Vulnerable seniors with dementia are being moved out of the dementia unit at the Yorkton and District Nursing Home as spaces are being cut for budgetary reasons.
One full wing of the 48-bed dementia unit is closing. Some residents with dementia will be moved to beds in the care home that are not specialized for dementia care while others will be moved out of Yorkton to find a placement.
“Seniors care is in crisis. Especially with our strong economy and aging population, we should be improving dementia care and opening more beds,” said NDP health critic Danielle Chartier. “This government just doesn’t seem to get what families are going through – the waiting lists, and the terrible lack of individual attention in seniors care homes.
“We need more room for seniors with dementia – not less. We need far more staff with specialized training in working with residents with dementia – not fewer.”
Walter Prystai of Yorkton said losing the dementia space is having a terrible effect on his wife’s well-being. Prystai said he was told Thursday afternoon that his wife, Pauline, is losing her space on the specialized unit, and the health region expected Walter to return Friday morning to help move her out.