PLP: We Need Better Care For Aging Population
[Updated with video] “The PLP believes that at least three more nursing care facilities of the high caliber and capacity as the Sylvia Richardson Care Facility are required for our aging population,” Shadow Minister of Labour Relations & Seniors Derrick Burgess said this morning [May 28].
Mr. Burgess said, “The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party remains concerned about the elders in our community that reside in rest homes.
“We believe that the standard of care in some of our rest/nursing homes should be reviewed by an independent body and at the same time the Residential Care Homes and Nursing Homes Act, 2001 should be a requirement that is closely monitored by Government.
“Presently there are not enough rest and nursing homes of an acceptable standard. As the population of seniors grows, the number of seniors requiring nursing care also grows.
“The PLP believes that at least three more nursing care facilities of the high caliber and capacity as the Sylvia Richardson Care Facility are required for our aging population.
“It is apparent that the Government has no plans to construct further facilities, neither are there plans to appoint qualified staff to deal with patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
“Even for those seniors fortunate in being able to live independently, there are no plans to build further seniors’ residences such as Dr. Cann Park in Southampton.
“Finding a place in a good nursing home for a loved one is a process complicated by the creation of procedures that are lengthy and inefficient,” continued Mr. Burgess
“It is our understanding that a position was recently created for a civil servant to match nursing homes with applicants, but it is our information that the worker recently appointed is attempting to do this without visiting any of the nursing homes, assessing them for quality and risk or taking into account the needs of any of the applicants as per the Act.
“A number of small residential and nursing care homes of varying standards exist on the island. Some of these homes are in breach of the Residential Care Homes and Nursing Homes Act and probably need to be closed. The National Office for Seniors and Physically Challenged need to address this matter as soon as possible.
“Additionally, there is a pressing need for an anonymous abuse telephone hotline for seniors, both in the community and in nursing homes.
“There are no standards for extra charges, or regulations concerning what nursing homes are required to supply. One nursing home asks families for an extra $200 a month ‘for items like ice cream outings and podiatry.’
“I believe that Bermuda needs a Charter of Rights for the elderly – especially the elderly in need of care, and we the PLP will introduce such a Charter.
“A residential care home can fulfill all the conditions of the Residential Care Homes Act but be totally deficient in terms of dignity, respect, comfort and appropriate care. Bermuda also needs an impartial, non-aligned body to regularly review and inspect homes for the elderly, and to respond swiftly to complaints.
“Some complaints that have been shared with me by relatives of seniors who presently reside in privately-run rest homes are as follows:
“A stroke victim, unable to speak and with several deep open bed sores, almost skeletally thin, his body contorted and rigid and in urgent need of specialist nursing care was found at a private nursing home; complaints were made but to no avail. The situation was resolved by bypassing all the protocols and moving the patient to another facility.
“Residents in another home spend the whole day inactive sitting in designated chairs in a main area where there is no ventilation or access to open air; One resident’s nails had not been cut for a very long time, they were so long and curved that they resemble claws.
“One home served pizza and salad for dinner; on another night sandwiches were served for dinner. In another home there was mold on the ceiling and at the top of the walls, and there was only cold water in the bathroom.
“Another elderly lady was admitted to a assistant living unit in a four bedded room, containing a high non-adjustable bed with wheels that would not lock, a call button that was out of reach, a slippery floor and no night light.
“The room was in complete darkness at night contrary to the 2001 regulations. During the night she attempted to get out of bed to use the bathroom, she tried to get off of the bed which skidded across the floor causing her to fall which resulted in injury to her.
“Advancing in age does not involve any reduction of a person’s rights. Age and dependency cannot be the grounds for restrictions on any inalienable human rights,” added Mr. Burgess.
Well why did you guys increase annual spending by $500 million between 2005 and 2011 and not bother to build any rest homes or take care of seniors?
I think the problem goes much deeper than simply building more rest homes.
“The PLP believes that at least three more nursing care facilities of the high caliber and capacity as the Sylvia Richardson Care Facility are required for our aging population.”
That facility costs $5,000 a month to stay there. Other residences like Westmeath cost much more than that. We have an aging crisis on our hands, but we also have a financial crisis because how many people can afford this?
I do agree with Mr. Burgess, that our seniors deserve the respect of living in good housing with clean and comfortable conditions. Yet he does not address the financial aspects of housing facilities for the elderly. If Government DID have the means to build more facilities, would the average family have the means to pay for it? And would Financial Assistance have the resources to cover it if the families can’t?
