We can only do what we are funded to do," said Fontaine. "While the government and health authorities are trying to bring those on the lower (staffing) levels up, it's been a slow process."
One of the solutions could be to take some of the money spent in the acute care system and shift it into continuing care so seniors in long-term care facilities benefit, Fontaine said.
Lorri Chmilar, who retired from nursing last year after working mainly for the Interior Health Authority, said the most stressful place she worked during her career was nine months spent in geriatric care.
"Anyone who has worked in public care facilities has seen a decrease in staffing, decrease in activities, and decrease in quality of meals. What has increased is the amount of time in recording statistics, and basically CYA (cover your ass)," she said. "Understaffing is also a result of the poor mix of residents. It only takes one or two residents with severe dementia or severe physical impairments to increase the workload significantly to the detriment of the rest. To increase staffat this point, or to transfer a resident to a different care area is a major undertaking that requires much justifying and time. Nurses are derided for asking for extra assistance, if there is any to be had, and roadblocks to transfers are numerous. I fear for my family, and others, and the grey wave of us to come."