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Commentary:
A message from Fraser
As you are aware, the government, without consultation
with the OLTCA, reduced the reimbursement for property
tax from 90 per cent to 73 per cent retroactively for
2003 and to 50 per cent for 2004. The impact on OMNI of
this decision is $333,000 for 2003 and $838,000 for 2004
- almost $1.2 million.
Naturally, I am disheartened and frustrated.
We continue to work very hard to make a difference, to
heighten our benchmark and stand as an example of what
is possible. This is evidenced through our unprecedented
investment in our people through, creating homes where
our people are empowered and encouraged to apply their
new knowledge. Creating homes where we constantly try
to individualize our care, reduce medications and promote
creativity and flexibility, all in the interest of allowing
our residents to live their best lives. We promote Dining
with Care, Plating with Pride and Nourishing the Body,
Mind and Soul. When combined with Healthy Living, Healthy
Skin and Tena these all add up to an organization of people
that truly cares for its residents. Add to this the incredible
work of our restorative care teams that create great ambience,
one-on-one care, restorative and rehabilitation interventions
and engage our residents socially, spiritually, physically
and emotionally. Then there is the environmental team,
which takes great pride in the cleanliness and sanitation
of our homes, the personal laundry of our residents, and
who worked with us diligently to see the transition to
Tena, and always ensure there are no odours in our homes.
We have been responsible fiscal stewards with the monies
advanced to us by both government and our residents. We
have, and continue, to invest in our people and physical
plants in an effort to continuously improve our services
to our residents. We are accountable to our residents
and their families, our people and the Ministry. We are
entrusted with the health and safety of our residents
- a responsibility we take very seriously. We can stand
proud knowing our efforts and investments are making a
meaningful contribution to the lives of others.
We have accomplished all of this, even in times where
there is validated evidence through the Level of Service
Study of the need for significantly more staff in long-term
care.
Yet, the response of this Liberal government is to knock
the feet from under us. We cannot deal with the change
to the property taxes without consequence to our homes.
We cannot reasonable absorb $1.2 million without jeopardizing
the spirits of our people, the environments for our residents
and the levels of service that we have become renowned
for.
This year we had planned to reinvest more than $1.3 million
in our homes, without the assistance of a government capital
renewal funding. Almonte, Frost and Village Green were
going to receive $200,000 each to make significant improvements
within their homes. These intended actions were honourable
and consistent with our mission "to experience hope,
purpose and belonging in long term care." This change
in policy is taking long-term care back two decades -
a time of bare minimums, poor physical plants and depressed
morale. In order to absorb the loss in revenue, we will
be withdrawing all capital improvements, with the exception
of absolute necessities.
These changes confuse me. This government knows the working
conditions and staff morale in most health-care sectors
is depressed. It knows and has acknowledged in its election
platform there is a need for more staffing in long-term
care. Although we are doing our part to create meaningful
and fulfilling workplaces, the government has to be aware
its decisions to date are in contradiction to its spoken
and written word and will reduce the quality and quantity
of services to our residents.
This government represents itself as advocates for seniors.
As it moves to change the health-care system, the government
is not consulting with provider associations. Decisions
are being made in isolation of the expertise needed for
meaningful and successful change - and that has already
proven itself to be regressive and short-sighted.
My hope is the government sees the errors of its ways.
I'm not holding my breath.
Fraser
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| In an effort to bring
you independent news about the OMNI community, this
story was prepared by a third party news provider,
Axiom
News Services. It has not been subject
to prior editorial approval by OMNI Health Care. |
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