The problem is not simply that many rest homes are inadequate and below standard. What will happen when the Continuing Care Center at the hospital closes down (if it hasn’t already) and the elderly must find somehere else to go? Our society is aging but we haven’t been keeping up, neither socially or financially.
Thank goodness for the mandatory pension contribution laws (5% employee/ 5% employer) yet with inflation and the current rates of these rest homes, I can imagine that these costs would eat up much of those savings.
PLP kicked out ex-pat workers who were putting into the system. Did it not occur to them that these workers were supporting our seniors?? Does the PLP understand how our economy works??
nope, that is why they were booted at the polls!
The PLP did not “kick” out ex-pat workers,, please stop with the nonsense.
OK…would you feel better if I told you that the PLP told many employers that they were NOT going to renew the work permits of their expats. Does that make you feel better?? THEY KICKED THEM OUT OK!!!!
PLP want Derek Burgess OUT OF THE WAY. Not very smart to bang this drum.
This what happens when you have a party that is more interested in creating in the perception that they are in touch with the people, they lose touch with reality.
There is the reality that we need to do as much as we can for our vulnerable seniors, however that is trumped by the reality that money is needed to do that. Our only hope is that private industry can find a way to fill the gap.
The PLP are so full of it. They did nothing during their 2 periods in Government for the Senior Citizens of this wonderful island. Now that a new government is only just in power you have Derrick Burgess complaining on camera. How pathetic.
I remember Bob Richards warning the PLP government that their policies would ruin Bermuda’s economy.
The reply from then finance Minister Paula Cox was that it would be, “just a small blip on the radar”.
I guess that she was talking about her own financial situation and not Bermuda’s economy.
Don’t blame a “COG”
This should have been addressed while in office…instead we got green and white balloons and a brass plaque on mahogony…and a vigorous handshake from and American import AG……..while reducing health care and medicine…well…making it un-attainable…but …please …if now you wish to…please …go right ahead…
Dear Derrick – you spent all the money.
Don’t even have to read the whole thing.
Just another attack by the PLP to keep the pot going round.
Next week:-
KFC. To much bone in the chicken.
PLP suggests going ferel.
Shalom.
I agree with the PLP that the former government failed in delivering any of the mentioned improvements to the Bermudian people. Lets hope that the OBA government will consider these recommendations and in part way find ways to make improvements to the life of seniors.
Unfortunately I do not see much in the way of new facilities being built unless we can foster a better environment for investors as private money will most certainly be needed. But work on employee standards and certifications can begin today, again I thank the PLP for indicating that they will stand by the government as they engage the unions to improve the standards of the workforce.
I also commend the PLP on the 180 turn in thinking of non-governmental bodies to quickly enact needed changes,
“Bermuda also needs an impartial, non-aligned body”
their assumed support now of bodies of this nature such as the tourism authority structure will be a welcome change.
see what I did thar?
Dey juss realised…they aww gettin oldah tooo…
D
Younge at hawt doe…
OMG… they had 15 years to do something, but didn’t! Now they want to cry foul in the 1st 15 months of OBA’s efforts. Ain’t that the Pot calling the Kettle “something”! I guess no one ever told the PLP that human psychology often leads those of diminished understanding to blame others for the failures inerrant in themselves. Try to be a little less transparent!
Derrick Burgess you and your clowns of a opposition party are really worried about seniors? You and your collegues put this island in DEBT. What don’t you understand there is no money left for seniors. there is no money for anything ohter then to pay the DEBT down. This country will and cannot ever borrow more money do you understand?
It was also a good bit of seniors that voted the PLP out! “Too little too late”
Thinks he can pull the wool over their eyes. Disgusting trying to trick the elderly in order to regain power.
The elderly haven’t forgotten and quit insulting them.
…and after that we could build a footballl stadium so we could attract the 2076 World Cup…and maybe we could contract to support the Black Mayors of America conferences until then…
The PLP are a great Opposition…and they should stay right there !!
Memo to the Defunct and Failed plp
There is NO money.
Mr Burgess Has a very good point here my friend.
I know the truth is an offence but that still isn’t an excuse to attack the messenger for speaking the truth.
you should read the comment below,I quote:
….the same people that told the Seniors to go retire in Santa Domingo where it is cheaper….
and when you have done that..look up the word ‘attack’ before you use it again!
