To: Honourable Graham Steele
Minister of Finance
From: The ACE Team
2053 Old Sambro Road
Halifax, N.S.
B3V 1C1
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
In your attempt to sell Nova Scotians your budget, (95.7 Talk Show) you indicated that health care costs were the main drivers for the increase in taxes. There were several other interviews involving Dr. John Gilles suggesting that a road-show similar to yours was necessary to get a feel for what the people of Nova Scotia want in a health care system. Dr. John Ross, ER CEO and Spokesperson for the NDP, indicating that “A Study” should be done on how to improve ER Services in this province.
Please allow me to save you millions; Our Health Care System has been studied to death.
We want more money spent where the rubber meets the road…. on patients who are suffering unacceptable wait times. We want excessive and costly administrative levels and executive, eliminated or downsized. We want systemic uncontrolled “Health Industry” initiated cost drivers, brought into line with today’s economic reality. In essence we want better patient service by reducing money spent on counting and talking about health care dollars. Non Medical expenditures are what is out of control. We all know there is no shortage of money. Resources are being siphoned off by non medical special interests…. with everyone on side, except the patients and the taxpayer.
No, we don’t need any more expensive studies. Our health care system has been studied extensively by the following reports;
The Romano Report – The most favored by Canadians. Recommends keeping our national health care system public. This report suggested that our health care system is seriously underfunded. Our province was paid one hundred million dollars following this report, which was applied to the provincial debt instead of health care. Also, $800 Million in offshore royalties was applied to the debt.
The Canadian Health Research Foundation - A not for profit organization. Suggests: that factors outside the main health care system such as drug costs, insurance providers and other non medical cost drivers are responsible for the increasing costs in health service, all at the expense of patients service levels.
Dr. Michael Rachlis - Expert on Canada’s Health Care system and outspoken Universal / Public Health Care defender, suggests : Canada’s Health Care System is
sustainable without increased funding and that “more efficient use of funds” already provided is the answer to improving Health Care for Canadians.
Corpus Sanchez Report - A profit driven U.S.A. based organization advises how privately run hospitals in the U.S. can become more profitable through cost cutting measures and making patients pay more, for treatment. This organization set up shop in British Columbia waiting to capitalize on the Canadian system. They expect to benefit from hospitals privatization after our national health care system ollapses. This organization pushing privatization at a time when Americans are well underway to adopting a Universal / Public Health Care System.
This million dollar report basically suggested the dismantling (privatizing) of our
provincial health care system as we know it. One focus of this report is to de-emphasize rural ERs which is already in progress here in Nova Scotia. I believe keeping ERs open was …. an NDP Election Promise???
Nine Provincial District Health Authorities. These DHAs supposedly consult with their communities on a daily basis on how to better improve the health system.
Supposedly, there are ongoing meetings being conducted by the nine Community District Health Boards in the name of cost saving measures. These local authorities have produced instances where money was doled out to local interests i.e. ATV Association of Nova Scotia and walking clubs. Both wrong decisions in what you describe as a crisis situation.
I listened to interviews given by Dr. John Ross and Dr. John Gilles that suggested fewer surgeries were and are necessary in order to save money. Is it about saving money,… at patients peril? It was also suggested that by not having enough medical personal (front line staff), ERs, particularly in the rural areas of the province are either forced to cut back in the number of hours they operate or close altogether. The reduction of 1.5 million dollars, announced in your budget, to Dalhousie Medical School for the training of new Medical professionals further emphasizes the reality / fact that your government is stealthily dismantling our health care system. It is becoming apparent that the financial problems of our health care system are caused by non-medical services (i.e) pharmaceutical companies, suppliers of medical equipment, too many layers of government and administration that are outside of the main core of direct patient care. It is up to this NDP government to control the costs of these outside forces instead of further eroding our health care system and continually attacking patients and taxpayer.
Money is sprinkled throughout the health care system like so much confetti from the Federal government on down to the DHAs and is being wasted through too much governmental and administrative layering and not enough on patient care, particularly the elderly. There are rumors of a $300,000.00 dollar catering account at one major hospital. Also, Blackberry communication devices being handed out to executives at another facility, regardless of necessity.
At present there is no accountability on how our health tax dollars are being utilized and no independent watchdog to make sure money is being spent effectively & efficiently. In plain words people need to be shown where the money goes. “Show Me the Money”.
As spokesperson for the ACE Team (Advocates for the Care of the Elderly) I am calling on the NDP to do the right thing and really demonstrate to the people of Nova Scotia by making the spending of our health tax dollars more effective and transparent by setting up a system that shows exactly how our health tax dollars are being spent while keeping in mind the plight of the elderly and the abuses many of this most vulnerable segment of our population and their caregivers suffer at the hands of our health care system.
Gary MacLeod
The ACE Team (Advocates for the Care of the Elderly)
Friday, April 23, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Globe and Mail article re Healthy Brain and Foods
To keep your brain healthy as you age, consider eating more salad dressing, nuts, fish, chicken and leafy greens – and laying off high-fat animal foods.
According to a new study, published this week in the online edition of Archives of Neurology, it’s a dietary pattern associated with a significantly lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
It’s estimated that half a million Canadians have Alzheimer’s, a progressive and degenerative brain disease that causes thinking and memory to become seriously impaired.
While research on diet and risk of Alzheimer’s is rapidly growing, studies that have investigated individual foods and nutrients have turned up mixed results. This is partly due to the fact that we eat meals that combine many foods and nutrients which likely work in tandem to offer protection.
In the study, researchers from Columbia University Medical Center in New York followed 2,148 adults without dementia, aged 65 and older, and determined their adherence to dietary patterns thought to be related to Alzheimer’s risk.
The researchers identified several dietary patterns, or food combinations, that varied in amounts of seven nutrients previously shown to be associated with either lowering or raising the risk of Alzheimer’s disease: saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, omega-3 fats, omega-6 fats, vitamin E, vitamin B12 and folate.
Study participants provided information about their typical diets and were assessed for the development of dementia every 1.5 years. Dementia, the most common cause being Alzheimer’s disease, describes progressive symptoms such as memory loss, mood changes and a decline in the ability to talk, read and write caused by damage or changes to the brain.
After four years, 253 individuals were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. One dietary pattern was shown to offer significant protection against developing it.
Individuals who had higher intakes of salad dressing, nuts, fish, chicken, tomatoes, fruit, cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens and lower intakes of high-fat dairy, red meat, organ meats and butter were 38-per-cent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s, compared to those who adhered the least to this dietary pattern.
There are a number of ways this combination of foods may reduce Alzheimer’s risk. Vitamin E, found in vegetable oils, almonds, peanuts, soybeans, wheat germ, avocado and green leafy vegetables, is a powerful antioxidant that helps shield brain cells from free radical damage.
