QUEEN’S PARK — MPP Peggy Sattler shared heartbreaking stories of London West constituents to highlight the homecare crisis in Ontario.
"Kim Fowler’s mother has severe COPD and dementia and cannot care for herself," Sattler shared. "PSWs are supposed to bring her breakfast and dinner, but at least once a week they don’t show up. Earlier this month, Kim’s mother became sick from dehydration because, with no PSW, she had nothing to eat or drink. Kim is trying to manage all aspects of her mother’s care while she waits for a long-term care reassessment, but she is desperate and close to burnout."
Sattler explained that Kim's story is not new and not unique. According to the VON, they cannot meet 50% of the referrals that they receive.
Sattler then went on to share another devastating homecare story: "This month, Robin Floyd’s son, who is vision-impaired and has a heart condition, went for surgery at London Health Sciences Centre. After being discharged with a drainage tube, he was told that a home care nurse would come the next day to check the incision and drain the tube. After countless phone calls and endless frustration, Robin finally managed to get a home care appointment nine days after her son had his surgery."