Care aide speaks out on poor staffing in Sask. facilities

A frontline care worker is speaking out on what he describesas dangerously inadequate staffing levels inSaskatchewan's care facilities.

Peter Bowden works the night shift on the dementia ward at Oliver Lodge in Saskatoon. He brought his concerns to theSaskatchewan LegislatureMonday.

He said that his responsibilities include looking after more than 30 residents for three hours every night.That means many residents who require turning or changing are left unattended for hours.

When you're helpless trying to help them, that's when it becomes a nightmare- Peter Bowden

Bowden said he is often forced to break the rule that requires two people to change a resident, and does it on his own.

"It's a super job, one of the best jobs ever in this world because you're helping someone," Bowden said.

"But when you're helpless trying to help them, that's when it becomes a nightmare."

Bowdensaid he would like to see at least one extra worker on his shift.

The government said it has already added almost 800 frontline personnel and that care homes should also have to look at changing practices.