Free radical damage, also called oxidative damage, is believed to contribute to the progressive decline in brain function seen in Alzheimer’s. Free radicals are routinely produced within cells as a by-product of oxygen metabolism, but they can also be created from cigarette smoke and air pollution. The brain is especially vulnerable to free radical damage because of its high demand for oxygen, its abundance of easily oxidized cell membranes, and its weak antioxidant defences.
Foods plentiful in folate, such as green vegetables, citrus fruit and nuts help keep blood levels of an amino acid, called homocysteine, in check. Having a high homocysteine level is thought to damage artery walls and increase the risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Healthy fats found in oily fish, salad dressing and nuts may protect from dementia by reducing inflammation, blood clot formation, and hardening of the arteries in the brain. These fats may also prevent the build-up of a protein called beta amyloid, which can interfere with communication between brain cells.
A diet low in high-fat dairy products, butter, red meat and organ meats is lower in saturated fat, the type of fat that raises LDL (bad) cholesterol and, in turn, can damage arteries. Previous research has, in fact, linked a higher intake of saturated (animal) fat with a two- to threefold greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
In my opinion, these findings highlight two salient points. For starters, they refute the notion that popping a vitamin E supplement – or simply cutting saturated fat – will protect you from Alzheimer’s disease.
Rather, it’s the big picture that counts. Eating a variety of healthy, nutrient-rich foods and, at the same time, minimizing your intake of foods that may harm the brain is what seems to matter most when it comes to reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In other words, the whole – or combined effect – is greater than the sum of its separate effects.
A large study published last year also linked a pattern of eating to protection from Alzheimer’s disease. In the study, people who adhered most closely to a Mediterranean-style diet – rich in fruit, vegetables, nuts, beans and olive oil – had up to a 40-per-cent reduced Alzheimer’s risk.
Secondly, these findings add to a growing body of evidence that suggests what you eat to protect yourself from heart disease are the same foods that can keep your brain healthy. A healthy diet can prevent Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension, risk factors that damage blood vessels that have also been linked to a greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Based on these new findings, the following foods, when eaten together as part of a low-saturated fat diet, may lower the odds of developing Alzheimer’s disease:
Salad dressing – monounsaturated fats include olive, canola, peanut, avocado and almond oils. Sunflower, safflower, soybean, corn, grapeseed, hemp, flaxseed, and walnut oils are rich in omega-6 fats.
Nuts – almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts.
Oily fish – anchovies, herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, trout.
Cruciferous vegetables – broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, turnip.
Dark green leafy vegetables – arugula, beet greens, collard greens, dandelion, kale, rapini, spinach, Swiss chard.
Tomatoes – fresh tomatoes, tomato juice, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce; choose reduced sodium when possible.
Fruit – apples, berries, citrus fruit, grapes, kiwi fruit, melon, pears.
Leslie Beck, a Toronto-based dietitian at the Medcan Clinic, is on CTV’s Canada AM every Wednesday. Her website is lesliebeck.com.
According to a new study, published this week in the online edition of Archives of Neurology, it’s a dietary pattern associated with a significantly lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
It’s estimated that half a million Canadians have Alzheimer’s, a progressive and degenerative brain disease that causes thinking and memory to become seriously impaired.
While research on diet and risk of Alzheimer’s is rapidly growing, studies that have investigated individual foods and nutrients have turned up mixed results. This is partly due to the fact that we eat meals that combine many foods and nutrients which likely work in tandem to offer protection.
In the study, researchers from Columbia University Medical Center in New York followed 2,148 adults without dementia, aged 65 and older, and determined their adherence to dietary patterns thought to be related to Alzheimer’s risk.
The researchers identified several dietary patterns, or food combinations, that varied in amounts of seven nutrients previously shown to be associated with either lowering or raising the risk of Alzheimer’s disease: saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, omega-3 fats, omega-6 fats, vitamin E, vitamin B12 and folate.
Study participants provided information about their typical diets and were assessed for the development of dementia every 1.5 years. Dementia, the most common cause being Alzheimer’s disease, describes progressive symptoms such as memory loss, mood changes and a decline in the ability to talk, read and write caused by damage or changes to the brain.
After four years, 253 individuals were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. One dietary pattern was shown to offer significant protection against developing it.
Individuals who had higher intakes of salad dressing, nuts, fish, chicken, tomatoes, fruit, cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens and lower intakes of high-fat dairy, red meat, organ meats and butter were 38-per-cent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s, compared to those who adhered the least to this dietary pattern.
There are a number of ways this combination of foods may reduce Alzheimer’s risk. Vitamin E, found in vegetable oils, almonds, peanuts, soybeans, wheat germ, avocado and green leafy vegetables, is a powerful antioxidant that helps shield brain cells from free radical damage.
Free radical damage, also called oxidative damage, is believed to contribute to the progressive decline in brain function seen in Alzheimer’s. Free radicals are routinely produced within cells as a by-product of oxygen metabolism, but they can also be created from cigarette smoke and air pollution. The brain is especially vulnerable to free radical damage because of its high demand for oxygen, its abundance of easily oxidized cell membranes, and its weak antioxidant defences.
Foods plentiful in folate, such as green vegetables, citrus fruit and nuts help keep blood levels of an amino acid, called homocysteine, in check. Having a high homocysteine level is thought to damage artery walls and increase the risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Healthy fats found in oily fish, salad dressing and nuts may protect from dementia by reducing inflammation, blood clot formation, and hardening of the arteries in the brain. These fats may also prevent the build-up of a protein called beta amyloid, which can interfere with communication between brain cells.
A diet low in high-fat dairy products, butter, red meat and organ meats is lower in saturated fat, the type of fat that raises LDL (bad) cholesterol and, in turn, can damage arteries. Previous research has, in fact, linked a higher intake of saturated (animal) fat with a two- to threefold greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
In my opinion, these findings highlight two salient points. For starters, they refute the notion that popping a vitamin E supplement – or simply cutting saturated fat – will protect you from Alzheimer’s disease.
Rather, it’s the big picture that counts. Eating a variety of healthy, nutrient-rich foods and, at the same time, minimizing your intake of foods that may harm the brain is what seems to matter most when it comes to reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In other words, the whole – or combined effect – is greater than the sum of its separate effects.
A large study published last year also linked a pattern of eating to protection from Alzheimer’s disease. In the study, people who adhered most closely to a Mediterranean-style diet – rich in fruit, vegetables, nuts, beans and olive oil – had up to a 40-per-cent reduced Alzheimer’s risk.
Secondly, these findings add to a growing body of evidence that suggests what you eat to protect yourself from heart disease are the same foods that can keep your brain healthy. A healthy diet can prevent Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension, risk factors that damage blood vessels that have also been linked to a greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Based on these new findings, the following foods, when eaten together as part of a low-saturated fat diet, may lower the odds of developing Alzheimer’s disease:
Salad dressing – monounsaturated fats include olive, canola, peanut, avocado and almond oils. Sunflower, safflower, soybean, corn, grapeseed, hemp, flaxseed, and walnut oils are rich in omega-6 fats.
