There is a desperate need for more money to get people to work in long-term care homes, according to the Ontario Health Care Coalition.
Speaking in Thunder Bay, spokesperson Jules Tupker tells us people who consider becoming a PSW hear those currently working in it are overworked, over stressed and not able to do the job.
“They are there for a while, a year or two years, some are longer. And at a certain point they say ‘I can’t do it anymore, I can’t provide the care that I want to give to these residents’, and they leave.” says Tupker.
The local coalition adds PSW’s are taking jobs as custodians or kitchen staff just to get away from the stress. He can’t say how much money is needed to do the job effectively.
“Rather than just make it a production line of get up, get your clothes on, go to the bathroom, and get down to the dining room, they can actually live and talk to the family member and look after them.” adds the local chapter spokesperson.
He adds the Ontario Health Coalition has been raising this issue for 20 years, and the problem is only getting worse.
“It was developing during the Liberal regime, all the years when they were there. And not much has changed, it’s gotten worse. Now, with the Ford government, we’re really concerned that it’s not going to get any better.” says Tupker.
However, the Thunder Bay chapter says it remains optimistic something can change otherwise it wouldn’t release the information.
