At any given point in time about seven percent of older adults in Canada will  live in some form of institutional setting such as a personal care home, special care home or nursing home. In addition, because of turnover, about 20 to 30 percent of older adults will live there at some point in later life.

The quality of care and the quality of life of residents who are living in these various types of care facilities  is fundamental. It is a contractual obligation as well as a professional and social responsibility.

These rights and responsibilities can easily get lost, especially if staff and administration are struggling to provide adequate care.  At some point, poor quality care and ignoring the rights of the persons living there can become abusive or neglectful.

Resources

See Also. Residents Rights

Spencer, C.  (2006) An Introduction to Abuse Prevention Strategies in Long Term Care.

A Way Forward: Promising  Approaches to Abuse Prevention in Institutional Settings

This national project's objective was to enhance the capacity of communities across Canada to better understand and respond to the complex issues of abuse and neglect in congregate settings. The project includes a "National Snapshot" of key issues in a wide range of facilities that provide care and support. Key stakeholders included advocates, industry, union and staff, as well as government representatives.

Abuse or neglect of residents is more often the results of several factors, than the random act of  "one bad apple".

It also describes laws and regulations in each province and territory. Click here for an executive summary.

Also available in French.

Ontario Family Council Program http://www.familycouncilmembers.net/

A Family Council is an organized, self-led, self-determining, democratic group composed of family and friends of the residents of long term care homes.