Nuts – almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts.
Oily fish – anchovies, herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, trout.
Cruciferous vegetables – broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, turnip.
Dark green leafy vegetables – arugula, beet greens, collard greens, dandelion, kale, rapini, spinach, Swiss chard.
Tomatoes – fresh tomatoes, tomato juice, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce; choose reduced sodium when possible.
Fruit – apples, berries, citrus fruit, grapes, kiwi fruit, melon, pears.
Leslie Beck, a Toronto-based dietitian at the Medcan Clinic, is on CTV’s Canada AM every Wednesday. Her website is lesliebeck.com.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Meeting number two
Members from the ACE team (Action for the Care of the Elderly) met with the Health Minister, Maureen MacDonald and Premier Dexter yesterday afternoon. Bernice was our spokesperson and she did a wonderful job. Her dad was abused and assaulted while in the Aberdeen Hospital.
There at least is lip service from both the Premier and the Health Minister that our health care system is badly broken. They presented their viewpoint and tentative plans without getting defensive and blaming the previous administrations...and I for one really appreciated that.
In my opinion the ACE team had a few too many people there but that wasn't my decision and as long as Bernice and I were included I don't really care. We prepared a package of info to give to the Premier and the Health minister and of course we included our wish list.
When asked how we can help improve the situation the Health Minister responded that we should look to the local health boards. I didn't get a chance to ask her what the alternative would be...cause I don't think the local boards are too eager to have me/us on their board. I hope I am wrong but...
There at least is lip service from both the Premier and the Health Minister that our health care system is badly broken. They presented their viewpoint and tentative plans without getting defensive and blaming the previous administrations...and I for one really appreciated that.
In my opinion the ACE team had a few too many people there but that wasn't my decision and as long as Bernice and I were included I don't really care. We prepared a package of info to give to the Premier and the Health minister and of course we included our wish list.
When asked how we can help improve the situation the Health Minister responded that we should look to the local health boards. I didn't get a chance to ask her what the alternative would be...cause I don't think the local boards are too eager to have me/us on their board. I hope I am wrong but...
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Preparing for a Meeting with the Premier
We have a second meeting with the Premier of Nova Scotia to discuss the services provided to patients of Alzheimer's and their families. Many families are in the position of trying to care for a loved one who has dementia and/or Alzheimer's disease in their homes. There is a minimum of financial support and in some areas little community support.
With the number of Alzheimer's patients expected to double in the next few years it is essential that our health care system be changed so that it can deal with this increasing demand. We all know that our government is facing a financial challenge with a huge deficit looming BUT that is no reason to ignore the plight of Nova Scotians who are facing their own person challenge of Alzehimer's
If you have examples of recent events that will strengthen our cause please let me know by leaving a comment for this blog. I will not publish your email addresses or any personal information that you are not willing to share.
One voice is the start of a chorus...please join this chorus so we can bring change to a sick and ailing system.
Thanks.
With the number of Alzheimer's patients expected to double in the next few years it is essential that our health care system be changed so that it can deal with this increasing demand. We all know that our government is facing a financial challenge with a huge deficit looming BUT that is no reason to ignore the plight of Nova Scotians who are facing their own person challenge of Alzehimer's
If you have examples of recent events that will strengthen our cause please let me know by leaving a comment for this blog. I will not publish your email addresses or any personal information that you are not willing to share.
One voice is the start of a chorus...please join this chorus so we can bring change to a sick and ailing system.
Thanks.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Second Breath
The holidays are over, as is most of February. There are still serious problems in the health care system in our province. Patients are still waiting for long term care beds and families are still stressed and pulled almost beyond their resources.
My friend, whose father was bruised and abused at the Aberdeen Hospital last summer and fall, and I will be part of a delegation (for want of a better word) to meet with Premier Darryl Dexter on March 9th, 2010. This will be the second meeting with the Premier of Nova Scotia about the care, or lack of, provided to patients of Alzheimer's disease and those suffering from dementia.
The following is our list of requests...a bare minimum that we feel will improve the lot of many Nova Scotians.
1. That all staff having interaction of any kind with patients have training in how to deal with patients with Alzehiemer's Disease or Dementia. For example the 30 hour course that is available through the Alzehiemer's Society ... as the very least level of training acceptable.
2. That the wait list...wait time be reduced significantly. We know that there are 6000+ beds for long term care in the province and we know that there are over 1200 on a waiting list to receive a bed. That is as of October 9th. That is unacceptable. Most reasonably intelligent adults in this country realize that the population is aging, that dementia and Alzhiemer's are more prevelent in the elderly, and that there will be more demand for long term care in the immedately and foreseeable future. There are over 1200 families in crisis waiting for a safe, caring environment for their loved one. It is my understanding that there is currently only one individual in place to process applications for long term care beds. How can one individual do this on a timely basis? Maybe that is why it took from early June to early October for the application for Mr Williams to be admitted in a long term care facility to be processed and for him to be officially 'on the list'.
3.Home care support must be improved. Mr. Williams' widow was eligible for 40 hours of assistance each month to help with the home care of Mr Williams. That is almost an insult to a family that is dealing with the care of a loved one 24 hours each and every day. 10 hours a week really doesn't begin to address the problem.
4.The final aspect that demands immediate attention is the access to information and support services for the families. Yes there is currently a lot of information available, but when a family is struggling with the day to day business of living and caring for a loved one, they really don't have time to spend hours searching the internet or calling various agencies to see what services are available. A central clearing house of information (on the model of Cancer Care perhaps) needs to be established. A standard needs to be set and maintained.
These were, and continue to be, our requests.
Again, anyone reading this is asked to write a letter or email to the Premier of Nova Scotia or to the Health Minister asking for these four things to be put in place. One voice may not make a change, but all changes start with one voice.
Heath Minister
Department of Health
4th Floor, Joseph Howe Building
1690 Hollis Street
P.O. Box 488
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2R8
Phone: (902) 424-3377
Fax: (902) 424-0559
health.minister@gov.ns.ca
Premier Dexter Contact Information
Office of the Premier
7th Floor, One Government Place
1700 Granville Street
P.O. Box 726
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2T3
Phone: (902) 424-6600
Fax: (902) 424-7648
premier@gov.ns.ca
The course of action should be simple:
1. Identify the problems
2. Look at alternative solutions
3. Implement the solutions
My friend, whose father was bruised and abused at the Aberdeen Hospital last summer and fall, and I will be part of a delegation (for want of a better word) to meet with Premier Darryl Dexter on March 9th, 2010. This will be the second meeting with the Premier of Nova Scotia about the care, or lack of, provided to patients of Alzheimer's disease and those suffering from dementia.
