TORONTO – The majority of Ontario’s nursing homes have failed

to meet basic standards set out by the province to preserve the

rights of elderly residents, with some failing to bathe residents

even twice a week, others leaving seniors sitting for hours in

soiled diapers and still others unnecessarily restraining those

in their care, an investigation by The Canadian Press reveals.

Up to 91 per cent in some Toronto suburban communities –

homes have been cited for violating some of the specific set

of standards that ensure residents are well-fed, clean and free

of pain, as well as dictating how homes care for incontinent

residents and when they use restraints.

“We’re talking about the majority of people not getting the

minimum standard of care,” said Pat Armstrong, York University

professor “In a sense, we’ve abandoned them.”

July 2, 2008