‘I don’t think we’ll be working too hard’
Family member establishing family council at Streamway Villa
Friday, September 3, 2004 - Natalie Miller
Fred Evans is looking forward to establishing a family council at Streamway Villa in Cobourg. But he doesn’t think there will be much for the council to do.

That’s because Fred is pleased with not only the care his wife, Norah, receives but also with the everyday occurrences at the long-term care home. A daily visitor and volunteer, the Port Hope man applauds the staff members at Streamway Villa.

“I couldn’t recommend a (better) place than this,” says Fred.

“If you think I’m praising it, I am.” So much so, Fred has asked to take part in tours of the home with potential new residents and family members. He’s quick to tell visitors his impressions of the home, notes Administrator Leeanne Hadley.

“He’d like to be the tour person,” says Leeanne.

“He’s very much an advocate for our home.”

There are three people involved in establishing the council at Streamway Villa. Fred says he’s in the process of getting a brochure made. However, Fred says, There’s so little to ask for” of Streamway Villa. I don’t think we’ll be working to hard.”

The Ontario Health Minister is making family councils mandatory in all long-term care homes, as part of a reform to this sector of health care. George Smitherman announced last week $385,345 to support family and resident councils in Ontario.