The following is our list of requests...a bare minimum that we feel will improve the lot of many Nova Scotians.
1. That all staff having interaction of any kind with patients have training in how to deal with patients with Alzehiemer's Disease or Dementia. For example the 30 hour course that is available through the Alzehiemer's Society ... as the very least level of training acceptable.
2. That the wait list...wait time be reduced significantly. We know that there are 6000+ beds for long term care in the province and we know that there are over 1200 on a waiting list to receive a bed. That is as of October 9th. That is unacceptable. Most reasonably intelligent adults in this country realize that the population is aging, that dementia and Alzhiemer's are more prevelent in the elderly, and that there will be more demand for long term care in the immedately and foreseeable future. There are over 1200 families in crisis waiting for a safe, caring environment for their loved one. It is my understanding that there is currently only one individual in place to process applications for long term care beds. How can one individual do this on a timely basis? Maybe that is why it took from early June to early October for the application for Mr Williams to be admitted in a long term care facility to be processed and for him to be officially 'on the list'.
3.Home care support must be improved. Mr. Williams' widow was eligible for 40 hours of assistance each month to help with the home care of Mr Williams. That is almost an insult to a family that is dealing with the care of a loved one 24 hours each and every day. 10 hours a week really doesn't begin to address the problem.
4.The final aspect that demands immediate attention is the access to information and support services for the families. Yes there is currently a lot of information available, but when a family is struggling with the day to day business of living and caring for a loved one, they really don't have time to spend hours searching the internet or calling various agencies to see what services are available. A central clearing house of information (on the model of Cancer Care perhaps) needs to be established. A standard needs to be set and maintained.
These were, and continue to be, our requests.
Again, anyone reading this is asked to write a letter or email to the Premier of Nova Scotia or to the Health Minister asking for these four things to be put in place. One voice may not make a change, but all changes start with one voice.
Heath Minister
Department of Health
4th Floor, Joseph Howe Building
1690 Hollis Street
P.O. Box 488
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2R8
Phone: (902) 424-3377
Fax: (902) 424-0559
health.minister@gov.ns.ca
Premier Dexter Contact Information
Office of the Premier
7th Floor, One Government Place
1700 Granville Street
P.O. Box 726
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2T3
Phone: (902) 424-6600
Fax: (902) 424-7648
premier@gov.ns.ca
The course of action should be simple:
1. Identify the problems
2. Look at alternative solutions
3. Implement the solutions
Saturday, December 12, 2009
A response to my emails
Finally on December 10th I received a response from the Minister of Health. Although I'm not sure what it says...more to follow on the findings under the investigations re the Protection for persons in care act...not very helpful and certainly not what I expected.
Dear Ms. O’Connell:
Thank you for your e-mails to the Honourable Darrell Dexter and me,
dated October 30, 2009, regarding the qualifications of staff working
with patients at the Aberdeen Hospital in Pictou County, Nova Scotia.
The Premier has asked that I respond on his behalf.
Please be assured we take all complaints of abuse seriously. In October
2007, the Protection for Persons in Care Act was proclaimed, which is an
extra safeguard for patients or residents 16 years of age or older
receiving care from Nova Scotia’s hospitals, residential care
facilities, nursing homes, homes for the aged or disabled persons under
the Homes for Special Care Act, or group homes or residential centres
under the Children and Family Services Act.
The Department of Health ordered an investigation regarding this
incident under the Protections of Persons in Care Act.
I am reviewing the recommendations from this investigation, and if
deemed necessary to protect patients/residents from abuse, further
directives may be issued to the facility. Such directives, when
warranted, could include staff participating in training and/or
education sessions.
Thank you for taking the time to bring your concerns forward.
Yours truly,
Maureen MacDonald
Minister
c: The Honourable Darrell Dexter, Premier
Dear Ms. O’Connell:
Thank you for your e-mails to the Honourable Darrell Dexter and me,
dated October 30, 2009, regarding the qualifications of staff working
with patients at the Aberdeen Hospital in Pictou County, Nova Scotia.
The Premier has asked that I respond on his behalf.
Please be assured we take all complaints of abuse seriously. In October
2007, the Protection for Persons in Care Act was proclaimed, which is an
extra safeguard for patients or residents 16 years of age or older
receiving care from Nova Scotia’s hospitals, residential care
facilities, nursing homes, homes for the aged or disabled persons under
the Homes for Special Care Act, or group homes or residential centres
under the Children and Family Services Act.
The Department of Health ordered an investigation regarding this
incident under the Protections of Persons in Care Act.
I am reviewing the recommendations from this investigation, and if
deemed necessary to protect patients/residents from abuse, further
directives may be issued to the facility. Such directives, when
warranted, could include staff participating in training and/or
education sessions.
Thank you for taking the time to bring your concerns forward.
Yours truly,
Maureen MacDonald
Minister
c: The Honourable Darrell Dexter, Premier
Sunday, December 6, 2009
No time, no help
Yesterday, during a Christmas celebration, I heard a story that shook everyone there. One of the attendees shared a story about her mother's time in a nursing home...she had Alzheimer's Disease. The lady telling the story had been released from hospital after having a breast removed for Cancer and she was visiting her mother in the care facility. Her mother recognized her and as soon as she entered the room asked her daughter to help her to the bathroom. Because of the recent surgery her daughter couldn't help, but she went to the desk and asked for assistance...three times. Then she was told, "Tell her to use her diaper, that's what it is for".
This incident happened some time ago, and things MAY have changed...or not. I sincerely hope they have.
This incident happened some time ago, and things MAY have changed...or not. I sincerely hope they have.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Meeting for Monday December 7, 2009
I just received an email advising me of a meeting with the Minister of Health set for Monday December 7, 2009. The ACE team arranged the meeting to discuss several health issues concerning care of the elderly in the Nova Scotia Health Care System.
Hopefully the meeting will be a productive one.
Hopefully the meeting will be a productive one.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Meetings, meetings...
I had the opportunity to attend a meeting of the ACE team. ACE is a group lobbying for changes in our health care system. Advocates for the Care of the Elderly. They are seeking quality living conditions for the elderly in Long Term Care. Each member has a personal reason for working with the team...just as I do. My motivation is to make sure no one else is treated the way Mr. Williams was treated by the Staff and Management at Aberdeen Hospital. The ACE team have requested a meeting with the Premier and the Health Minister. I am hoping that will give us face time with the leaders of our provincial government.
There is also a meeting scheduled for tomorrow (November 23rd) with Gary Ramey, the MLA for Lunenburg West.
I have not received any response from the Minister of Health regarding my email that I sent to her office on October 30, 2009. I would have expected an acknowledgement by now. The Premier did respond saying that he had asked the Minister of Health to respond to my questions.
