(June 21, 2016)<\/p>\n
By: Heather Rivers, Woodstock Sentinel-Review<\/p>\n
WOODSTOCK \u2014 Rocking chairs are supposed to be considered a symbol of comfort and safety, as well as a reassurance that someone is taking care of us.<\/p>\n
But on Tuesday afternoon, a giant rocking chair in Woodstock was used to symbolize what the Ontario Health Coalition considers a serious problem in Ontario\u2019s long-term care homes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe rocking chair is a symbol of care \u2014 it\u2019s a symbol of comfort in your golden years,\u201d explained Peter Boyle, a volunteer with the Ontario Health Coalition. \u201cThat is something lacking in Ontario long-term care facilities.\u201d<\/p>\n
The oversized rocking chair, which has visited 19 communities so far this year and 59 over the last three years, is designed to bring attention to the need for improved access to care and improved levels of care in Ontario\u2019s long-term care homes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to raise awareness about the plight of the elderly in long-term care homes,\u201d Boyle said.<\/p>\n
Boyle said the major issues are quality of care and the need to improve personal care for long-term care residents, as well as patient rights.<\/p>\n
\u201cTwenty years ago, the government of the day removed the regulations of 2.5 hours on average of patient care per day,\u201d he said. \u201cFor the last 20 years there have been no regulations, whatsoever.\u201d<\/p>\n
While he said it\u2019s a problem today, with the ever-increasing number of seniors there is an even bigger problem \u201clooming.\u201d<\/p>\n
Boyle said while seniors are supposed to be able to choose a home of their choice, it often doesn\u2019t happen.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are forced into the first home available and it is not in the area where their friends or family are,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
And with a chronic waiting list for beds, combined with the closure of hospital beds and people staying in their homes longer, by the time many seniors get to long-term care facilities they have more problems than when they were first put on the list.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe acuity of their illnesses is a lot higher than it used to be,\u201d Boyle said. \u201cSeventy per cent of long-term residents suffer some form of dementia or Alzheimer\u2019s \u2014 so they need extreme levels of care.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Ontario Health Coalition is demanding that the Ontario government set a minimum care staffing standard of four hours of hands-on care per day, per resident.<\/p>\n
They are asking for improved access to care and reduced waiting times.<\/p>\n
Tim Carrothers is a volunteer with a Family Council Advocacy Committee, which is a group of family and friends that volunteer in long-term care facilities.<\/p>\n
He supports the changes that the Ontario Health Coalition is asking for.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe go into long-term care facilities every day,\u201d he said. \u201cThe staff tell us they don\u2019t have enough time to look after our loved ones.\u201d<\/p>\n
Boyle said local residents can add their voice to the campaign by emailing their MPP and Queen\u2019s Park \u201cto put pressure on the government to do something.\u201d<\/p>\n