Big time changes down the Pike

Going Backwards

Lots of things are starting to happen here at the centre Recently. Another resident that was labeled ‘high observation” funding (bed ridden, cannot speak anymore) has died and coincidently we are getting a new call bell system. So one of the RESPIRATORY nursing attendant’s staff positions has been pulled from the floor to monitor the call bells for 1 ½ months, while they are installing the new system. They often use well trained/long term staff over new staff freshly graduated NAs to work the bells instead of the floor were their skills are needed. This was surprise announcement on Friday creating a very hostel environment for the residents and staff. There are too many secrets, going on,. Today I was floored when I finally counted, we have gone from 16 to 10 ventilator beds (over 2 years) only 6 are on 24 hrs 3 at night. Our manager felt we had TOO MUCH STAFF so was not a good advocate for the residents defend us to this upper management decision.. In a letter I wrote:

"Boy were they angry! I do not like it either but they do not have to take it out on us. I had to bite my tongue and be really nice and be kind. Hard to do when someone is cruel and disrespectful and pushing, shoving and rolling there eyes pretending not to hear you when your totally uncomfortable. i couldn't wait for someone else to fipositionision. People who hate their job should quit. Many staff here have been that way for a while. It seems to have calmed down slightly (temporarily)and not be so tense this last weekend. It is a bit unsettling to wonder who is getting me up. The import thing is they can get me in my chair (without giving me guff) If I can have my proper care and necessary needs met."

There is talk of loosing more staff as of Aug 31. They claim they refuse to take any more residents until cap health get a pulmonologist as a consult. I am feeling this may be a ruse to get rid of the program, which is very expensive . Meanwhile staff whom are working at other facilities claim that people who are stable but on ventilator residents are shoved towards the back of the hospitals waiting in limbo. They are not getting little if any rehab. THE GLENROSE DOES NOT TAKE ANYONE ON A VENTILATOR. People have been weaned inappropriately to get there, later to die. We do not have opportunities which were once offered to Christopher Reeve and Gary McPherson . Other few time people, are sent home with insufficient recourses. Last Dec I met a grandmother whom had her 16 year old granddaughter living at home on a ventilator. I gave her my phone number but she never called but I got the impression that the homecare was minimal. There needs to be some long term planning.

IÂ’m feeling devastated as we are getting further away from full participation. I was making BABY STEPS towards proper care. NOW WE ARE GOING BACKWARDS AGAIN.

As far as taxpayers money goes (in case you were wondering), the cost would not have been a problem if the government did not sell off ALL of it's money making invebusinessesinesses such aUtilitiesilities of power, water, and gas for instant cash.

That would have also kept down the hidden costs whiinsanelyinsanly high now. This has driven up the cost of heathcare, social seretcesThent. then Funding would not have to have come from higher taxes but generated Income. perhap then I could have contributed.


Michelle