There is also a meeting scheduled for tomorrow (November 23rd) with Gary Ramey, the MLA for Lunenburg West.
I have not received any response from the Minister of Health regarding my email that I sent to her office on October 30, 2009. I would have expected an acknowledgement by now. The Premier did respond saying that he had asked the Minister of Health to respond to my questions.
Friday, November 13, 2009
The Very Least ...
I wish:
1. That all staff having interaction of any kind with patients have training in how to deal with patients with Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia. For example the 30 hour course that is available through the Alzheimer's Society ... as the very least level of training acceptable.
2. That the wait list...wait time be reduced significantly. We know that there are 6000+ beds for long term care in the province and we know that there are over 1200 on a waiting list to receive a bed. That is as of October 9th. That is unacceptable. Most reasonably intelligent adults in this country realize that the population is aging, that dementia and Alzheimer's are more prevalent in the elderly, and that there will be more demand for long term care in the immediately and foreseeable future. There are over 1200 families in crisis waiting for a safe, caring environment for their loved one. It is my understanding that there is currently only one individual in place to process applications for long term care beds. How can one individual do this on a timely basis? Maybe that is why it took from early June to early October for the application for Mr Williams to be admitted in a long term care facility to be processed and for him to be officially 'on the list'.
3. Home care support must be improved. Mr. Williams' widow was eligible for 40 hours of assistance each month to help with the home care of Mr Williams. That is almost an insult to a family that is dealing with the care of a loved one 24 hours each and every day. 10 hours a week really doesn't begin to address the problem.
4. The final aspect that demands immediate attention is the access to information and support services for the families. Yes there is currently a lot of information available, but when a family is struggling with the day to day business of living and caring for a loved one, they really don't have time to spend hours searching the internet or calling various agencies to see what services are available. A central clearing house of information (on the model of Cancer Care perhaps) needs to be established. A standard needs to be set and maintained.
Oh and are we, the tax payer, getting value for the billions of dollars being pumped into our health care system each and every year? What nasties lie under the rocks that are just waiting to be turned over?
1. That all staff having interaction of any kind with patients have training in how to deal with patients with Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia. For example the 30 hour course that is available through the Alzheimer's Society ... as the very least level of training acceptable.
2. That the wait list...wait time be reduced significantly. We know that there are 6000+ beds for long term care in the province and we know that there are over 1200 on a waiting list to receive a bed. That is as of October 9th. That is unacceptable. Most reasonably intelligent adults in this country realize that the population is aging, that dementia and Alzheimer's are more prevalent in the elderly, and that there will be more demand for long term care in the immediately and foreseeable future. There are over 1200 families in crisis waiting for a safe, caring environment for their loved one. It is my understanding that there is currently only one individual in place to process applications for long term care beds. How can one individual do this on a timely basis? Maybe that is why it took from early June to early October for the application for Mr Williams to be admitted in a long term care facility to be processed and for him to be officially 'on the list'.
3. Home care support must be improved. Mr. Williams' widow was eligible for 40 hours of assistance each month to help with the home care of Mr Williams. That is almost an insult to a family that is dealing with the care of a loved one 24 hours each and every day. 10 hours a week really doesn't begin to address the problem.
4. The final aspect that demands immediate attention is the access to information and support services for the families. Yes there is currently a lot of information available, but when a family is struggling with the day to day business of living and caring for a loved one, they really don't have time to spend hours searching the internet or calling various agencies to see what services are available. A central clearing house of information (on the model of Cancer Care perhaps) needs to be established. A standard needs to be set and maintained.
Oh and are we, the tax payer, getting value for the billions of dollars being pumped into our health care system each and every year? What nasties lie under the rocks that are just waiting to be turned over?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
How could this happen?
I have written a few blogs about Mr Williams, the gentleman with Alzheimer's disease who passed away a little over a month ago while in the Aberdeen Hospital waiting for a long term care bed. He was assaulted by a commissaire and bruised and bullied ... there are other questions that need to be asked.
He was in a storage room for four days, eight hospital shift changes. The staff on eight shifts came and went and knew he was in a storage room...why was nothing done? Someone must have said to themselves..."Why is a patient stuck in a storage room with broken equipment and no pathway to the only window in the room?"
Why didn't one person find this unacceptable? Why was he left there until his family complained?
Is there not a minimum standard of care? Are there not basics that we can expect in a hospital?
I know the health care system in this province/country is badly in need of overhaul. I know we have a "new" government that inherited problems from previous administrations but how long must we as tax payers accept excuses for people not receiving the basic of the basics. A storage room for FOUR DAYS...give me a break! That is unacceptable.
What will be done to make sure this doesn't happen to anyone else?
He was in a storage room for four days, eight hospital shift changes. The staff on eight shifts came and went and knew he was in a storage room...why was nothing done? Someone must have said to themselves..."Why is a patient stuck in a storage room with broken equipment and no pathway to the only window in the room?"
Why didn't one person find this unacceptable? Why was he left there until his family complained?
Is there not a minimum standard of care? Are there not basics that we can expect in a hospital?
I know the health care system in this province/country is badly in need of overhaul. I know we have a "new" government that inherited problems from previous administrations but how long must we as tax payers accept excuses for people not receiving the basic of the basics. A storage room for FOUR DAYS...give me a break! That is unacceptable.
What will be done to make sure this doesn't happen to anyone else?
Sunday, November 8, 2009
A Time to Remember
I had the opportunity this week to view the DVD 'A Time to Remember'. It was put together by the Royal Canadian Legion, Bridgewater branch and was the brain child of Dan Hennesey. Dan is a student of history, and he saw an opportunity to capture the memories of 18 veterans of WW11 so that piece of history would not be lost. It is sad, funny, refreshing and thought provoking...and it is very well done. The launch was at the Empire theatre in Bridgewater and it included all the pomp and ceremony, a live band, an honour guard and enough red serge in RCMP uniforms to get anyone's attention.
During this past week, I have had a few challenges and it was a pleasure to take a few minutes out of the confusion and listen and learn from these remarkable people. The DVDs will be on sale through the legion branch in Bridgewater if anyone is interested in purchasing one.
Thank you to all the veterans who fought during WW1 and WW11 and Korea. May we have enough sense to avoid more wars and learn that negotiation and consultation are better tools to use when seeking lasting peace.
And a thank you to Dan Hennesey for taking the initiative to pull this project together. A great example of the difference one person can make when they are determined and resourceful.
During this past week, I have had a few challenges and it was a pleasure to take a few minutes out of the confusion and listen and learn from these remarkable people. The DVDs will be on sale through the legion branch in Bridgewater if anyone is interested in purchasing one.
Thank you to all the veterans who fought during WW1 and WW11 and Korea. May we have enough sense to avoid more wars and learn that negotiation and consultation are better tools to use when seeking lasting peace.
