Advocates for Senior Citizens’ Rights would like to inform everyone of Newfoundland and Labrador that there will be a petition circulated to every community possible in our province. We need all your signatures.
“We will petition the House of Assembly as follows: To urge the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to instate legislation which includes the mandatory establishment of an adequate ratio of 1 staff to 3 residents in Long Term Care and all other applicable regional health facilities housing persons with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive debilitating conditions in order to ensure appropriate safety, protection from injuries, proper hygiene care and all other required care. This law would include the creation of a specific job position in these facilities for monitoring and intervention as required to ensure the safety of patients.”
We have had much support, but will need many more people from all communities to volunteer. The names of those who have stepped up to help are listed on our group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/267571013597446/
When the House reconvenes in fall, these petitions will be presented.
Related story:
Campaign to address long-term care concerns in Central Newfoundland gaining momentum
Via email, we have contacted all government members and have extended all party leaders, the opportunity to share their views regarding Lillian’s Law. Our 8,000+ members would like to know where you stand. Many are saying they will base their votes in the upcoming election on what has already been done prior to that election time, regarding the passing of Lillian’s Law; many votes. We are also part of the Seniors Coalition, 13 other groups who support this.
Currently only 2 members and 1 party leader has responded and who fully agrees and supports our goal. MHA Paul Lane and MHA Lorraine Micheal, has agreed to present Lillian’s Law to the House of Assembly. I have corresponded with NDP Leader Gerry Rogers who noted that Lorraine takes the lead on this but she also extends her support.
We had hoped for more responses, as it is the role and “job” of all government to be “The Voice of The People.”
This is about what is morally acceptable and just. It is about speaking up for those who cannot speak up for themselves. It’s time our seniors were no longer ignored, but protected by law. Ontario has such a law. Daycare in this province has a law that guarantees proper care of children, even cruelty to animals is punishable by law.
It is time the same exists for our seniors.
There needs to be adequate staff to provide proper care. Remember, God willing, we will all be seniors eventually and may need Lillian’s Law to ensure proper care. Ultimately, you are doing this for your own benefit as well.
The Advocates for Senior Citizens’ Rights group speaks for vulnerable senior citizens and LTC residents, with simply one goal: a law that will protect senior citizens with adequate staff.
Lillian’s Law will establish an appropriate staff-to-resident ratio, ensuring necessary appropriate care by professionals trained in the “gentle persuasion techniques.” This ratio was arrived at by using the current “standards and policies” that are obviously not being followed, but would be enforced with a law. Lillian’s Law can be accessed in its entirety on the group’s facebook page. Though we keep in mind that this is the suggested and specific concerns to be addressed in this law that we aim to have put forward, as referred to in the petition to be signed from N.L. resident communities, we ultimately understand that we can only suggest the wording to be used.
This is about what is morally acceptable and just, and speaking up for those who cannot speak up for themselves. It is time our seniors were no longer ignored, but protected by law.
Dignity, compassion and respect need to enter into this equation, along with human rights and entitlements.
Please, message me on group page or call 709 537-5433 to volunteer.
Please volunteer to circulate the petition in your community. This needs to be a government priority.
Sharon Goulding-Collins
for Advocates for Senior Citizens’ Rights
