Saskatoon Health Region responds to senior care home report

A report on Saskatchewan senior care homes has dug up some dirt on hygiene concerns.

Once again, one of the top complaints from long-term residents was once-a-week baths.

The Saskatoon Health Region responded Wednesday saying most people in their care prefer that schedule.

“What we’re talking about is a tub bath. So a lot of our residents are happy with once a week or once every two weeks,” said Rod MacKenzie, SHR co-director of seniors’ health and continuing care.

He explained the tub bath is a more comprehensive washing technique than what residents receive each day.

“Our residents are washed. There is daily hygiene,” he said.

MacKenzie pointed to generational differences for why residents are content with a once-a-week soak.

“As children and even adult life, a bath once a week or once every two weeks is what they were used to,” he said.

However, according to the report, people in at least four health regions said they wanted more than just one bath a week.

Another top concern listed in the report is staffing levels.

According to MacKenzie, levels in the SHR only become a problem when people call in sick or when travel is restricted by bad weather.

“It’s the anomaly. When something unusual occurs, that’s when we have issues,” he said.

“If everyone shows up to work, and everyone’s healthy, usually things are pretty good.”

The issues are identified in reports compiled after health region CEOs toured seniors homes across the province to see what’s working and what can be improved.

– With files from 650 CKOM’s Chris Carr and The Canadian Press.