Earlier this month, a Toronto woman shared her emotional journey of fighting to visit her mother in a Scarborough long-term care home at Speakers Corner. Despite facing obstacles, including having to hire a lawyer, she was eventually granted access but tragically lost her mother on the very day she planned to visit.
The daughter expressed her frustration at having to navigate legal complexities just to exercise her right to visit her mother. Similar stories of families being denied access to loved ones in care facilities are not uncommon, highlighting a pressing issue that needs attention.
Maria Sardelis, founder of Access to Seniors and the Disabled, shared her own experience of being banned from visiting her mother in an Ottawa long-term care home. She emphasized the importance of residents’ rights to choose their visitors and raised concerns about homes misusing legal measures to restrict access.
The misuse of the Trespass to Property Act (TPA) to silence advocates for better care in long-term care facilities is a growing concern. Many individuals, like Sardelis, have faced legal repercussions for speaking out against inadequate care practices.
Efforts to address these issues are underway, with the Ontario Patient Ombudsman expected to discuss the proper application of the TPA at an upcoming conference. However, there are disagreements over the interpretation of the law and the rights of residents in long-term care homes.
Advocates, legal experts, and concerned individuals are calling for clarity and protection of residents’ rights to receive visitors without unnecessary restrictions. The need to uphold these rights and ensure proper care for seniors in long-term care facilities remains a crucial issue that demands attention and action.
Keyphrase: long-term care visitation