7/29/2019 AUPE response to increased bathing standards

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For immediate release: Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Improving seniors care bathing standards while cutting staff is an empty gesture, says AUPE

Increasing the minimum number of baths that seniors in care receive each week is pointless ifthere arent enough staff to provide the service, the Alberta Union of Provincial Employeeswarned today.

Many facilities are reducing staff hours because of funding cuts, said AUPE Vice-PresidentGlen Scott, a licensed practical nurse. Its all well and good to raise the standard, but if theres

no way to achieve the new standard its an empty gesture.

Earlier today, Health Minister Fred Horne announced that the minimum standard for seniorsin continuing care is going up from one bath per week to two. All seniors home operators areexpected to do this within their current budgets.

This isnt as simple as it sounds, explained Scott. Many seniors must be lifted carefully inand out of their tubs by more than one person. Bathing must be done gently and thoroughly.Each bath takes time.

He added, We support the notion of increasing the standard. It gives elderly Albertans moredignity and can improve their overall health. But it must be accompanied with the adequateresources to do it properly and safely.

The change in the bathing standard comes just as Alberta Health Services new system forfunding seniors care, known as patient care based funding, takes effect. Dozens of facilitiesaround the province expect to see their funding reduced. Capital Care in Edmonton and TheGood Samaritan Society have already announced cutbacks in staffing.

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For more information, contact:

Glen Scott, AUPE Vice-President: (403) 479-4508Andrew Hanon, AUPE communications: (780) 930-5218