For Immediate Release
March 7, 2008

Long-Term Care needs more than a Band-aid
Local administrators deliver over 600 postcards to MPP Toby Barrett.

Simcoe  – As part of the Ontario Long-Term Care Association’s postcard campaign, “Long-Term Care Needs More than Band-Aid” more than 600 post cards have been delivered to MPP Barrett for delivery to Queen’s Park.

“Premier McGuinty and Health Care Minister Smitherman continue to fail our seniors,” stated Barrett. “Our area nursing homes are in crisis but this government pays lip-service to their needs.”

The major issues facing long term care facilities include the lack of funding for incontinence, eighty per cent of residents are affected by incontinence however funding for incontinence products has not increased in the past 5 years. Service levels for housekeeping, maintenance and other service levels have been eroding as costs increases have outstripped funding increases for four straight years.

Administrators Jim Miller, Delhi Long-Term Care Centre, Pauline Lyne, Dovercliffs Long-Term Care Facility and Brenda Van Quaethem, Cedarwood Village, have delivered postcards from residents, family and concerned citizens.

Delhi Long-Term Care Facility Administrator, Jim Miller demanded McGuinty to “Keep your promise, give the residents living in Long Term Care the care they deserve!"

“Long term care reduces the strain on hospital emergency rooms. Our residents are older, frailer and more complex medically than even 5 years ago,” Pauline Lyne stated. “The government needs to provide the funding for staff required to make a real difference against these needs now.

“We need the increased funding now in order to implement a real solution that will make difference in the lives of our residents,” remarked Brenda Van Quaethem. 

Barrett said he looks forward to delivering the message when the Legislature finally resumes on March 17th. “This is sending a strong message that our Long-Term Care facilities need financial assistance to continue to provide the care our seniors deserve.

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 For more information please call
MPP Toby Barrett at: 519-428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629