STOP the cut in funding to Ontario Long Term Care Facilities

As with many Ontarians I have a parent currently in a Long Term Care facility,  Georgian Manor in Penetanguishene.  Today family members were informed by Jane Sinclair, General Manager, Health and Emergency Services at The Corporation of the County of Simcoe that the provincial funding provided by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care will be reduced by $340,000 beginning April 1st of 2016. While Ms Sinclair stated in her letter that it is too early to have a plan to address this issue with the Ministry, it must be realized that ANY discussion on a plan on how to handle these cuts within her county council is not likely to result in a reversal of this decision by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.

 The voice of the public needs to be heard by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.  It is OUR tax dollars that support provincial programs, and the care of our loved ones must remain a priority.  Long Term Care facilities already run on a budget that leaves them understaffed in nursing care. The meal plan for the seniors is sadly inadequate as referenced in this survey taken in 2015 by dietitians - PLEASE read this, follow the link http://www.dietitians.ca/Downloads/Public/11-2015-Raw-Food-Cost-Survey-Report.aspx .  The report clearly references the lack of protien and fresh fruit and vegetables in the diet of a senior in a Long Term Care facility.  Further, Ontario Prisons spend more per incarcerated person per meal daily than those that built and served this country (our parents).  Nursing homes spend $7.87 per day for 3 meals and 2 snacks, while prisons spend $4.00 per day MORE than that. My parent currently spends $2300. per month for care that is not to the standard that the family expects.  This monthly amount is sure to escalate with funding cuts while care such as adequate staffing and quality of food will decline. We need this addressed as soon as possible.

This petition is to request that the Minister of Health and Long Term Care work with his counterparts in government to review and adjust funding to provincial programs in order to find the needed dollars to maintain and continue to invest in an acceptable standard of care for our seniors.  The men and women who built Canada, served our country and paid life long taxes.  Substandard care is completely unacceptable. 

Please sign this petition so that we can forward it to the Minister of Health and Long Term Care Honorable Dr Eric Hoskins   email:      ehoskins.mpp@liberal.ola.org