Canadian's want improvement in long-term care

A systemic review of long-term care facilities, notably in terms of management and level of staffing, is considered paramount.

September 2, 2020

With many long-term care facilities across the Country having been severely impacted by COVID-19, Canadian residents were asked to what extent attention needs to be afforded to this area of the health care system.

An overwhelming majority of residents (91%) across the country are looking for a review of the current situation, including nearly two-thirds who believe that changes are needed to ensure a consistent and high level of care is provided at long-term care facilities. This is clearly considered a priority, as opinions are consistent regardless of whether or not respondents have a family member living in a long-term care facility.

The manner in which long-term care facilities are managed is also clearly perceived to be problematic, with nearly all residents (90%) of the opinion that change is needed in that regard. Likewise, increased staffing is generally perceived to be required to address the situation (83% agree).

Those who may have been more closely impacted, directly or indirectly, by the COVID-19 crisis in long-term care facilities voice a stronger desire for change to happen, for a review of management practices and for increased staffing. This includes residents of Quebec, where the situation in publicly-run residences has raised concerns about systemic issues in these facilities. Similarly, females and Boomers (those aged 55 years or older), who are more often known to be natural caregivers, are more likely than males and younger residents to voice a desire for the situation to be assessed and improvements to be made.

It is worth noting that while staffing levels are considered problematic across all provinces, it is less prevalent in the Prairies, where just seven in ten consider this to be a core issue.

About one in seven Canadian residents report having family members living in long-term care facilities. This proportion is highest in the provinces of Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador.

This survey was conducted online August 20-22, 2020, with 1,230 Canadians 18 years of age or older, from the Logit Group’s Canadian Omnibus. Fielding every month, the Logit Group’s COVID-19 Omnibus surveys Canadians to ask their opinions and behaviours related to topical issues. Results were analyzed by Narrative Research. Data was weighted based on the 2016 Census, by gender, age, and region to reflect these population characteristics in each province. As a non-probability sample (i.e., a panel sample where residents have joined a panel to share their opinions), and in accordance with CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards, a margin of error is not applied.

This is the first of three research summaries that will be provided within the week. Watch for further details on Canadians’ perceptions and behaviours related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Narrative Research (www.narrativeresearch.ca), is a leading public opinion and market research company headquartered in Canada. The company was recently certified as WBE (Women Business Enterprise). As a non-partisan, 100% Canadian-owned research company, Narrative Research is dedicated to providing clients with state-of-the-art research and strategic consulting services.

The Logit Group (https://logitgroup.com/) is a leading North American data collection and market research execution company headquartered in Toronto, conducting large-scale projects for a variety of well-known research agencies and brands. Logit employs industry-best technologies across an array of methodologies, and is independent, experienced and quality-oriented.

For more information, please contact:

Margaret Brigley, CEO, Narrative Research – 902.222.7066, mbrigley@narrativeresearch.ca
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Margaret Chapman, COO, Narrative Research – 902.222.4048, mchapman@narrativeresearch.ca
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Sam Pisani, Managing Partner, Logit Group – 416.629.4116, sam.pisani@logitgroup.com