Manitoba can set standard for quality home care

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This article was published 16/11/2022 (198 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There is a home-care crisis in Manitoba. Home-care workers care deeply about their work, about the care they provide and about building relationships with those they serve but staffing shortages, low wages and lack of resources to efficiently do their work has resulted in growing numbers of home-care workers struggling with burn out. Despite high vacancy rates, understaffed home-care workers are still expected to provide the same level of care, which is causing unbelievable stress. This stress has resulted in many workers leaving the field altogether.

Manitoba’s home-care system, established under an NDP government, was once the envy of other jurisdictions. However, it’s sad to say that home care in Manitoba is now a shadow of its former self under this Progressive Conservative government. As a result of the government’s lack of respect for workers and refusal to address poor working conditions, I hear on a regular basis from hom-ecare workers and patients alike about how they are affected by the decline of quality and availability of home care in the province.

The importance of home care cannot be overemphasized. Home-care workers help with everyday tasks such as getting dressed, bathing, preparing meals, administering medications, and much more. Home care is essential to as many Manitobans as possible being able to age in place.

I’ve been contacted by constituents who’ve had their home care abruptly cut off without notice, which is completely unacceptable. I’ve heard from a physician who needs daily home care in order to maintain his practice and provide care to Manitobans who face growing backlogs in accessing health care. For the past four weeks, despite self-advocating, he has gone without his essential home care.

Many of these constituents have written to the government, yet these issues continue. As the official Opposition we’ve repeatedly raised these issues in the house. However, the seniors and long-term care minister says he is waiting for a report before taking any action, even as Manitobans continue to suffer due to the state of home care.

I believe Manitoba can not only offer better home care, but also set a high standard for homecare, thereby, setting an example the entire country can emulate. I will continue to fight for Manitobans so that real investments are made into public homecare and Manitobans can age in place with dignity.

Please feel free to reach out to me by phone at 204-306-8581, email at uzoma.asagwara@yourmanitoba.ca or my office at Unit 1, 331 Smith St.

Uzoma Asagwara
Union Station constituency report

Uzoma Asagwara is the NDP MLA for Union Station.

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