That is only true if the messenger wasn’t responsible for the majority of our financial issues. I would be very keen to hear exactly where the PLP suggests we get the money to follow through. To date I have never heard a reality based financial plan from the PLP, and the current state of our economy is evidence of this. They rode on the success of a business industry that others built, so Bermuda was unprepared when that industry faltered and the gravy train started to dry up.
I do agree that a great social care needs to be directed to our revered senior population, however it is impossible to think the PLP actually take their message seriously when they flew, dined, mismanaged and handed out millions of our taxpayer dollars to friends, that could have actually been better put to use to care for the seniors, whom they now profess concern, and educating our youth, whose education they allowed to crumble under.
Is this not the same people that told the Seniors to go retire in Santa Domingo where it is cheaper ?
I remember how this man treated Louise Jackson when he was in power and she advocated for better care for seniors. truly disgusting
Muhammad, you are 100% right! He even called her “auntie” in the House of Assembly.
Marc Bean is learning divisive, nasty politics at the feet of this gentleman…and at least one other former MP.
So they gave Marc Bean a break and let someone else have a go.
BTW, Mr Burgess….the OBA is old UBP and you still represent an organisation that put us in this situation. Now you’re looking to fix it?
Real nice.
I guess that poll from yesterday was right after all.
The PLP clearly doesn’t know how the economy works.
Some good ideas Derek but where is the money coming from? What about attracting foreign investors? Nah…….. your party is doing its damnedest to stop that. Proceeds from gambling?…… not without a referendum! IB? Absolutely not, taking jobs away from Bermudians. How about offering a couple of ultra wealthy Americans status? Ditto… Selling our birthright!!!!!!! So, Derek what do you suggest – how about the Union loaning us the money? Oops………
i think the dollars should come from the coffers of Burgess, Brown, DeSilva and Cox!
Sorry, you spent all the money. But the civil servants have lovely new offices….
Not all of civil servants, only the ones who vote PLP and who like LCD lighting……
Last week it was Bean, this week it is Burgess so I guess next week it’ll be Lovita. They just don’t give it a break.
Where was you concern for seniors in 14 years? Oh wait you were too busy standing strong…
I have the urge to throw up every time this fella Burgess appears. Burgess, Shut up and go away, not for a while but forever.
For me, I get a sudden urge to take a shower whenever I see him…especially when he’s got that evil grin going on
@anon … He isn’t married , do you want to meet him? Then you could get that evil grin on demand .
@ginger beer—totally agree!
Mr Shadow Minister…might it be possible to use some of the money that was issued to the Beneficiaries of the Trust in relation to the construction of the Dame Lois Brown Evans Building…it was you who did the “Due Diligence” on the Trust and indicated that we as taxpayers need not know who the Beneficiaries of the 30% share of the overall construction cost plus overruns to build were as you were completely satisfied with your findings…yeah right…I’m just saying…
Makes you wonder why the PLP increased the cost of FutureCare from $300+ a month to $600+ a month for the exact same benefits, doesn’t it.
All that wasted $ spend on the Grand Atlantic project would have built and subsidized some nice rest homes for the elderly. Now that $ is not just gone, it’s incurring interest
The PLP made healthcare costs,insurance and foodstuff so expensive that our seniors are now struggling to cope.
The PLP had 14 years to do what they are suggesting now. Why didn’t they? Where is the OBA supposed to find the money when the PLP put us in so much debt?
Indeed, we are all fourteen years older now.
The PLP are very good at ideas. Putting the ideas into practice…not so much.
the plp are only good at 2 things,spending other people’s money and looking out for themselves!
You missed a few other things they’re good at: illegal striking, organizing marches and last but by far not the least D-E-F-L-E-C-T-I-O-N….keep the masses focused on anything that doesn’t matter so they don’t notice they (PLP) don’t have a clue.
A certain OBA candidate who ran and lost in the last election and who was also a constant on talk radio is building private nursing homes at a furious rate all over the seashell . At the same time he is calling for government to shut down and abolish the extended care unit . A form of privitization … Me think so . It’s all about the money . Very clever , very sneaky but people are watching .
So remind us. Who was it who shut down the indigent clinic?
And when the dust settled it was determined that it was a wise decision .
In your opinion perhaps. I guess you never used it.
So an un-named and un-elected mystery person who is not an MP who called for shutting down the extended care unit is a “form of privatization”.
But the PLP government shutting down the indigent clinic was “a wise decision”…?
A wise decision? For who?
Who is that?
