LTC had flaws well before COVID

Long-term-care inspections system was overwhelmed by first wave of COVID-19, Sept. 7

Ontario’s ombudsman has it right, but the emphasis on COVID-19’s impact is misleading. Yes, of course, COVID-19 was devastating for residents and exposed the multiple flaws and deficiencies in our longterm-care homes, but many of these deficiencies existed long before the virus. The problem is the provincial framework quietly introduced in the fall of 2018 that effectively ended regular comprehensive inspections that hold operators accountable for keeping residents safe and healthy, in the face of COVID-19 and in “normal” times.

Concerned Friends, an advocacy group for quality long-term care, has argued again and again for the reinstatement of annual, unscheduled, proactive, comprehensive inspections with thorough and timely follow-through on any non-compliPrime ances. Recent legislative changes (2021’s Fixing Long-Term Care Act) still fall short of making these inspections mandatory and implementation of proactive inspections (not a response to a complaint or critical incident) has been slow at best. Meaningful inspections have to be the first step in making sure provincial standards are met and residents are safe.

Kristle Calisto-Tavares, Toronto