In October 2020, the National Board approved “Long-Term Care” as CFUW’s fifth National Initiative.
The COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 exposed long-standing, negligence, inadequate care and a lack of preparation in many Canadian long-term care (LTC) residences. These deficits resulted in high rates of infection and death in LTC residents. More than 80% of all COVID-19 deaths in Canada were in LTC facilities, as of June 2020.
CFUW’s work on LTC identifies decisive actions to prevent future infections and improve care in the congregate settings of LTC facilities. The global pandemic has revealed the shocking vulnerability of people living in LTC facilities. As a society, we have ignored the care of these vulnerable citizens who need assistance and depend on the shamefully undervalued work of personal support workers and LTC nurses.
Elder Rights & Long-Term Care Justice – Day of Action
On May 4, 2022, advocates from across Canada participated in our second day of action for elder rights & long-term care justice in Canada. Many CFUW members participated in a poster campaign & attended our webinar, co-presented with HelpAge Canada, the Canadian Health Coalition, and Ontario Health Coalition.
Check out the testimonials below:
Click here to watch the webinar recording from Wednesday, May 4 at 1pm ET entitled “Invisible No More: A Continuum of Care for Elder Rights & Long-Term Care Justice in Canada” featuring esteemed panelists:
- Margaret Gillis, Founding President of the International Longevity Centre Canada
- Kahir Lalji M.A., CPG, Provincial Director, Government Relations & Programs of United Way British Columbia
- Bobbi Symes M.A., CPG, Assistant Director, Population Health of United Way British Columbia
- Elizabeth Siegel, Director, Information and Referral Services of SeniorsNL
Toolkit
Want to know about ways to take action ahead of the May 4 National Day of Action? Use this toolkit! This toolkit provides all of the background information, quick facts, template letters, printable posters, and shareable social media graphics necessary for you and your club to take action on May 4!
2 national policies on LTC were adopted at the 2020 Annual General Meeting. Find out more information below:
- Long-Term Care and the Canada Health Act
- More information from the resolution’s presenters: CFUW Stratford & South Shore University Women’s Club (Montreal)
- Long-Term Care: Protect the Vulnerable
- More information from the resolution’s presenters: CFUW Oakville
Want to get involved with CFUW’s LTC initiatives? Click here to learn more!
Template letter on common standards of LTC and placing LTC under the Canada Health Act