This week in elder care news - March 22, 2024

Nearly 300 Ontario seniors moved to long-term care homes they didn't choose

Under Bill 7 (More Beds, Better Care Act, 2022), about 300 seniors have been moved from hospitals to long-term care homes they did not choose. The long-term care home can be up to 150 km away. Not only can it happen without consent, but the hospital can charge the patient $400 per day if the transfer to long-term care is refused. While these moves were made to free up space in hospitals, it has caused significant stress and difficulty for the relocated seniors and their families.

You can find the full story by Allison Jones and Liam Casey from The Canadian Press HERE.

Calls are growing for family caregivers to have a formal role in hospitals & long-term care

As healthcare continues to be plagued with shortages, many family caregivers are calling to have a more formal role in the care of their loved ones who are in hospitals and long-term care homes. A volunteer at the Sault Ste. Marie Area Hospital, Louis Ferron says, "It's a matter of educating people to accept caregivers as part of the health team."

You can find the full story by Kate Rutherford on CBC.ca.

Winnipeg senior sets provincial weight lifting record

81-year-old Ron Brunner set a new bench press record in the province of Manitoba at the “The One Power Lifting Classic” event. Brunner managed to bench 71.5 pounds, or 32.4 kg. Bunner said he started with small weights and worked upwards during his workouts at his home at Riverwood Square Retirement Living. Brunner preserved even when those around him warned him he could be risking injury. Bunner is not worried and believes the exercise will help his health rather than hurt it.

You can find the full story by Jon Hendricks on CTV.

Ontario expands nurse-led teams for long-term care

To support Ontario’s long-term care system, the Nurse Practitioners Association of Ontario (NPAO) and the government of Ontario have created nurse-led outreach teams. These teams work by providing tailored healthcare interventions in the homes to provide personalized and timely care without needing to rush seniors to the hospital.

You can find the full story by Emma Butler on Pembroke Today.

UNB project helps nursing home patients, takes pressure off hospitals

In late 2022, The University of New Brunswick launched a pilot project that aims to alleviate the stress from the healthcare system. Called the Radiography on Wheels project, it consists of a mobile x-ray unit that can be transported in a van. Radiography on Wheels supported 13 long-term care homes in Saint John, New Brunswick. Instead of having to arrange transport to and from the hospital and waiting for an appointment, it’s in and out in 15 minutes with the results delivered in about an hour.

You can find the full story by Lane Harrison of CBC HERE.