Dear Editor:
In the late 1960s and early 1970s there were LTC facilities I would not discharge hospital patients to as their lack of good care was known by social workers like myself.
The survey conducted by Ryerson University (The National Institute on Aging) and the Canadian Medical Association revealed that the majority of Canadians believe that governments have to respond and take action to deal with these failings that have continued since at least the 1960s.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted a problem that has been plaguing our society for many years. It has gone under the radar with little or no enforcement of existing legislation. Elderly citizens and persons with disabilities are often the most vulnerable as they may be afraid or unable to speak up or complain due possibly to their dependency and repercussions.
Family members that question the care provided at some facilities have been banned from visiting. Secret filming and recording has exposed abuse and neglect.
Hopefully some concrete action will now be taken to get the long-term care system functioning for the benefit of the residents and not the bottom line.
Pat Woode,
Fergus