I had the opportunity to act as spokesperson for the Progressive Conservative caucus at a media ?scrum? on the morning of February 27th. During the scrum (which is what we call it when you?re surrounded by cameras, microphones, and reporters!), Health Minister George Smitherman was asked for his thoughts about the adult diapers that are currently being used on seniors in our long-term care facilities.
This supposedly super-absorbent diaper was the focal point of a media conference held by the Canadian Union of Public Employees. Workers demonstrated that it is possible for these diapers to absorb up to 2 litres of liquid before the blue line appears. Workers at the conference informed the media that they were told by their employers to let seniors sit in these diapers until the indicator strip turns blue. This is apparently due to the fact there aren?t enough staff to ensure changes in a timely manner.
I can tell you, from personal experience within my own family, that our long term care facilities can?t do better on what is allocated and that without family advocacy and intervention, what we do to our elderly is a disgrace.
Unfortunately, Mr. Smitherman?s response to the questions of reporters was to say that he is considering personally testing the diaper. Rather than identifying the issues at the core of this problem, such as ensuring human dignity while improving levels of care, and working toward a solution with all stakeholders, Mr. Smitherman instead opted to make light of the plight of Ontario?s seniors.
Has Minister Smitherman considered how degrading it is for our seniors to be left sitting in their own waste for hours on end because they haven?t expelled enough urine to turn their diaper?s indicator strip blue? I wonder what his neighbours in the Legislature, the Premier and Ministers Pupatello, Watson, Meilleur, and Best, think of the possibility of having to sit next to a diaper-wearing Smitherman during Question Period?
For a government that touted itself as the people who are going to create?revolution? in long-term care, this mockery of the needs of Ontario?s senior citizens by the Minister of Health is unacceptable.