A disturbing report from the country with the highest number of aged care deaths in the world.
The Ontario Government has released a report dated 14 May detailing the observations of Canadian Armed Forces personnel who were deployed to five aged care homes on April 28 to help provide medical care during the pandemic.
The report says many homes showed signs of severe neglect with insect infestations, staffing shortages and patients being underfed, being left in bed for weeks, having untreated pressure injuries and being found sitting in soiled incontinence aids.
Personnel also reported insufficient staff training and inadequate infection protocols, with staff reusing personal protective equipment between residents and, in one case, residents with COVID-19 being allowed to wander through the facility.
Abusive behavior toward residents was also recorded, including “degrading or inappropriate comments directed at residents”.
Staff also showed signs of burn-out with wellbeing and morale pinpointed as another issue.
“Many are overworked, seem burned out and have no time off (some have not seen their families for weeks),” the report states.
Over 300 military personnel have been sent to aged care homes in Ontario, while over 1,500 have gone to homes in Quebec – 36 have since tested positive for coronavirus.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said an investigation has begun into the military’s findings. “The reports they provided us were heartbreaking. They were horrific,” he said.
“It’s shocking that this can happen here in Canada. It’s gut-wrenching. And reading those reports was the hardest thing I’ve done as premier.”
The Ontario Government has pledged an independent commission will look into the province’s aged care sector starting in September, but has not ruled out a full public inquiry.
As of 10 May, aged care residents made up 82% of Canada’s 6,600 deaths – around 5,400 people.
