Who has Less Power and Protection than Old Women?

Mom knitting socks at 96 years old. 

Women In Long Term Care

Women account for approximately 65% of long term care residents. The percent increases as age increases, since women live longer.

As outlined in previous posts, there are approximately thirty five confirmed cases of abuse in long term care annually in Nova Scotia. These include such abuses as physical assault, sexual assault, and leaving residents needlessly suffering severe pain for extended periods of time. 

Approximately ninety seven percent of caregivers are women - RN's, LPN's, CCA's, etc. As became evident during covid and ongoing, these professionals face burn out, violence, understaffing and other barriers to a healthy and balanced work environment. 

Looking at abuse records from 2017 to 2023, the top five facilities with confirmed cases of abuse are all for profit facilities, owned by either Shannex or GEM.

I had a quick look at comparing rates of abuse in for profit and not for profit facilities. It appears that the percentage of abuse cases in for profit facilities is higher, if I compare facilities with over one hundred beds for both categories. I'll write more about this in a future post. 

A Bit About Shannex and GEM

Shannex's founder, Nova Scotia billionaire Joe Shannon, has received accolades for his business acumen and philanthropy. He has also been charged in the past with exceeding limits on donations to the Conservative, Liberal and NDP political parties. The Conservative provincial government recently awarded Shannex a $120 million contract for a care facility in Bedford without a competitive bidding process, i.e. sole sourced.

GEM Health Care Group was co founded by Syed and Gloria Hussain. Syed Hussain is CEO. GEM also contributes to the community.

Next Steps

The above is only a small piece of a very large and complex issue. There's a lack of research about best practice in delivering long term care. I'll examine governance next. One thing that does occur to me is that it is primarily women who are suffering, but women aren't the primary ones profiting in Nova Scotia.