The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 1992-02-05, Page 12PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5,1992. Brussels residents discuss long- term care Some 50 people were present at a meeting in Brussels United Church on Wednesday, January 30, to offer their input into the government's proposed redirection of Long-term care and Support Services. In welcoming everyone Barb Barton-McMillan said she was pleased with the turnout, adding that the issue is a concern for everyone. "If you don't need the service today, you will certainly need it tomorrow." Long-term care refers to a very broad range of personal care, sup port and health services provided to people who have limitations that prevent them from participating in everyday activities. Typically, the people using long-term care ser vices are elderly, disabled or have a chronic or prolonged illness. The document compiled suggest ing proposals to restructure the pre sent system is a combined effort of the Ministries of Social Services, Health and Citizenship. In atten dance at Thursday night's meeting, was Linda Gerard of the Ministry of Social Services. She said the thrust is to establish programs that help people live as independently as possible for as long as possible and secondly to keep the present programs that we have in place. "We are looking at how to make the best use of our available resources, making sure we can afford our long-tenn care system." In explaining the proposals sug gested by the government, Ms Ger ard first listed the values of what is offered now. The first solution to long-term care that we have now is family members, she said. "This is great, but our families have other responsibilities. How can we offer help?" asked Ms Gerard. The gov ernment has proposed a system that would oiler the caregiver an oppor tunity for more individual time, something not paid for or provided right now. It would have to be established, however, to accommo date the schedule of the family member. "We can't dictate it," she said. "We have to be fair about what we expect families to do. Sometimes a person gives so much care they give up their life." The same is true of friends who act as caregivers, she added. Community programs were the next topic of discussion by Ms Ger ard. Ideas like meals on wheels, home care, Town and Country Homemakers and friendly visiting are working well, but how can they be improved upon, she asked. The government has suggested that a system be worked out so that indi viduals requiring it could get more than the present maximum of three hours a day home care. "There has to be a limit to what's economically feasible, however," she said. Also, Ms Gerard suggested better coordination so that there is one agency and one phone number for better access to all the services available. Other improvements proposed are better training and pay for workers, more flexibility in the hours, and a fair and consistent fee schedule - presently meals on wheels in Huron cost $3.50, in London they are $7.50. More senior housing that sup ports them on a 24 hour basis would be an excellent safety net, for seniors with minimal concerns about living alone. Many, Ms Ger ard says, move out of their homes simply because they can't handle their own medication. "There should be a provincial guideline to ensure quality. Presently for home services there are none, nor are their inspections or regulatory control," said Ms Gerard. The role of hospitals in long-term care, has been abused, Ms Gerard said. "The only way to improve on them is to use them for the purpose they were intended, " she said, explaining is only for people who are really sick. "We have abused them in the past. Now we want to know that they're going to be there in the future." The issue of government regulat ed homes and nursing homes was far more complex than the others, but the bottom line is a standard level of funding. Ms Gerard said the proposal is for individuals to pay a fee of $35 a day for room and board, with the government picking up the remainder. After explaining the proposal Ms Gerard opened the floor for ques tions. One woman, a caregiver to a senior who is developmentally handicapped says in seeking gov ernment funding this man always seems to "fall through the cracks. From what I'm seeing, the paper falls short of this man's particular needs," she said. Ruth Sauve asked why the province has never considered giv ing money to the municipalities to run their own affairs. She believes that with that money volunteers would come out to offer their help. "If people have control they can meet the needs of their particular community best," Ms Barton- McMillan said. Responding to a concern about advocacy. Ms Gerard said she expected there would be an appeal system. "There is a change of attitude about growing old. People are becoming more comfortable with aging," said Ms Gerard. She urged people to get a copy of the document and respond to the proposals. "If you feel strongly about this you have got to tell the government. I can't emphasize that enough." ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA Rev. E. Paul Acton 887-9273 5th Sunday after Epiphany - Feb. 9 (M.P.) TRINITY, BLYTH ST. JOHN'S , BRUSSELS 9:30 a.m. 11:15 a.m. BRUSSELS UNITED CHURCH Rev. Cameron McMillan Church Office 887-6259 Manse 887-9313 11:00 a.m.- Worship Service - "Jesus Calls for Fishermen -Church School -Nursery -Ethel Worship Service9:30 a.m. Lord, help us to walk In your way and do your will HURON CHAPEL MISSIONARY CHURCH PASTOR JAMES H. CARNE AUBURN 526-7515 10 a.m. - Family Bible Hour 11 a.m. - Morning Service 8 p.m. - Evening Service Wednesday - Prayer & Bible Study Friday 7:30 p.m. - Youth MELVILLE Mental health office opens in Clinton Cutting edge A Huron office for the Canadian Mental Health Association opened last Wednesday in Clinton. The office will provide information about programs available to county residents. Dr. Harry Ciesler, chairman of the board of directors, (left), Ruth Schlacht, Co-ordinator, and Murray Taylor, Mayor of Clinton took part in the ribbon cutting to open the new office. The Huron County branch of the Canadian Mental Health Associa tion marked a new milestone last week when it opened an office in Clinton. The Huron county chapter start ed in 1986 and the recent expansion was made possible through a five- year funding program from the Trillium Foundation. Dr. Harry Ciesler of Goderich, chairman of the Huron board of directors, Clinton Mayor Murray Taylor and Ruth Schlacht took part in the ribbon cutting for the new office. The office, and an upstairs board room, will be the focal point for information and services from the Canadian Menial Health Asso ciation. Among the programs offered are: Living Colour, a pro gram which guides elementary school teachers to help their stu dents build self-esteem and develop communications skills; Interlink, an intergenerational program which brings together older adults and young children in the celebration of words and music; Step Forward, a social and recreational program which assists adults experiencing mental health difficulties to estab lish themselves as contributing members of their community. The office also provides pam phlets and a lending library service. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS Rev. Carolyn McAvoy 11:00 a.m. - Morning Service - Sunday School 9:30 a.m. -Belgrave Service We welcome you to come and worship with us. BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH HIGHWAY 4, BLYTH DR. W. H. LAMMERS Sunday at 10 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. The farewell service tor Dr. Lammers will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, February 9th ******** The Church of the "Back to God Hour" and "Faith 20" Back to God Hour 10:30 a.m. CKNX Sunday Faith 20 5:00 a.m. Weekdays, Global T.V. All Visitors ‘Welcome 'Wheelchair accessible "...as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. " Joshua 24:15 BRUSSELS MENNONITE FELLOWSHIP 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Christian Education Hour 12 Noon Fellowship Potluck Lunch 7:30 p.m. Winter Bible School at Brussels Mennonite Pastor Tom Warner Elder: Sharon Freeman 887-6388 887-6564 Valentine's Adult Fellowship Saturday, February 15 at 7:00 p.m. Theme: "Keeping our hearts sweet" Bring your spouse and/or friends Bring your favourite dessert