A Weyburn man, who has been at the centre of a growing discussion around access to long-term and respite care in Saskatchewan, is expected to be discharged today from the Weyburn Special Care Home. The Saskatchewan Health Authority has directed Fred Sandeski, who has been living at the facility under respite care, to return home, despite concerns raised by his wife and supporters about the level of care he will receive there.
Sandeski, who has been diagnosed with late-stage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), also lives with blindness, epilepsy, diabetes, celiac disease, and congenital heart failure. His wife, Teresa, has publicly stated she is unable to provide the around-the-clock care he requires, particularly as she is receiving medical treatment of her own.
A rally is planned for 1 p.m. today in Weyburn in support of the couple.
The Sandeskis’ story was first brought to public attention in early December, when NDP Shadow Minister for Seniors Keith Jorgenson visited their home and committed to raising their concerns in the Saskatchewan Legislature. At the time, the couple said they were facing a difficult choice: paying out-of-pocket for Fred’s continued care or risking having no one to care for him at home.
At the time, respite care fees were set at approximately $45 per day. The Sandeskis, both living on a fixed income, said that the cost was unsustainable.
During Question Period in early December, Jorgenson raised the issue, calling on the government to ensure Fred received hospice-level support. Minister of Health Jeremy Cockrill responded by stating that his office was working to find a “timely and reasonable solution” and that local MLA Mike Weger had already met with the Sandeskis to begin discussions. Cockrill emphasized that dignity in end-of-life care was a priority for the province, while also criticizing the NDP’s use of the Sandeskis’ story in party communications — a remark he later withdrew following a request from the Speaker of the House.
In a separate interview, Weyburn-Bengough MLA Mike Weger confirmed that he had visited Sandeski and had been in regular contact with him since early December. Weger stated that he had briefed both the Health Minister and the Minister for Rural and Remote Health, and that discussions were ongoing about possible supports for the family.
Weger acknowledged the financial burden the couple was under and said the situation highlighted gaps in how respite care is currently handled in the province. He also clarified that hospice care is fully covered by the province, whereas respite care, which Fred was receiving, is not.
A written statement from the provincial government issued Tuesday reiterated that admission to long-term care is based on formal assessments and that the Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority “are in contact with Mr. Sandeski to discuss the appropriate services that are available to him.”
The statement also defined respite care as a short-term option intended for situations in which a caregiver is temporarily unavailable, and emphasized that long-term care is reserved for those with high or complex needs that cannot be met safely at home, even with supports.
Opposition MLA Keith Jorgenson has continued to speak publicly on the matter. In a recent press conference, he expressed concern that the issue remains unresolved despite assurances made by government officials in December. Jorgenson also criticized what he described as bureaucratic rigidity, and revealed that the Sandeskis were advised to file for “involuntary separation” in order to qualify for additional benefits — a process he argued was inappropriate given the couple’s circumstances.
“This is a very inexpensive problem and a very easy problem to fix,” Jorgenson said. “So, how do we deal with the plethora of really complex issues that we have as a society in Saskatchewan when they can’t fix something that’s easy to fix?”
Jorgenson added that the issue raised broader questions about long-term care planning in the province.
Community members have organized a rally today in support of Fred and Teresa Sandeski. The event is taking place outside the Weyburn Special Care Home.
At the time of publication, the province had not released any new details on what care services would be available to Fred Sandeski following his discharge.