Long-term care advocacy campaign about to launch
Fraser tells administrators to remember the success of last year’s campaign
Thursday March 4, 2004 Roderick Benns
In a memo to all OMNI administrators, OMNI CEO Fraser Wilson has signalled the imminent launch of the Ontario Long Term Care Association’s annual advocacy campaign for more long-term care funding.

Fraser says the past two campaigns over two years has shown that "by rallying the long term care community we were able to positively impact government direction and funding."

Fraser is referring to the action taken by the Province shortly after the postcard campaign for more long-term care dollars ended. By the end of March last year, the Province had committed $100 million more to the long-term care envelope. Over 76,000 residents, staff, family and community members took part.

Staying resident-focused, Fraser told administrators that "the pressures on our system and our people is, and continues to be, very real. Think of the things we could do with our residents with staffing levels similar to Saskatchewan. Imagine the difference in the lives of our residents with behavioural challenges with more one-to-one care, imagine the support and encouragement we could give to those residents that have given up, imagine the possibilities of the collaborative human spirit with enhanced staffing level and increased morale."

Last year, OMNI mobilized staff and family members to set the pace for Ontario’s long-term care community. Ontario Long Term Care Association Members account for 45,000 of Ontario’s beds. Of those, OMNI represents just 3.5 per cent. Yet OMNI rallied 20 per cent of the cards gathered last year in support of the campaign.

Fraser notes that although the new Liberal government has indicated seniors will not be forgotten for funding, it will be important they "keep their word about making our seniors a priority."

"This is our opportunity to demonstrate the depth of our commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. Let's stand proud and strong. Let's rally our people, families and friends of long term care and show that we truly care," says Fraser.

The Ontario Long Term Care Association will be holding information sessions March 10-12 in Ottawa, Toronto and London. Fraser has encouraged OMNI administrators to attend one of the sessions to get details of the campaign that will begin to roll out for completion between mid-March and early April.

The sessions will outline the campaign, provide process and other details and equip members to communicate the campaign to residents, families, staff and others. The association is also hoping to be able to distribute campaign material at that time, such as posters.