SASKATCHEWAN SENIORS ARE FALLING THROUGH THE CRACKS AND LEFT WITH NO OPTIONS

Weyburn couple left with no care options after being ignored by Sask. Party

WEYBURN – Today, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for Seniors Keith Jorgenson joined Fred & Teresa Sandeski to sound the alarm over the current state of healthcare. In anticipation of Teresa’s kidney stone surgery, Fred was placed in respite care at a special care home in Weyburn for a month; however, once the month was up, the policy stated that he had to pay — an option the Sandeskis’ could not afford on their fixed income.

“What sort of province have we become if our seniors are being asked to go into debt just to get the care they need?” Jorgenson said. “Saskatchewan seniors have spent their lives contributing to this province and deserve to have access to the care they need, regardless of their bank balance.”

Jorgenson joined Fred and Teresa Sandeski in their home Tuesday. Fred has advanced COPD, is legally blind, epileptic, diabetic and celiac. His wife, Teresa, has been his caregiver for several years, even though she has a permanent disability and, as of recently, has been in and out of the hospital for surgery.

Teresa is Fred’s sole caregiver however, with her declining health and scheduled surgeries, Fred was placed in respite care at a special care home in Weyburn. Fred was able to stay in respite for one month without being charged however, once the month was up, the policy stated that he had to pay. The cost is roughly $1,380 per month or $50 per day.

Fred is on pension and Teresa is on Old Age Security. Teresa used to work to supplement their income but is no longer able. Teresa goes for an additional surgery in Regina on Friday. Fred and Teresa find themselves falling through the cracks of Saskatchewan’s healthcare system with nowhere for Fred to go while she goes for surgery in Regina.

Fred and Teresa have called the Minister’s office and their MLA, Michael Weger, without any response.

“This is unfortunately not a unique situation — too often, our seniors are left forgotten and ignored by this Sask. Party government,” Jorgenson said. “They can’t even be bothered to return a phone call.

The first thing we need to do is put an end to charging seniors for the care they need. It’s not right. Then we need to ensure that Saskatchewan has a Seniors’ Advocate in place to fight to put an end to the neglect Saskatchewan seniors are currently facing under this Sask. Party government.”

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