A Saskatoon woman is raising alarm about the state of long-term care in Saskatchewan after her brother endured a six-week wait for a bed. Laura Woodward reports that the delay underscores ongoing challenges in the province's healthcare system, where demand for long-term care spaces often outstrips supply.
Brother's ordeal highlights systemic issues
The woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity to protect her brother's privacy, said her 72-year-old brother was deemed medically ready for long-term care but spent 42 days in an acute care hospital bed while awaiting placement. During that time, she says his condition deteriorated due to inadequate support. "He needed specialized care that the hospital couldn't provide, and every day he waited, his health suffered," she told CTV News.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) acknowledges that wait times for long-term care can vary depending on location and bed availability. According to SHA data, the average wait for a long-term care bed in Saskatoon is approximately 30 days, but some patients wait significantly longer. The woman's brother eventually received a bed at a facility outside the city, adding further stress to the family.
Concerns about aging population
The situation reflects broader pressures on Saskatchewan's long-term care system. With an aging population, the province has seen increasing demand for residential care beds. A 2025 report from the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism noted that the province has one of the lowest rates of long-term care beds per capita in Canada, with about 4.5 beds per 1,000 seniors, compared to the national average of 6.2.
The woman is calling for increased investment in long-term care infrastructure and better coordination between hospitals and care facilities. "No one should have to wait six weeks for the care they need," she said. "My brother deserved better, and so do all Saskatchewan seniors."
Government response
The Saskatchewan government has pledged to add 1,500 new long-term care beds over the next five years, as part of its 2024-25 budget. However, critics argue that more immediate action is needed. NDP health critic Vicki Mowat said the woman's story is "heartbreaking but not surprising," adding that the government has failed to address chronic underfunding in the sector.
In a statement, the SHA said it is working to reduce wait times through initiatives such as transitional care units and increased home care options. "We understand the frustration families experience when waiting for a long-term care placement," the statement read. "We are committed to improving access and ensuring patients receive appropriate care."
Broader implications
The case has sparked renewed debate about healthcare capacity in Saskatchewan. Experts say that without significant investment, wait times will only grow as the population ages. The woman hopes her brother's experience will prompt action. "I'm sharing our story so that others don't have to go through this," she said. "We need change now."
