Murray Hindley, who became paralyzed from the neck down after a biking accident in the summer of 1999, has been receiving assistance from community health workers at his Saanich residence for his daily needs, including his bowel routine. However, he has noticed a significant change in the quality of care he receives after more than 25 years of consistent support.
Recently, Hindley has encountered issues with the workers who are not adequately trained to perform digital stimulations necessary to initiate bowel movements for individuals with spinal cord injuries. This lack of proper care has led him to go without a bowel routine for several days on multiple occasions, causing him discomfort and pain.
His son, Mike, shared concerns about instances where Hindley was left without bowel care for consecutive days, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Advocates and medical professionals emphasize that inconsistent care for quadriplegics like Hindley can pose life-threatening risks.
Dr. Andrei Krassioukov, a professor at the University of British Columbia, mentioned that inadequate care, such as missed appointments and turnover among support workers, is a common issue faced by patients with high-cervical spinal cord injuries. Proper bowel routines are crucial to prevent complications that could lead to serious health issues.
The Hindley family raised their worries with Murray’s home-support manager, who explained that staff shortages were affecting worker availability. They were advised to consider private care options or the Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL) program, although these alternatives present challenges.
Mike expressed concerns about the feasibility of private care, especially in emergency situations when workers fail to show up. While considering the CSIL program, he acknowledged the added burden it may place on his parents in managing their own support workers.
Despite being told to call 911 if his father’s life is at risk, Mike believes that the lack of proper care should not escalate to such emergencies. Island Health, responsible for Hindley’s care, assured that they are working to address his needs in line with home-care standards, acknowledging the challenges of specialized care.
The Minister of Health Josie Osborne emphasized the importance of meeting home-care standards and urged patients to voice concerns about their care. Duncan Campbell, a peer support specialist, stressed the significance of consistent care for quadriplegics, emphasizing the comfort and trust that come with familiar caregivers.
The family is undergoing a difficult time due to the inadequate care Hindley has been receiving, with his wife Joan expressing disappointment in the system. Mike revealed his father’s distress, mentioning Murray’s contemplation of medical assistance in dying due to the strain on the family, a situation he finds unacceptable.
Hindley described the situation as stressful and degrading, emphasizing his simple desire for the necessary assistance he needs to maintain his health and well-being.