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Cameron organizes Sept. 27 forum on support care for seniors by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 9 | Thursday, September 11, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Oakville resident Pearl Cameron is on a mission to generate more funding and awareness for senior care in Halton. With the support of Saint Matthews Roman Catholic Parish, Cameron is organizing and hosting a free seminar this month focusing on publicly-funded personal care for seniors and the organizations that deliver those services. The event will speak to challenges faced by seniors with special needs or disabilities, such as Alzheimer's disease, vision-impairment and physical ailments. The three-hour community forum, set for Sept. 27 at Oakville Town Hall, will encourage seniors and their families to share their experiences of personal care. "The health care system is not what it should be for seniors. I have heard of different cases over the years, which I personally consider to be abusive, that show a lack of proper care and a lack of respect for seniors," said Cameron. "Unfortunately, the federal government doesn't seem to realize that cutting our services is not the best thing for us. We've all paid our dues." A number of speakers from various health and personal support organizations will represent their agency. Following the lectures, there will be a discussion with the audience. Panelists confirmed to date include: John and an official from a home care provider, fronting on the ground," he said. proved beneficial. "Are more seniors going to have more falls "I put my cards on the table. The problem if they're not cared for properly and left in with seniors is they're afraid to speak up," their own devices? Will there be more accisaid Cameron. dents at home? The evidence seems to sup"Many of them think if they criticize the port that is what is happening, but the federal government or bring any issues forward, the government seems to be unable to address services will be cut. That could never hap- the issue," said John-Frederick. pen." Cameron hopes the seminar will help seThe training of personal support workers niors connect with Ontario care providers, (PSWs) must be addressed, Cameron said, who could then link with other provinces. noting they must be properly trained to hanAs the senior population increases, so too dle the "special issues" many seniors have. will the need for more funding for their per"The (organizations) should be asking sonal support, John-Frederick said. PSWs, `How is your client doing? What "If we're going to say, as a society, that it is do you think they need? Do you think we a benefit to us to have seniors remain in their should cut the hours?'" said Cameron. homes -- it's a safer environment, less cost More transparency is needed for the fund- to the health care system and less emergency ing that personal-support organizations re- room scenarios -- then fund it adequately so ceive from the government, Cameron said, the seniors in their homes get the care they and how they determine the amount of care need." Pearl Cameron a senior needs. The seniors' forum takes place from 1-4 Rafferty, national president and CEO of CNIB; John-Frederick's mother is hosting the fo- p.m. in the South Atrium of Oakville Town Mary Burnett, president of the Alzheimer So- rum to "highlight the issues people are con- Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Rd. ciety of Canada; and Lorrie Patton, owner of Nurse Next Door. Additional speakers may be added to the lineup. Sexual aSSault & Violence interVention Cameron, who is vision-impaired, has reSerViceS (SaViS) of Halton ceived personal care through a community · free anti-violence presentations to businesses/associations/schools care access centre for more than 15 years. · free confidential counselling The senior has faced challenges in secur· free 24-hour support line - anyone may call: 905.875.1555 ing appropriate support, but noted a meeting between herself and her son, John-Frederick 905.825.3622 · Toll free: 877.268.8416 · www.savisofhalton.org Cameron, with Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn