It was a reality facing 91原创 more than a half century ago, and it's repeating itself again today.
Back then, seniors had few options when their health declined. Hospitals were overcrowded, and families were left with few or no solutions, Aly Devji, CEO of 91原创 Care Society, explained to a large crowd during the fourth annual family appreciation barbecue at 91原创 Lodge.
Reflecting back 50-plus years ago, he said people in 91原创 came together and built a solution 鈥� the lodge.
"Now, over half a century later, the story is repeating itself. Our system is stretched way too thin. The creation of additional long-term care spaces hasn't kept pace with the demands of our aging demographics," Devji told the group gathered in the courtyard of the 204th Street care home.
"Hospitals are well beyond their limits. Emergency rooms are seeing record high wait times. Seniors and families are languishing in hallways as all of the beds are full. Seniors who need care, like that provided here at the lodge, are waiting over 440 days to get into care 鈥� often suffering in silence as complaining does not seem to influence change," he noted.
"It never should have come to this point. We can't afford to wait. We can't afford to keep building hospitals when we need long-term care that is better integrated into the health-care system, so that we can better serve the community," Devji insisted.
Last fall, the provincial government announced a 300-bed long-term care facility would be built on the grounds of 91原创 Memorial Hospital. But it would be at least six years before the facility could be opened. Since then, there's been no further word.
"We can't keep doing the same things and expect different results," Devji said. "It's time to break down barriers, cut the red tape, and get new long-term care projects off the ground before the system reaches a breaking point."
Devji wasn't the only one to speak. There were a number of dignitaries also present, including Township of 91原创 Mayor Eric Woodward, and a few of both City and Township councillors. Also in attendance was Cloverdale-91原创 City MP Tamara Jansen who spoke to the need for better care for seniors.
"We can't wait a year. We can't wait six months. We must come together and start building care communities that 91原创 citizens and our neighbours would all be proud to live at, work, or visit. Every month, every day, every moment matters when our community's health and quality of life is on the line," Devji elaborated, believing that just like in 1974 the lodge and its supporters will be the ones to bring forth needed change.
Towards that goal, the lodge announced its next fundraising gala 鈥� themed A Brighter Tomorrow 鈥� which will be held Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Coast Hotel & Convention Centre.
These appreciation barbecue was started in 2022, as a way to welcome families back to visiting long-term care after the deadly pandemic and subsequent visitation restrictions.