And a thank you to Dan Hennesey for taking the initiative to pull this project together. A great example of the difference one person can make when they are determined and resourceful.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Stupidity Virus
There are times when I fear that stupidity is a disease and that it is to be more feared than H1N1. Maybe this is National stupidity week and I missed the announcement.
A friend of mine has been threatened with a law suit because a director of her husband's former employer has taken exception to some things she has written...but the money still hasn't paid. It would appear to me the solution would be to pay the wages and the whole thing would go away.
A support group leader is considering whether I can attend a meeting so I can better understand what they do and what they can offer. This is part of my current quest to find out anything and everything I can about support for dementia patients and their families.
I have had several conversations this week about supporting local businesses and buying local. First of all, there seems to be several definitions of local. Sometimes people refer to Nova Scotia as local, sometimes Atlantic Canada and sometimes Bridgewater. If I buy a product that is produced in China from a local retailer, is that buying local. True it supports local jobs and whoever owns the building the store is in, but is that preferable to buying from a national chain that offers locally grown produce for example. This is a situation that no matter what is chosen there will be someone to point out the error.
There are several other examples of the stupidity virus that I have encountered this week, but time for my ranting has expired...more to follow
A friend of mine has been threatened with a law suit because a director of her husband's former employer has taken exception to some things she has written...but the money still hasn't paid. It would appear to me the solution would be to pay the wages and the whole thing would go away.
A support group leader is considering whether I can attend a meeting so I can better understand what they do and what they can offer. This is part of my current quest to find out anything and everything I can about support for dementia patients and their families.
I have had several conversations this week about supporting local businesses and buying local. First of all, there seems to be several definitions of local. Sometimes people refer to Nova Scotia as local, sometimes Atlantic Canada and sometimes Bridgewater. If I buy a product that is produced in China from a local retailer, is that buying local. True it supports local jobs and whoever owns the building the store is in, but is that preferable to buying from a national chain that offers locally grown produce for example. This is a situation that no matter what is chosen there will be someone to point out the error.
There are several other examples of the stupidity virus that I have encountered this week, but time for my ranting has expired...more to follow
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Email from the Premier's Office
I have just received an email acknowledging my request that staff in contact with patients in hospitals be given the proper training and that those who have not received that training be removed from all contact with patients. The Premier's office has responded that the Honourable Maureen MacDonald, Minister of Health, will respond to my questions. I will let you know what and when I receive from the Minister's office.
Another Benefit of Activitiy...Get Moving!
aThe following tips are taken from the Alzheimer's Society website. They certainly make sense for all of us and if there is the added benefit of postponing or avoiding the development of Alzhemer's Disease what a small effort to make. More information can be found at http://www.alzheimer.ca/english/brain/physicallyactive.htm
Think of it as "activity" not "exercise." For those who feel they have little opportunity to exercise, start by adding a bit of physical activity into your daily routine. Choose a brisk walk to the store rather than driving the car, or wash and wax the car instead of going to the car wash.
Choose activities and sports that you enjoy.
Aerobic activities can help maintain general fitness. For example, many experts recommend walking as one of the safest and most effective forms of aerobic exercise.
Start where you can and set reasonable goals.
Plan physical activity with another person so that you are more likely to keep active while you also gain the brain-healthy benefits of social interaction.
Check with your doctor about the kinds of physical activity that might be right for you or if you have specific health concerns.
Think of it as "activity" not "exercise." For those who feel they have little opportunity to exercise, start by adding a bit of physical activity into your daily routine. Choose a brisk walk to the store rather than driving the car, or wash and wax the car instead of going to the car wash.
Choose activities and sports that you enjoy.
Aerobic activities can help maintain general fitness. For example, many experts recommend walking as one of the safest and most effective forms of aerobic exercise.
Start where you can and set reasonable goals.
Plan physical activity with another person so that you are more likely to keep active while you also gain the brain-healthy benefits of social interaction.
Check with your doctor about the kinds of physical activity that might be right for you or if you have specific health concerns.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
We are what we eat
http://www.alzheimer.ca/english/brain/healthyfood.htm
The above link will give practical everyday tips on healthy eating. We all know that eating "right" is something that will benefit our bodies...but did you know that our minds also depend on healthy foods and a healthy lifestyle?
Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease have no cure (yet) but there are steps each of us can take to reduce the risk of developing these crippling illnesses. Isn't it worth a try?
The above link will give practical everyday tips on healthy eating. We all know that eating "right" is something that will benefit our bodies...but did you know that our minds also depend on healthy foods and a healthy lifestyle?
Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease have no cure (yet) but there are steps each of us can take to reduce the risk of developing these crippling illnesses. Isn't it worth a try?
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Part of the Problem...or...Part of the Solution
This is an expression I learned early in life, everyone is either part of the problem or a part of the solution. I truly hope that I am on the solution side of the majority of situations that I have encountered.
By now most of you will have heard of John "Jackie" Williams and his last few weeks spent in the Aberdeen Hospital 'waiting'... There was no long term care bed available in a facility in Pictou County, so he spent his last days bruised and bullied in an inappropriate situation. The security guard/commissionaire who allegedly mistreated him, to my knowledge, did not have training or the skills required to care for a patient with Alzheimer's Disease. How many other "Mr. Williams" are out there? People who no longer have the mind and body of their youth, people who are at the mercy of the 'system', people who have no voice.
The first thing that must happen: Protect patients from contact with anyone not trained to work with the ill, physical and mental. If you have not already done so, I would ask you to take a few minutes to write your MLA, MP, Leader of the Opposition and anyone in the health care system that you feel might be able to make this happen. We cannot have patients with dementia in the care of a security guard. This is not acceptable.
The second thing that must happen: We must have adequate care facilities to accommodate the present requirements. Let's not talk about what the situation will be like in 5 or 10 years...let's deal with today. We need more long term health care beds for the aging, for those who cannot, through no fault of their own, look after themselves. There will be more information in the upcoming blogs about the statistics and about what you can do.
For more information on Alzheimer's Disease and their advocacy platform please visit http://www.alzheimer.ca/english/society/advocacy_intro.htm
By now most of you will have heard of John "Jackie" Williams and his last few weeks spent in the Aberdeen Hospital 'waiting'... There was no long term care bed available in a facility in Pictou County, so he spent his last days bruised and bullied in an inappropriate situation. The security guard/commissionaire who allegedly mistreated him, to my knowledge, did not have training or the skills required to care for a patient with Alzheimer's Disease. How many other "Mr. Williams" are out there? People who no longer have the mind and body of their youth, people who are at the mercy of the 'system', people who have no voice.
The first thing that must happen: Protect patients from contact with anyone not trained to work with the ill, physical and mental. If you have not already done so, I would ask you to take a few minutes to write your MLA, MP, Leader of the Opposition and anyone in the health care system that you feel might be able to make this happen. We cannot have patients with dementia in the care of a security guard. This is not acceptable.
