Immediate action needed to keep seniors safe
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This article was published 23/11/2020 (921 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
On Nov. 7, it was announced that there had been eight deaths within 48 hours at Maples Personal Care Home. Sadly, the number of deaths has continued to increase in the weeks since. My colleagues and I send our deepest condolences to all the families impacted.
Seniors and elders in Manitoba built this province into what it is today. Seniors and elders raised us and cared for us — it is now our job to ensure they are safe and healthy in their later years. The Pallister government has failed to initiate a strong and accelerated response to protect Manitoba seniors and elders who are disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is disheartening that families are only finding out about the death of their loved ones days later — a delay which Revera, the owner of Maples Personal Care Home, tries to blame on paperwork. Our seniors deserve better.
My colleagues and I have heard from many Manitobans who are residents of personal care homes or whose loved ones reside in personal care homes, and they are pleading with the Pallister government to take immediate and decisive action.
It is imperative that the government immediately take over operations at Maples Personal Care Home and assess current capacities in order to stabilize the system. It is essential to request military intervention immediately to address staffing shortages, provide the care our seniors desperately need and get the situation at The Maples under control. In fact, in-person inspections are essential at every provincial personal care home where COVID-19 outbreaks have happened.
The government also needs to be transparent with family members of residents from the Maples Personal Care Home. The lack of transparency between residents, family, and staff is shameful. Families are unaware how their loved ones are being cared for and staff does not know when more qualified health care professionals will be hired. The government is failing each person connected to the Maples Personal Care Home by not being accountable and transparent.
I want to thank the residents of the Maples who have brought their concerns forward about the current treatment of seniors and elders in personal care homes in our community and across Manitoba.
My colleagues and I will continue to advocate for seniors and elders in Manitoba, irrespective of the commitments we see from the government.
If you would like to contact us, our constituency Office is located at 103-1730 Leila Ave. Call us at 204-417-3486 or email mintu.sandhu@yourmanitoba.ca
Mintu Sandhu
The Maples constituency report
Mintu Sandhu is the NDP MLA for The Maples.