A commentary by the chairperson of Action for Reform of Residential Care (ARRC) B.C.
Today, Oct. 1, marks the International Day of Older Persons, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1990 to counteract the toxic effects of ageism.
Ageism is the pervasive discrimination against older adults, that is deeply ingrained in Canada at personal, organizational and policy levels.
Ageism isn’t just a social issue; it’s about the denial of human rights, and nowhere is this clearer than in long-term care (LTC) where the rights of older adults are routinely overlooked, and systemic neglect has led to a significant decline in the quality of life for older adults.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the deadly consequences of ageist policies in Canada’s LTC homes. A staggering 69% of the country’s COVID deaths occurred in these facilities, compared to an average of 41% in other wealthy nations.
This disproportionate toll underscores decades of neglect and underfunding in LTC, where older adults have long been devalued and underserved. It’s no wonder that 85% of Canadians believe they would not receive adequate care if admitted to LTC, and many are determined to avoid it altogether.
For more than two decades, decisions to reduce funding, cut programs, and limit staffing have eroded the care available to seniors. Workers in LTC are often undertrained and overburdened, while physical environments remain outdated.
The situation is compounded by the commercialization of care. Many LTC facilities operate for profit, prioritizing shareholder returns over the well-being of residents.
Public funds intended to improve care are siphoned off, leading to cuts in staffing, food, recreational activities and housekeeping. This business-first approach reflects a broader societal failure to value older adults.
Efforts to reform LTC have been few and insufficient. Federal initiatives, such as national LTC standards and the proposed Safe Long-Term Care Act, fail to mandate meaningful changes.
Without funding or enforcement mechanisms, standards remain voluntary guidelines with little impact. Genuine reform would require mandatory adoption of these standards nationwide, with funding tied to their implementation.
The need for change is urgent, and the most effective way to drive that change may be through a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.
Such a convention would establish a legal framework to protect the rights of older adults, compel governments to adopt non-discriminatory policies, and promote fair allocation of resources. It would also provide a clear standard for how societies should treat their aging populations, making ageism both morally and legally unacceptable.
Discussions about this convention are already underway. In May, recommendations of the UN Working Group on Aging to close the gaps in protecting the human rights of older adults were accepted and are moving forward to be included in the framing of a new UN convention.
While this is a promising development, change can’t wait for international resolutions. It must start now, driven by local and national efforts.
In British Columbia, the Action for Reform of Residential Care (ARRC) is spearheading efforts to overhaul the LTC system.
Supported by families, care providers, unions and seniors’ organizations, ARRC is calling for complete system reform to improve the quality of care and quality of life for LTC residents. This coalition is mobilizing in advance of the provincial election, urging the public to demand that candidates commit to meaningful action on LTC reform.
To prepare for the B.C. election ARRC has created a Community Engagement Kit to help citizens raise awareness about the critical issues in LTC.
The toolkit offers resources for writing letters to editors, contacting politicians, and participating in town hall meetings. It empowers voters to demand that those running for office commit to addressing the ageist policies and practices that have long devalued older adults.
The reform of the LTC system requires a collective effort. Seniors, soon-to-be seniors, and those who care about them must unite to push for changes that prioritize the dignity, care and well-being of older adults.
Governments must examine how ageist policies and attitudes impact the quality of life in LTC and take immediate steps to address these issues. This means adopting regulations, ensuring effective monitoring, and providing sufficient funding to support the needs of LTC residents.
At its core, the fight to reform long-term care is about rejecting ageism and affirming the inherent value of older adults. It’s about creating a system that provides care with dignity, respect and compassion. The time for change is now, and it is up to all of us to ensure that the human rights of older adults are recognized, protected and upheld.
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