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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2000-08-02, Page 17Safer living for seniors in retirement homes The Ontario Residential Care Association (ORCA) made an announcement earlier this summer about something that will mean safer living conditions for seniors in retirement homes. ORCA is creating a province-wide customer service hotline at (a l-800 number) to handle retirement home complaints. The Minister for Seniors, Helen Johns, announced that the provincial government will provide $l.l million towards the hotline's startup costs. ORCA, which is a voluntary, non­ profit organization that accredits retirement homes in Ontario, will own and operate the hotline. Later this year, the hotline will handle the complaints about any retirement home in the province, regardless of whether it is a member of ORCA or not. Staff trained and paid for by ORCA will act on behalf of retirement home customers or their families when they have com­ plaints. Along with a mediation process between the resident and the opera­ tor, ORCA staff will alert municipal­ ities to complaints that relate to issues within their jurisdiction. Municipalities already have the power to enforce the Health Protection and Promotion Act, Tenant Protection Act, fire code and building code in retirement homes. Many municipalities have passed by-laws that give them additional authority, and we would encourage all municipalities to follow their example. When complaints with homes are not resolved within a reasonable time, the nature of the complaint and the name of the home will be posted on an ORCA web site. This will apply to ALL retirement homes, regardless of whether or not they belong to ORCA. In addition, the government will work with ORCA to launch an extensive consumer education pro­ gram to make seniors and their fam­ ilies aware of the hotline and help them make informed choices about retirement homes. “The issue of safety and security for our seniors is critically important to this government,” Minister Johns said. “I am fully confident that this province-wide approach of ORCA’s in combination with existing munic­ ipal fire, health, building and safety standards will ensure better moni-j toring and improved conditions for retirement home residents.” The hotline announcement fol­ lows several other recent initiatives which help underline the govern­ ment’s commitment to making sure seniors feel safe in the community. These initiatives include $3.5 mil­ lion to establish a permanent Community Policing Partnership program and $6 million for three specialized OPP policing teams including a Seniors Assistance Squad aimed at those who try to scam seniors. The government also has a large number of ongoing programs specif­ ically aimed at seniors. These include everything from funding prescription drugs for seniors to a I0-point strategy aimed at victims of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias and their families. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2000. PAGE 17. Seeing double Cast members of the Bluewater Playhouse production of The Drawer Boy visited Blyth to see the Blyth Festival production of the same play, then visited cast members on stage. Comparing notes on their roles are from left Dennis O’Connor from Bluewater with John Blackwood of Blyth, Blyth’s Layne Coleman with Ron Gabriel from Kincardine and Blyth’s Gil Garratt with Kincardine’s Brendan Gall. Gabriel, a member of the Blyth company inthe past, said it was the first time he’d ever seen someone else portray the same role he was acting in at the same time. Considering forage quality Continued from page 11 options if inventory is low. • For ewes, turnips may be considered for any late seeding (July). This can be done on land left unseeded due to spring conditions, or following winter cereals. This will extend the grazing season, reduce costs and relieve pressure on hay supplies. • Fall rye may also be considered as a grazing crop to extend the grazing season and avoid the use of diminished volumes of high quality hay. This is merely a list of suggestions. They may be used in combinations or individually as required or possible. Knowing your options ahead of time may sustain productivity using poor forages or minimize the negative impact of our weather conditions on forage quality. A little exercise can go a long way! Walking 3 km in 35 minutes can do wonders for your health. It's that simple. 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