Nursing home rally at Case Manor, Bobcaygeon, as cuts and layoffs announced
Sienna Living says patient care won't be affected
CUPE 3204 members rallied outside Case Manor in Bobcaygeon on Friday after unexpected layoffs and reduced hours were announced earlier this week.
Sienna Living, owner of the care home, told Kawartha Lakes Weekly in a statement that staffing levels are dependent on the number of residents and their level of care needs. “Following a careful review of staffing requirements at Case Manor Community, we have determined the need to adjust our staffing mix. We are currently working through these changes with our union partners through an established process, with the goal of minimizing any impact on team members,” said Nadia Daniell-Colarossi, director of public affairs for Sienna Senior Living.
Joan Kelly, president of CUPE 3204, said that staff were only notified of these changes on Monday. Her hope is that the rally will bring Sienna Living to the bargaining table. “We want (Sienna Living) to come to the table and have a discussion with the union, to come to a resolution to minimize the impact on the members,” she said.
Tracey Laframboise’s mother lives in the home, and she’s worried about the quality of care her mother is going to receive. “There’s just not enough staff to get through 30 residents on a floor when half of them need full time care,” she said.
“These workers, they don’t deserve to be cut. They deserve to be praised for all the work that they do and be recognized for it,” she continued.
Laframboise’s mother is 99 and has dementia. If staff isn’t available to check in on her, she won’t remember to eat or drink. “We’re paying for her care, but we’re also paying to make sure that (she’s) safe and looked after.”
Those with dementia might not remember who a person is, but they’re able to feel more at ease around those they know. “When different people are coming in all the time, they tend to get their back up, and they get concerned and worried,” said Laframboise.
Wendy Pipke, who has been a PSW at Care Manor for more than 10 years is also worried about the residents, especially those with dementia or Alzheimers. “If you’re bringing in all new people all the time, it’s just going to increase the dementia behaviour.”
For Pipke, and other workers, they’re not only worried about the care residents will be provided with, but also what’s going to happen to them. “I gave (Sienna Living) a solution. I told them that we would take the hours cut if they paid us the same wage, because we still have to manage our families,” said Pipke.
Bernadette Manning, a care support assistant at the long-term care home, is the sole provider for her and her husband and is now unsure what the future holds after being told that her position has been eliminated. “I have a little dog to feed. I got my husband, we both have health issues, and I’m losing everything,” she said.
Her job was only created a couple of years ago to support the PSWs in the home. “I’m hoping that (Sienna Living) will realize that we need more support, not less. Our residents are worth it.”
Sienna Living said that the level of care residents recieve will not be affected by these cuts. “We want to assure residents and families that the same level and quality of care, programs, and services will continue to be delivered, and that our focus remains on the health and well-being of everyone at the home,” said Daniell-Colarossi.
Yolanda McClean, secretary of treasury for CUPE Ontario, drove from Toronto to participate in the rally. “(The workers) deserve dignity and respect just as much as the residents,” she said. Her worry is that if cuts are being made here, they’ll also be made elsewhere, leaving more people without jobs.
McClean is hopeful that Sienna Living will agree to listen to what union members have to say. “We want to go back to the bargaining table with a collective agreement that stands for workers in a way that’s positive and fair for everybody.”
Very shameful of Sienna Living for putting profit before resident care. They need to rethink their layoff plan
How can you say the same level of care will be provided to residents after you cut staff? Are you going to pile more work on those who remain as if that will not downgrade the attention given to residents and the care they receive? It might convince those whose preoccupation is increasing the profits of a private business, but in real life, human terms it is not at all believable!
I understand that budgets are tight but reducing the number of PSWs will have very serious consequences for both the residents and the remaining staff. I urge you to reconsider and explore alternative cost-saving measures that don’t compromise care! PSWs are essential, not expendable! Investing in them means investing in the safety, dignity and wellbeing of the residents! Judith Butler-Derouin
We will be removing our parent’s name from this facility list. For profit health care is fundamentally against the principles of universal health care and Mr. Ford is directly profiting from keeping these vultures happy.
Absolutly right, if you are cutting staff, you are cutting resident care which should be a top priority in all homes. As people know resident care changes daily. These are our seniors and have a right to quality care,shame on our government @ sienna living for profiting.
When my mother was hospitalized after a series of strokes, she ended up in long term care. The home she ended up in was not my first choice, it was old and crowded. But in the long run I think was the best in that it was a not for profit and consistently staffed. She had the same support workers throughout her 2+ years there, and it was well staffed. When a spot opened up in a newer facility where she could have a private room, we toured the place and were shocked at lack of support staff. Vulnerable residents were shut away in their rooms behind closed doors and isolated. I opted to keep her where she was, although it meant sharing a room. Profit should not be the driving force in vulnerable patient care.