Auditor General reveals deficiencies in care.
The May 9, 2005, report of the Auditor General on Seniors Care &Programs found numerous deficiencies in the PC government’s approach toward caring for our longest contributing citizens:
Long-term Care Facilities:
Findings — The Basic Service Standards are out of date, and the monitoring of compliance with standards is inadequate. Across the province, facilities met 69 per cent of care standards and 89 percent of housing standards. In particular, facilities are not meeting standards for:
• providing medication to residents;
• maintaining medical records, including the use of physical
• and chemical restraints; and
• using resident care plans.
Lodges:
Findings — The standards for operating lodges are out of date and the monitoring of compliance with standards is inadequate.
Supportive Living Settings:
Finding — There are no standards for the care and housing services provided in assisted living and other supportive living facilities.
Alberta Seniors Benefit Program:
Finding — The Department has insufficient information to assess whether benefits are adequate, and if the objectives of the Program are met.
It’s time seniors were treated with respect and allowed to live with dignity.
Why Alberta Liberal policy gets a better grade:
Alberta’s seniors have made so many contributions to our province. They deserve to feel respected and valued by their government. But over the past decade, the loss of seniors’ benefits and programs have caused growing financial concern for independent seniors.
To move Alberta forward, the Alberta Liberals will focus on restoring key seniors’ benefits and put in place measures to ensure all seniors can live safe and comfortable lives.
The Alberta Liberals would inflation-proof the Alberta Seniors Benefit by indexing it to the Alberta Consumer Price Index, and eliminate health care premiums to ensure seniors and all Albertans have equal access to health care regardless of ability to pay.
The Alberta Liberal plan to re-regulate electricity would assist with utility costs, making living at home affordable for seniors.
Solutions: Read more...
