Seniors and Suds’ We Have to Raise a Stink

Finding ways to improve the quality of life of Albertans WITHOUT INCREASING
SPENDING is high on my list of priorities. As I outline below, we will be able to
address an astonishing low standard and improve the basic dignity felt by seniors and
disabled Albertans by encouraging innovation and efficiency.

Our current government funds care facilities and sets policy and standards for these
facilities to meet in such documents as:

Supportive Living Accommodation Standards
Long-Term Care Accommodation Standards
Continuing Care Health Service Standards

amongst other documents.

While there are standards and requirements in respect of nutrition, water temperature
and building codes, there is a surprising lack of regulation in respect to bathing. In
plain language, it is up to the care facilities and service providers to determine how
much bathing a person requires. If a person wishes more bathing, they are required
to pay for such access. Unfortunately for many seniors who I have met with, this
policy manifests itself into only one bath or shower per week - and the accompanying
reduction in personal dignity.

This is unacceptable. My experience over the past nine years as Chairmen of the board
of a non profit society that looks after the housing and care needs of seniors and people
with disabilities provides valuable insight. I am well aware that through acute
business practice and innovation that care facilities are able to provide a minimum
of two baths per week within their facilities WHILE OPERATING UNDER THE
SAME FUNDING STRUCTURE.

Setting such minimum standard will place positive pressure on service providing
organizations to become more efficient in the delivery of their services. Because I come
from that industry, I know that this change can be met without cutting back other core
services.

I will not accept any argument to the contrary.

If I am honored with the task of being the next MLA for Edmonton Highlands Norwood,
I commit that one of my first tasks will be to address the standards regarding care for our
seniors and people with disabilities to address minimum bathing requirements within our
care facilities.

I am proud to live in the best province in Canada. I have every confidence that we can

make long-lasting fundamental practical changes that will show our seniors the respect
for all their contributions to this great province and allow them to live the remaining
years with the dignity they deserve. I hope these changes will allow parents of persons
with disabilities to know when the time comes that their child requires more care than
they can provide, there is a care facility they can feel comfortable leaving their loved one
knowing they will be looked after.

I have every confidence that we can continue to show all Albertans tangible examples of
making our system and services more efficient while providing better results.

-Wayde Lever
Wildrose Candidate – Edmonton Highlands Norwood

To learn more about Wayde, to express support for this proposal, request a sign or donate
to his campaign, please visit www.waydelever.ca.