Residents and stakeholders in seniors care packed one of the meeting rooms at the Badlands Community Facility to have their opinions be heard on Tuesday evening.
Wildrose Seniors Critic Kerry Towle, as part of an Albeta-wide tour, stopped in Drumheller to learn what issues Albertans feel are the highest priorities in seniors care.
The intention is to take the feedback back to government and push for change.
“After the two week tour, my team and I will put together a report to make sure caucus is aware of what we have learned,” said Towle. “Then, we’re going to address, or attempt to address, this issue with Minister (Fred) Horne and the Associate Minister of Seniors. I’m not terribly optimistic about that process, but I still think it has to be done. From there, we will take a look what policy the Wildrose can build for seniors they can trust as we go forward.”
At the meeting, Towle related her own experiences, which included a brother diagnosed and placed in long-term care with Huntingon’s Disease in 2008 and a father who was hospitalized following a stroke.
She also spent 10 years working for David Thompson Health Region.
Residents brought up many issues; low staffing, meals, placement for continuing care, wait times for placement, and the bureaucracy.
“We’re facing a tough budget... the easiest groups to cut are health care and seniors. I’m worried cuts to seniors will impact negatively on health,” said Towle.
She had some advice for Albertans wanting change.
“You have to write letters to your MLA, whoever that is. You have to explain to your children what long-term care is going to look like for you,” said Towle. “More importantly, get loud. Write letters to the editor. If you have the opportunity, go to Edmonton. You have an MLA who will put you on the legislature steps, we’ll have a rally, and I’ll be there.”
Towle also took the opportunity to talk about her private members bill, Bill 208, to create an independent Seniors Advocate for Alberta.