October Monthly Update

The month of October has been a busy one for the Association and its members. Your President, Connie Evans has requested that every home submit five to ten letters from support staff, clients, family members, and workers etc., explaining how the home has made a difference in their life or life of the client.

It should explain the need for the amount of care received and just how high the level of care is in the homes. They should really highlight the fact that the majority of the clients in these homes have a much greater quality of life because of this care and that most would not be able to live safely, successfully and independently on their own. Connie has done a great job convincing the many levels of Government that our programs are indeed beneficial and NEEDED.

Their eyes and ears are open now, but they need more than one voice to realize just how important the homes and programs are. Connie has sent out over 200 letters so far to the Deputy Minister of Health, Ministry of Health and Provincial Hosing Program Managers, but she needs your help now! The more voices, more letters, more stories they receive, the bigger the impact. You can email your letters directly to Connie at [email protected] and she will mail them out for you. If you have already sent your letters directly, please remember to email a copy to Connie so she can save them as documentation of proof provided to those in power.

All regional meetings were held in October with the Regional directors informing local members of information shared at the Presidents’ and Directors Meeting. The assessment levels program, letter drives, meetings with members of government and research paper were discussed. As a result of one of the meetings, I am pleased to announce that the York Region District has been given a $1.50 increase in PER DIEM, bringing it to $51.50, which will be implemented as of January 2016. Please make the effort to be in contact with your regions and use this York increase as fuel to have your PER DIEMS increased accordingly. They were also informed that Miriam Johnston, Manager, Forensic Mental Health & Community Services Branch, Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care will be touring homes in the month of November, dates TBD.

On a special note, Connie Evans will be hosting a fundraiser for York-Simcoe MPP, Julia Munro On Thursday, December 3 2015 at 6pm. Tickets are $100.00 each and can be purchased in advance through Connie. This fundraiser is very important as we are going to call on her to ask questions on the Government floor on our behalf. She has done this in the past and done so successfully. Connie would love for anyone to come and take part and support this cause. There will be plenty of food and holiday cheer!

On a final note, inspection season is almost over. If anyone has/had any issues please feel free to call or email for assistance, but it seems most have gone well-even fire!