Editor’s note: This letter was sent to Jordan Sturdy MLA - West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, and copied to The Squamish Chief.
It is regrettable that Hilltop is receiving negative press. Firstly, I would like to validate the multitude of feelings we all experience when a member of our family is needing to be in a care home. It is not at all easy, and as we should, we all advocate strongly for our loved ones.
My firsthand experience over many years contending with a variety of senior care facilities in supporting family members has given me valuable insight into what actually occurs in seniors care facilities. I collected a binder full of issues with seniors care facilities that I shared with the Ombudsperson for Seniors Care a few years ago. From my firsthand experiences I feel I understand what should constitute good care and a quality care facility. I would like to reassure other caregivers that I feel, Hilltop House does offer good quality care to their residents.
Care facilities that focus on making money from care rather than focussing on the actual care of the seniors are dangerous. “Corporate Care” demands from $2,000. To $5,000. plus per month to provide services and do little in return. I have witnessed a monthly increase of $1,000. being levied to a senior for their care. When an updated care plan was requested to support the financial increase a scrap of paper with a pencil printed note listing five services that were already in place was passed off to the caregiver. When questioned, the caregiver’s concerns were simply dismissed without communicating an explanation for their actions. Imagine what happens to the seniors who do not have family advocates to question the actions of corporate care? The only recourse we had was to move our family member to another care facility. Care conferences for seniors did not happen in the [corporate] facilities I have experienced over the years.
Care conferences at Hilltop involve a support team consisting of a number of knowledgeable health care professionals dedicated to caring for seniors. This dedicated team works hard to involve family in all decision making, is attentive toward the residents, and is insightful of their needs and desires for comfort.
We are so fortunate to have a community -based care facility for seniors in our Sea to Sky Corridor. Many families in other areas are forced to place their senior family members in care great distances from their communities. This disconnection to community often leads to a host of debilitating health issues including depression. Seniors living close to their home communities are able to stay truly connected to their families and friends, seeing their families and friends on a more regular basis. This is a very important component of seniors care homes. Hilltop House embraces the concept of community.
I truly feel that Hilltop House presently practices high quality professionalism in providing all-encompassing good quality care. I would wholeheartedly support petitioning for an infusion of provincial financial support to this facility to maintain the present impressive level of care at Hilltop House.
