welfare and health than they are with fattening their pockets.

Private systems are the antithesis of health and well-being because they are fundamentally at odds with spending adequate money on human resources and quality care.

Instead, they increase their revenue streams through understaffing efforts and cutting the benefits and salaries of employees.

What is the result of for-profit care facilities?

First, we see our valued health-care workers having to cobble together hours at numerous jobs to make ends meet, resulting in an array of negative consequences for them, their families, and their patients.

Second, we experience the real-life ramifications of a patchwork system that includes a breeding ground for spreading deadly viruses such as COVID-19.

This systemic problem is only going to worsen if we continue to do nothing, as an estimated 199,000 long-term beds will be needed by 2035, representing an increase of about 78%.

COVID-19 should be a wake-up call to Canadians, showing us the deadly consequences of not allocating sufficient funding to care for our most vulnerable members properly.

So, what is the solution? First, long-term care must fall under the Canada Health Act with a commitment from both federal and provincial governments to a universal standard of care. Second, we must move from private (profit) to the public (non-profit) system, if we are to serve our seniors and protect the elderly. Let us use this pandemic as a motivation to do what is right and invest soundly in seniors care.

Jack Trovato

 

 

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