The Saskatchewan NDP is calling on the province to increase funding for long-term care homes, as seniors are forced to choose between unlivable conditions or putting their families in debt.

Jeff Nachtigall visited the Legislature last Tuesday, the final day of the Fall Sitting, to tell the story of his 86-year-old father, Helmut, who was diagnosed with dementia. An NDP news release says Helmut was put into a long-term care home, Pioneer Village in Regina, and was met with poor living conditions and staff without resources.

Helmut’s family decided to remove him from the home, as his health began to decline, and place him in a private home, which costs $6,400 per month.

The NDP says a lack of funding and a failed recruitment and retention strategy has allowed long-term care standards to plummet in the province. The Opposition asks the Sask. Party to do more.