The second thing that must happen: We must have adequate care facilities to accommodate the present requirements. Let's not talk about what the situation will be like in 5 or 10 years...let's deal with today. We need more long term health care beds for the aging, for those who cannot, through no fault of their own, look after themselves. There will be more information in the upcoming blogs about the statistics and about what you can do.
For more information on Alzheimer's Disease and their advocacy platform please visit http://www.alzheimer.ca/english/society/advocacy_intro.htm
Friday, October 30, 2009
Step One...Write a letter
Below is a copy of the email I have sent to the premier and the Provincial Health Minister. Please feel free to copy it and send it to your elected representatives, the minister of health and the premier. Together we can make a difference and make sure that no-one has to suffer as Mr. Williams did and that no family needs to have the burden of worrying about how well a loved one is being looked after once they have been admitted to a hospital.
The names of the members of the Nova Scotia Legislature can be found at this link. http://www.gov.ns.ca/legislature/members/directory/constituencies.html
I am including the contact information for the premier and for the health minister below. Please copy and paste the links as required.
Emails or letters to the Premier, the minister of health and/or your elected represeentative will help.
The Premier of Nova Scotia - Darrell Dexter
Telephone: 902-424-6600
Fax: 902-424-7648
Toll-free Message Line: 1-800-267-1993
E-mail Address: premier@gov.ns.ca
Address:
Office of the Premier
PO Box 726
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2T3.
The Minister of Health for Nova Scotia Maureen MacDonald
Business Address:
Department of Health
4th Floor, Joseph Howe Building
1690 Hollis Street
P.O. Box 488
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2R8
Phone: (902) 424-3377
Fax: (902) 424-0559
health.minister@gov.ns.ca
Department of Health Promotion and Protection
5th Floor, Summit Place
1601 Lower Water Street
P.O. Box 487
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2R7
Phone: (902) 424-5627
Fax: (902) 424-7983
hppmin@gov.ns.ca
Constituency Office:
3115 Veith Street
Halifax, NS
B3K 3G9
Phone: (902) 455-2926
Fax: (902) 455-3929
mmacdonald@navnet.net
Email text sent October 30, 2009 to Premier Dexter and to Minister MacDonald.
The health care system is failing the very people it is in place to help, those who suffer from physical and mental illnesses. Recently the staff at the Aberdeen Hospital in Pictou, Nova Scotia failed to protect and provide a safe environment to a 69 year old man suffering from Alzheimer's and recovering from a heart attack. He spent four days in a storage room, had unexplained bruises on his body, and was bullied and assaulted while a patent at the hospital. A commissionaire at the hospital is awaiting trial on charges relating to one of these instances. If you are unfamiliar with the circumstances in this case please read the story at www.ngnews.ca/index.cfm?sid=296985&sc=49.
This is one example of the system failing miserably. As a concerned Nova Scotian I would like to know how this happened and what is and will be done to prevent a repeat of these events. I am sure there are ongoing studies which may or may not have any effect. However I would like the following questions answered now.
1. What is your government doing to ensure that all staff and representatives of the Regional Health Care Authorities, hospital staff members from CEOs to janitors to RNs to doctors to commissionaires and everyone in between, have the skills, abilities, training and attitudes necessary to provide care in a safe and non-threatening atmosphere?
2. What is being done to ensure that all hospital and health personnel coming in contact with patients, especially those with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, are trained in dealing with patients that can become easily agitated?
3. Have all non-qualified staff been removed from having direct contact with patients? If this has not already happened please advise what you are doing to have this put in place?
Your attention and response to this email would be appreciated.
Thank you.
The names of the members of the Nova Scotia Legislature can be found at this link. http://www.gov.ns.ca/legislature/members/directory/constituencies.html
I am including the contact information for the premier and for the health minister below. Please copy and paste the links as required.
Emails or letters to the Premier, the minister of health and/or your elected represeentative will help.
The Premier of Nova Scotia - Darrell Dexter
Telephone: 902-424-6600
Fax: 902-424-7648
Toll-free Message Line: 1-800-267-1993
E-mail Address: premier@gov.ns.ca
Address:
Office of the Premier
PO Box 726
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2T3.
The Minister of Health for Nova Scotia Maureen MacDonald
Business Address:
Department of Health
4th Floor, Joseph Howe Building
1690 Hollis Street
P.O. Box 488
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2R8
Phone: (902) 424-3377
Fax: (902) 424-0559
health.minister@gov.ns.ca
Department of Health Promotion and Protection
5th Floor, Summit Place
1601 Lower Water Street
P.O. Box 487
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2R7
Phone: (902) 424-5627
Fax: (902) 424-7983
hppmin@gov.ns.ca
Constituency Office:
3115 Veith Street
Halifax, NS
B3K 3G9
Phone: (902) 455-2926
Fax: (902) 455-3929
mmacdonald@navnet.net
Email text sent October 30, 2009 to Premier Dexter and to Minister MacDonald.
The health care system is failing the very people it is in place to help, those who suffer from physical and mental illnesses. Recently the staff at the Aberdeen Hospital in Pictou, Nova Scotia failed to protect and provide a safe environment to a 69 year old man suffering from Alzheimer's and recovering from a heart attack. He spent four days in a storage room, had unexplained bruises on his body, and was bullied and assaulted while a patent at the hospital. A commissionaire at the hospital is awaiting trial on charges relating to one of these instances. If you are unfamiliar with the circumstances in this case please read the story at www.ngnews.ca/index.cfm?sid=296985&sc=49.
This is one example of the system failing miserably. As a concerned Nova Scotian I would like to know how this happened and what is and will be done to prevent a repeat of these events. I am sure there are ongoing studies which may or may not have any effect. However I would like the following questions answered now.
1. What is your government doing to ensure that all staff and representatives of the Regional Health Care Authorities, hospital staff members from CEOs to janitors to RNs to doctors to commissionaires and everyone in between, have the skills, abilities, training and attitudes necessary to provide care in a safe and non-threatening atmosphere?
2. What is being done to ensure that all hospital and health personnel coming in contact with patients, especially those with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, are trained in dealing with patients that can become easily agitated?
3. Have all non-qualified staff been removed from having direct contact with patients? If this has not already happened please advise what you are doing to have this put in place?
Your attention and response to this email would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Security Guards are not Appropriate Care Givers
I am appalled by the treatment that Mr John Williams received at the Aberdeen Hospital. I would like to think that it is an isolated case and that it hasn't happened to others and that no-one else needs fear what treatment they will receive. But the question is there and it won't go away. Who is protecting the patients from the bullies and the badgers? How many failures in the system have never been disclosed? Scary thoughts.
