Here's the thing: the abysmal state of #longtermcare for seniors, those w #dementia & disabilities in #Ontario is NOT a surprise; it has long been known by those close to it.
https://bit.ly/2zwDI4N 

The cycle of inadequacy persists for many reasons: a thread. (1/6) #onpoli

1) #LTC is foreign to many ppl until their loved one (LO) enters. Despite sometimes futile advocacy, fams bare their LO's decline in quality of life (QoL). After an avg ~1.5 yrs, the grieving fam is relieved to get far away from LTC, the fire to fight for others extinguished.(2/6)

2) The ON LTC sector is highly regulated; focus is on quantifiable health outcomes, safety, & absence of harm rather than on the residents’ QoL. Due to financial accountability, #LTCHs divert time from resident care to compliance-related administrative & process activities. (3/6)

3) Budgets are tight; staffing is minimal. They are constantly trying to stay above water-- under such pressure the default is often to complete the bare minimum; burn-out is common.

LTCHs often do not have the latitude to innovate. (4/6)

4) Personal support workers ( #PSWs) represent an unregulated workforce. The result is three-fold: a) A lack of consistency in initial and continuous training & education; b) Lack of oversight following unacceptable behaviour; c) Low wages & minimal protection of rights. (5/6)

I have many years of personal experience in LTC & I feel it is important to note: SO MANY individuals- nurses, PSWs, administrators, etc.- are wonderful & caring.

The issue is SYSTEMIC.

The @StaffatMOHLTC and @NewsroomGC need to be courageously radical in improving LTC. (6/6)