Elder Care

From: J Birch <Birch403@outlook.com> Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2020, 2:06 PM To: justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca; Chrystia.Freeland@parl.gc.ca; dujarric@un.org; GlobalOttawa@globalnews.ca; news@skynews.com; tips@GlobalTVBC.com; contact.nbcnews@nbcuni.com; eurohealthycities@who.int; Sky.Today; Secretary@HHS.gov; media@sputniknews.com; ogawah@wpro.who.int; media@gatesfoundation.org; doug.fordco@pc.ola.org; nytnews@nytimes.com Subject: Elder care (Opinion) Hey everyone, We have all been hearing about the Plight of nursing and veterans homes across the globe and how they are being decimated by this virus. To me, this has highlighted an underfunding in the fundamental framework of all Elder care facilities. I have read that prior to the pandemic some homes across the globe had been given horrible reviews by the regulatory bodies and yet were still able to operate. In my opinion, we need to ensure that these homes and the people within are properly cared for and supported. We should have a doctors office and medical equipment available in each home to increase patient care. Coupled with a robust supply of PPE and sanitization methods for the workers and the residents we will be able to not only save more lives but also improve the quality of life for residents. As some jurisdictions are doing now, we need immediate resources and personnel made available at these locations to stop the spread of the virus and save as many lives as possible. Ontario has created task forces specifically designed to combat the virus hotspots as they arise and ensure more residents are healthy. Every resident, staff and visitor needs to be tested for the virus and everyone must wear PPE at all times to stem the tide of infection both in the resident population and the workforce. Coupled with regular sanitation and in house quarantine procedures we should be able to save more lives during this crisis. In future, we need to take a deep look at the worldwide elder care network and align on the best practices for all residents. They are our elders, our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and we need to ensure that as they have taken care of us and built society during their lifetimes, we provide them with the best protection and health we can. This is a time to show who we are as people, as cities, nations and as a world, its time we believe in our collective humanity and ensure that its stronger than our inhumanity. Stay Safe, Stay Sanitized and Stay Supportive, John Ames Birch @johneames2