 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
understanding and sympathetic. She had heard of the proposed closures of the centres, but neither she nor any of her
co-workers that she asked have been contacted by anyone from the Ministry to prepare for new residents. She said that
she understood our fears and anxiety and was sure that the moves will take place in a planned, well thought out manner.
She explained to me that all of the "providers" such as Community Living Mississauga, Brampton/Caledon Community
Living, Mary Centre, Christian Horizons, etc., all come under an organization called "Residential Services Management
Committee". Once that Committee is advised by Huronia that a resident needs placement, they will put the word out to the
"providers" along with "the amount of money coming with her". The "providers" may then decide to visit the resident at
Huronia, meet with her staff and decide whether they believe they can service her for the amount of money being offered.
If so, they will offer to take her. She assured me several times that a provider will not offer to take a resident unless they
are confident that they can provide the support needed with the amount of money being offered. There is no incentive to
do so since then they would be forced to "pick up the tab". Following are some questions I asked and answers I received:
Questions and Answers:
1. Can I Visit a Group Home to Get an Idea of What to Expect:
No. Because we respect the privacy of our residents, we do not allow visitors to tour their homes, just as you would not
appreciate strangers coming through your home. If Community
Living Mississauga, as a provider, offers to service your relative and then determines which home she will be placed in,
then you will be invited to visit that home, meet the other residents and decided if your feel it is a good match.
2. This Sounds Like a Very Long Process. How Long From the Time a Resident is Slated to be Moved to the
Time She is Actually Placed?
It varies, but I can tell you that the last group home we purchased a year ago is still vacant. It takes a while to find a home,
have it renovated, hire staff and finally place residents.
3. What Qualifications Do you Ask of Your Staff?
Again, it varies. We have some workers with one or two university degrees, others with College degrees. There is quite a
variety.
4. What is the Staff/Resident Ratio?
It depends of the needs of the residents. The group homes usually consist of 3 to 4 residents. There could be one day
staff and one night staff, or two day staff. We even have one situation where one of our residents has one-on-one care.
All night staff is awake at all times.
5. What Will Happen When My Relative Needs to See a Doctor/Dentist or Needs a Haircut?
The family will be responsible for finding those services and staff will take the resident to the appointments. (I told her if
she expected to take my sister to a doctor's office and sit in a waiting room for her appointment, Community Living is in for a
real treat! She replied that they may be able to work out other arrangements, but didn't know what.)
6. What Will Happen to Residents That are Currently on Your Waiting List?
Community Living has received calls from those on the waiting list since they heard of the closures. Community Living
Mississauga currently has more than 300 on their waiting list and they have been waiting for "years and years and years".
Huronia's residents will take precedence mainly because they will be bringing money with them.
7. How Much Does it Cost to Support a Resident in Community Living?
I can only give you a ballpark figure, but one-on-one 24-hour care would cost approximately $140,000 per year BEFORE
the cost of housing.
8. What is Community Living's Philosophy? Will my Sister Be Expected to Contribute to Household Duties?
We believe that our residents have a right to live a normal, productive life within their community. We encourage residents
to perform household duties, but if they need assistance they will receive it.
Other questions I neglected to ask might be:
- Will my relative have her own counselor who will be responsible for her or are all staff equally responsible?
- Will Community Living provide her clothing?
- What outside activities are offered?