Why do some retirement homes have zero infections while others are rampant?

The problem is the absolute patchwork of oversight when it comes to long-term care facilities. That problem should be solved with a national strategy. One of the after-effects of the pandemic will be a genuine interest in working collectively to upgrade the level of seniors’ care across the country.

Let’s not just throw money at the problem. We need to ensure proper accreditation and real consequences when homes fail to meet the basic statutory requirements. When was the last time a home was shut down because of improper eldercare, bedsores, and infection spread, all signs of a poorly managed facility, asks Sheila Copps. Photograph courtesy Pixabay

Opinion

BY Sheila Copps

May 25, 2020

OTTAWA—The latest post-mortem theory on Canada’s COVID deaths is that beefing up hospital resources fuelled the death rate in nursing homes. That appeared to be the dubious conclusion in a front-page story last week in The Globe and Mail. An elderly patient was transferred from an Osh...

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Weekend Point of View Newsletter

A round up of the past weekâ€™s opinion writers and columnists on Saturdays and Sundays.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy