Independent media needs you. Join the Tyee.

The Hook: Political news, freshly caught

Head of UBC social work calls for closing BC care institutions

Saying that nursing homes and large institutions across Canada housing the mentally and physically challenged pose inherent dangers of abuse for their residents, Tim Stainton, PhD and director of the UBC School of Social Work, endorsed a call for shutting down almost all these institutions.

"All institutions for the mentally challenged engender abuse, and have since they were first founded in the 19th century. We've tried institutions for a century. They don't work," he said.

Stainton said that the likelihood of a disabled patient/resident being abused by care staff is one and a half times as high as it is for the average Canadian.

"Disability means vulnerability," Stainton said while participating in a Kwantlen College event on April 15 that showcased a new documentary film, "Hope is Not a Plan." "Your life can be destroyed in an instant."

In his introductory remarks before the film was screened for a mid-day crowd of Kwantlen students, faculty and interested community members, filmmaker and activist Paul Caune of Civil Rights Now told the audience disability issues should concern all Canadians.

"This film is about you and everyone you know," Caune said. "Fifty-six per cent of those over 75 live with some level of disability, and more and more Canadians are living on into their 80s."

"Institutions are not secure and safe," Stainton told the audience. "With proper support, anyone can live in the community."

The Tyee contacted the major parties running in the upcoming provincial election for comment on Stainton's remarks.

Stefan Johnsson, who speaks for the BC Greens, told the Tyee that while "institutions can serve a purpose," his party believes that currently BC only offers a "patchwork of services, which contributes to the problem."

"Whenever possible," he said, "people need to live independent lives."

Carole James, the NDP's platform co-chair in the current election and candidate in Victoria-Beacon Hill, told of Stainton's comments by the Tyee, said, "I don't disagree. I am a big supporter of community-based services. But any move toward de-institutionalization must provide the proper supports within the community. In some rare cases, an institutional setting may be needed."

Neither the BC Liberals nor the BC Conservatives provided comment before this story was filed.

Tom Sandborn covers health policy and labour beats for the Tyee. He welcomes your feedback and story tips at [email protected].


What have we missed? What do you think? We want to know. Comment below. Keep in mind:

Do:

  • Verify facts, debunk rumours
  • Add context and background
  • Spot typos and logical fallacies
  • Highlight reporting blind spots
  • Ignore trolls
  • Treat all with respect and curiosity
  • Connect with each other

Do not:

  • Use sexist, classist, racist or homophobic language
  • Libel or defame
  • Bully or troll
  • Troll patrol. Instead, flag suspect activity.
comments powered by Disqus