NDP Seniors Critic Danielle Chartier says a report on the state of long-term care homes in Saskatchewan released by the government on Friday show minimum care standards and adequate government funding are needed.

The 251-page report highlights what is working well and what improvements are needed at the many long-term care homes across the province. Some of the main concerns that were seen surrounded staffing, meal choices and aging infrastructure.

Chartier says, ”This report confirms what we’ve heard from seniors and family members: staff give so much of themselves, and their work is appreciated, but they struggle to keep up in an environment of inadequate funding, understaffing, and crumbling infrastructure”. She says, “It’s no wonder the Sask. Party didn’t want to release this report, because it shows exactly why we need changes to our long-term care system. Changes that treat seniors with the dignity they deserve. That starts with funded and legislated minimum care standards.”

Opposition leader Ryan Meili says the report was heartbreaking, but sadly not surprising and that action is needed with the province having to be better than this.
[ckrm june 1 2020]