SENIORS FOR SOCIAL ACTION (ONTARIO)
News Releases
and Editorials
Statement of Support for Liberal Eldercare Plan
Steven Del Duca’s plan for reforming elder care actually shows he is listening to what seniors want; to age at home and in their community with support they can count on. With boldness, vision and specific commitments the Liberal Party plan shifts public policy towards a more modern, efficient, and cost effective way of responding to frail older citizens who need assistance as they age. Finally Ontarians have an elder care platform they can get behind and vigorously support.
Douglas Cartan
Seniors for Social Action Ontario (SSAO)
April 27, 2022
ADVOCACY INFORMATION BULLETIN
LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES
Seniors for Social Action Ontario (SSAO) is receiving communications from members about serious care and safety-related issues in long-term care institutions. When a loved one is in jeopardy in one of these facilities it is difficult to know where to turn for assistance. This bulletin is provided to assist members who may find themselves in this situation.
Information Bulletin
CAN YOU BE FORCED TO PAY A CO-PAYMENT BY HOSPITALS IF YOU ARE AN ALTERNATE LEVEL CARE PATIENT?
Many families are being forced to place loved ones in long-term care institutions when the first available bed comes up. They are told they will be required to pay steep hospital fees if they do not accept the bed. But is this true?
Here is what the Ministry of Health has to say.
Editorial
Home Care Crisis in Ontario
Home care is an essential part of elder care and is a critically important approach to allowing people to age in place. Most elders expect to and hope to remain at home as they age. And home care is a good investment for governments because it is far less costly than hospitalization or long-term care.
Unfortunately, home care in Ontario is in crisis. The Ford government is so intent on pouring money into long-term care institutions that the quality and quantity of home care is in dire straits.
Vulnerable people in Ontario are the ones suffering. ......
Editorial
A Home for Mom and Dad
We are all aware of the abysmal state of eldercare in Ontario, where home care is minimal, where attempting to support aging parents is often overwhelming for families, and where the absence of other choices forces thousands of old people into long term care institutions.
We know that a system that is based primarily on institutions (most of which are operated for profit) cannot provide elderly people with the support they require to have a good life. ..........
Editorial
A TRANSFORMATIVE VISION FOR LONG TERM CARE IN ONTARIO
Christine McMillan is 91 years old, has a wealth of real world experience, and founded OASIS along with Brian Brophy while President of Frontenac Kingston Council on Aging. OASIS is a naturally occurring retirement community located in an apartment building owned by Homestead Landholding Inc. Hers and Brian’s intent was to build a community of tenants and introduce a program that would include formal and informal social events, exercise programs, guest speakers, skill sharing and other projects as well as affordably priced congregate dining. An onsite coordinator would help tenants to access community supports as their needs changed..........
Editorial
Creating Change in an Entrenched
Long-Term Care System: Lessons from the Past
How to make significant change in long-term care is a huge challenge. Long- term care in Ontario has been entrenched for over 40 years, even though older adults do not aspire to be institutionalized. This entrenched system has withstood numerous scathing reports and inquiries, including the recent Commission Report, and yet little has changed. Most people would agree that this is a broken system.
Neither the federal government nor the provinces are showing the kind of leadership we need. The recent Commission Report fails to recommend alternatives that could have made a significant difference to the lives of our vulnerable elders. Also, advocacy for change remains limited and divided.
So how can an entrenched system like this be changed? .........
PUBLIC STATEMENT SUPPORTING DISABILITY RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS CONCERNING A CRITICAL CARE TRIAGE PROTOCOL
Issued by:
Seniors for Social Action Ontario
November 30, 2020
JOINT PUBLIC STATEMENT CALLING FOR
END TO PROFIT IN LONG TERM CARE
Issued by:
Concerned Friends of Ontario Citizens in Care Facilities
Seniors for Social Action Ontario
Ontario Society of Senior Citizens’ Organizations
November 3, 2020
EARLY RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE ONTARIO COMMISSION ON LTC AND THE PANDEMIC DEAL WITH SYMPTOMS NOT CAUSES
In an attempt to bind the wound the Commission has bypassed the cure
October 23, 2020
SENIORS FOR SOCIAL ACTION ONTARIO (SSAO) STRONGLY SUPPORTS BILL 196, which would create a Senior’s Advocate Office
October 14, 2020
A DIGNIFIED OLD AGE: CARE IN THE COMMUNITY
Fall 2020 Ontario Pre-Budget Submission
October 6, 2020
PUBLIC STATEMENT THANKING OTTAWA’S AND DURHAM REGION’S MEDICAL OFFICERS OF HEALTH
September 24, 2020
PROVINCIAL SENIORS ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION CALLS FOR ONTARIO’S AUDITOR GENERAL TO CONDUCT A VALUE-FOR-MONEY AUDIT INTO LONG-TERM CARE HOMES
May 22, 2020
PROVINCIAL SENIORS ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION
CALLS FOR AN INDEPENDENT PUBLIC INQUIRY
May 19, 2020