Article for the Independent Free Press: April 3, 2008
By Ted Arnott, MPP
During the years I've been privileged to serve in the Ontario Legislature, I've visited many nursing homes in Wellington County , Waterloo Region, and more recently in Halton Hills .
With each visit, I've been reminded of the joy and wonder of life, of the dedication and caring of the staff in so many of our long term care homes, and of the need for appropriate standards of care so that our seniors live in dignity.
That's why during last fall's Provincial Election campaign, I pushed for a significant capital investment to improve long term care. This would ensure that residents aren't forced to live in wards with three and even four beds each, and that they receive the compassionate care they need.
It's also why I was appalled recently to hear the Minister of Health and Long Term Care, George Smitherman, say he would wear an adult diaper as some kind of strange publicity stunt.
Even though he apologized the next day for his insensitive remarks, the message Mr. Smitherman left is unmistakable: the McGuinty Liberal Government's promised "revolution" in long term care has been reduced to an embarrassing sideshow.
Our seniors deserve better.
Speaking before the Legislature's Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs on January 21st, the Ontario Long Term Care Association pointed out the need for an additional investment of $513 million for more staff and supplies to improve care. The money would be earmarked to make sure residents aren't rushed to meals or left waiting for help to use their bathrooms.
It would allow homes to have more evening and weekend programs, improve meal service, increase the number of incontinence changes, and improve clinical assessments. It would also help with essential housekeeping and laundry-related services. I was moved by their presentation, and a few days ago I visited Extendicare in Georgetown and Royal Terrace in Palmerston to show my support. I also hope to visit the Bennett Health Care Centre in Georgetown soon.
It's hard to imagine any MPP opposing these measures, but it remains to be seen how the Minister of Finance, Dwight Duncan, will respond in his 2008 Budget, expected before the end of this month.
Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott accepts postcard petitions from Dr. Andre Spekkens at Georgetown Extendicare; Mr. Arnott visited the Georgetown long-term care home on February 26th. The petitions called for an additional $513 million for new staff and supplies to benefit long-term care residents.
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