I know that individuals who have not received the training required to do a job competently will usually fail, and in the case of caring for the ill, the elderly and the disadvantaged that failure can have serious consequences. Mr. Williams is the case in point. Tomorrow I will post the draft form of the first letter that I will be asking friends, family and acquaintances to complete and forward to their MLA and MP, as well as the Minister of Health and the premier. We need a strong letter writing campaign to voice concerns, demand action and improve communications.
I know that individuals who have not received the training required to do a job competently will usually fail, and in the case of caring for the ill, the elderly and the disadvantaged that failure can have serious consequences. Mr. Williams is the case in point. Tomorrow I will post the draft form of the first letter that I will be asking friends, family and acquaintances to complete and forward to their MLA and MP, as well as the Minister of Health and the premier. We need a strong letter writing campaign to voice concerns, demand action and improve communications.
Another voice heard ... Security Officers not Appropriate Patient Attendants
Mr. John Williams suffered from Alzheimer's and through no fault of his own or those of his family, he spent his last days bullied and beaten in the Aberdeen Hospital. The following is a voice from the side of the Commissionaires that are expected to perform duties for which they have had no training. And the story continues.
Security officers not appropriate patient attendants
By JOHN D. ALLEN
Thu. Oct 29 - 4:46 AM
As Canadians live longer and longer, our health care system’s acute and long-term facilities are facing some real challenges in caring for us in our advancing years. The recent alleged assault of an elderly Alzheimer’s patient by a hospital security guard is a graphic symptom of the system’s failure.
Alzheimer’s affects more than 500,000 Canadians, and the latest worldwide report on the disease estimates more than 35.6 million people are affected, up 10 per cent since 2005.
"The information in the 2009 World Alzheimer Report makes it clear that the crisis of dementia cannot be ignored," says Debbie Benczkowski, interim CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. "Unchecked, dementia will impose enormous burdens on individuals, families, health care infrastructures, and global economy."
I have been a security professional for more than 20 years; for four of those, I supervised the security teams assigned to three Nova Scotia hospitals. Juggling funding, staffing and bed availability, today’s nursing units have their hands full with the actively ill; and my colleagues and I became rapidly aware of the inability of the acute-care system to manage the behavioural issues associated with those suffering chronic brain injury.
From that experience, I am firm in the belief that the use of security staff as long-term patient attendants is an unacceptable, albeit convenient and cost-effective, substitute for trained mental-health professionals.
Alzheimer’s accounts for 64 per cent of all dementia cases and regardless of their skill and experience, the Dealing with Disturbed Persons, Non-violent Crisis Intervention and Pressure Point Control training received by many security staffers does not prepare you to safely engage the 60-year-old stroke victim who throws furniture; the psychotic senior who violently strikes everyone, including their own family; or the frail grandmother who screams day and night.
Furthermore "the deterrent factor" offered by a uniformed presence often serves only to enflame a situation, especially if paranoia is part of the patient’s illness. An omnipresent security guard, outside the door, only adds to the patient’s isolation, stigmatizes them and their family, and erodes what little dignity the disease has felt them.
A security officer should never be the primary care plan. It is a clear indication you are not coping.
I am not in any way justifying this particular incident; from media reports, the officer appears to have acted most inappropriately. But staff frustration quickly builds in these types of chronic situations and unfortunately, such incidents will continue, as more and more brain-injured patients languish in acute medical wards and mental-health units awaiting placement in long-term care facilities — many of which are reluctant to admit potentially violent persons because they themselves do not have the resources necessary to manage these residents.
Whether their condition is organic, caused by trauma or dementia, brain-injured Nova Scotians deserve the same level of dignity and care we all enjoy, and the need for properly trained health care professionals to deal with their special needs has been clear for some time.
Mahatma Gandhi said, "You can judge a society by how it treats its weakest members" — but the issue, as with everything in health care, is funding.
As we age and face the insidious prospect of our minds turning on us, specially trained orderlies and attendants will become a necessity if we hope to live in a dignified, caring environment.
John D. Allen lives in Halifax.
Security officers not appropriate patient attendants
By JOHN D. ALLEN
Thu. Oct 29 - 4:46 AM
As Canadians live longer and longer, our health care system’s acute and long-term facilities are facing some real challenges in caring for us in our advancing years. The recent alleged assault of an elderly Alzheimer’s patient by a hospital security guard is a graphic symptom of the system’s failure.
Alzheimer’s affects more than 500,000 Canadians, and the latest worldwide report on the disease estimates more than 35.6 million people are affected, up 10 per cent since 2005.
"The information in the 2009 World Alzheimer Report makes it clear that the crisis of dementia cannot be ignored," says Debbie Benczkowski, interim CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. "Unchecked, dementia will impose enormous burdens on individuals, families, health care infrastructures, and global economy."
I have been a security professional for more than 20 years; for four of those, I supervised the security teams assigned to three Nova Scotia hospitals. Juggling funding, staffing and bed availability, today’s nursing units have their hands full with the actively ill; and my colleagues and I became rapidly aware of the inability of the acute-care system to manage the behavioural issues associated with those suffering chronic brain injury.
From that experience, I am firm in the belief that the use of security staff as long-term patient attendants is an unacceptable, albeit convenient and cost-effective, substitute for trained mental-health professionals.
Alzheimer’s accounts for 64 per cent of all dementia cases and regardless of their skill and experience, the Dealing with Disturbed Persons, Non-violent Crisis Intervention and Pressure Point Control training received by many security staffers does not prepare you to safely engage the 60-year-old stroke victim who throws furniture; the psychotic senior who violently strikes everyone, including their own family; or the frail grandmother who screams day and night.
Furthermore "the deterrent factor" offered by a uniformed presence often serves only to enflame a situation, especially if paranoia is part of the patient’s illness. An omnipresent security guard, outside the door, only adds to the patient’s isolation, stigmatizes them and their family, and erodes what little dignity the disease has felt them.
A security officer should never be the primary care plan. It is a clear indication you are not coping.
I am not in any way justifying this particular incident; from media reports, the officer appears to have acted most inappropriately. But staff frustration quickly builds in these types of chronic situations and unfortunately, such incidents will continue, as more and more brain-injured patients languish in acute medical wards and mental-health units awaiting placement in long-term care facilities — many of which are reluctant to admit potentially violent persons because they themselves do not have the resources necessary to manage these residents.
Whether their condition is organic, caused by trauma or dementia, brain-injured Nova Scotians deserve the same level of dignity and care we all enjoy, and the need for properly trained health care professionals to deal with their special needs has been clear for some time.
Mahatma Gandhi said, "You can judge a society by how it treats its weakest members" — but the issue, as with everything in health care, is funding.
As we age and face the insidious prospect of our minds turning on us, specially trained orderlies and attendants will become a necessity if we hope to live in a dignified, caring environment.
John D. Allen lives in Halifax.
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