Are we all that blind to realize that we have an aging population and help is needed we can point fingers at PLP all day does that solve the problem. But ok OBA have it covered they will right the ship.
We have had an aging problem for 400 years.
Your point?
Where is my $800 million lost under the rule of the PLP.
Systems were in place for hundreds of years for benefits ………………..
Follow the money.
Shalom.
I wonder when was the last time an elderley care facility was checked….and who checks them out ? I have heard some horrow stories about a few of them.
Is there nothing nice or positive we can say about Derek Burgess……..hmm, probably not! Go away Derek.
The other side of Bermuda’s financial woes; beginning with the cowboys of Wall street; the over building of still empty Office blocks in Hamilton. Everybody and his brother building condos on every piece of land. the 100% financing of homes before the bottom fell out of the realty and rental market. Maddox the wall street trickster who caught some of Bermuda’s biggest business concerns in his circle of Gold; took away a lot of Bermuda’s old money. international business realizing that it too expensive to operate in Bermuda; we can no longer afford our $ 7;000 $ 10;000 a month housing perks for our international employees. not to mention private school fees. And those rental office blocks in Hamilton; they think we are made of money. The private sector right along side of government spending some times over taking it.
So no comment about the PLP not addressing this in their 14 years or chastising Burgess over his behaviour towards Jackson when she was screaming out for seniors needs?
We need people that have a family member in a rest home that are not satisfied with the care that their family member are receiving to call the talk shows and go on the various blogs….call their M.P. PLEASE DO SOMETHING TO HELP THESE FOLKS THAT CAN NOT HELP THEMSELVES..
The PLP do not give a hoot about we old timers.
It does appear that the PLP have now come full circle on the issue of actually caring for our ageing population. Most of us well remember then Minister Burgess and his fellow Ministers and MP’s constantly lambasting Louise Jackson whenever she tried to focus attention on the elderly. But that is now history.
Can someone tell us which present Government Minister is now responsible for the elderly because any reference to senior citizens appears to have been removed from Ministerial titles. The OBA had a committee or council looking to set a national policy on ageing, but they seem to have disappeared. Can the Minister make a public statement outlining what the OBA Government is doing to set a course for how we are going to address all of the many issues relating to our ageing population. Yes, we are in a terrible financial position, but we cannot sit by helplessly while the situation gets worse by the minute.
Then why did the PLP waiste all those funds on the Grand Atlantic Development? You should have been prudent when in power and used the funds wisely like on extra care facilities for seniors. Jokers
Burgess,
You make more sense when your mouth is closed. Did you just arise from a deep slumber like Rabain?
The usual BIG question… Who is going to pay for it??? Burgess you and the PLP left the Island in a terrible “financial mess” – so I don’t really think you are qualified to talk about anything “financial”!!
It’s definitely above your pay-grade!!
Burgess should really go **** himself. He spent 14 years attacking Louise Jackson while doing the square root of bugger all except, as pointed out above, tellnig seniors to retire to Santa Domingo.
wow lots of comments attacking Derek.he is right we do need more facilities for our aging population,we also need more jobs,higher wages,better low cost housing,better sports facilities,free education at colleges,freedom to choose whether to send our children to government school or to get the cash from government and send them to private school as that is cheaper than government school,better prison rehabilitation system,safer roads,a police service that works better,did i miss anything?we all want these things and more but unfortunately the country is broke and i mean cash broke although some might say just broke!
Derek Burgess PLP need to get the facts. There is a GOVERNMENT office which the PEOPLE are paying big bucks for already to monitor Rest Homes AND NEGLECT OF SENIORS. NOSPC SHOULD be inspecting and closing down if they are not up to scratch, on a regular basis not just when there is public outcry. Sylvia Richardson Care Facility HAS empty problem is no staff. We don’t need to waste any more money on Rest Homes. We do need a Nursing Home for Alzheimer’s seniors cause THERE ARE NONE.
Someone in the OBA needs to respond to this issue. Yes, we need to do something for our seniors and yes, we wish we had the funds to be able to do so but the $ was spend on Grand Atlantic, Dame LB building and we all know the list goes on ad infinitum
Does Mr. Burgess read over his speeches before he sits down to read them on air, or are they just placed in front of him for him to see for the first time? It doesn’t seem like he writes them or even previews them. He reminds me of a kid just learning to read: “See Dick run. Come Spot. Go Jane, etc.” It’s pathetic. He even follows the words with his fingers the way I remember kids doing in primary school and this guy is an MP???