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Seniors should not fear for care if they speak up by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 15 | Thursday, October 9, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com A recent forum in Oakville provided a glimpse into publicly-funded personal care for seniors and the institutes that deliver those services. Held at Town Hall, it featured presentations from members of various health and personal support organizations. It was organized by Oakville resident Pearl Cameron, who is vision-impaired and has received personal care through a community care access centre for more than 15 years. The senior said she faced some challenges in securing appropriate support, but noted a meeting between herself and her son, JohnFrederick Cameron, with Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn and an official from a homecare provider, proved beneficial. "I put my cards on the table... The problem with seniors is they're afraid to speak up," Cameron told the Oakville Beaver last month in explaining her reasons for organizing the forum. "Many of them think if they criticize the government or bring any issues forward, the services will be cut. That could never happen." Panelists included John Rafferty, national president and CEO of CNIB; Mary Burnett, president of the Alzheimer Societies of Brant, Haldimand-Norfolk and Hamilton-Halton; Lori Paton, owner of Nurse Next Door; Caroline Brereton, CEO of Mississauga Halton Mary Gavel of Care Home Health (front), along with a panel of health care administrators, answers questions posed by the audience during a seniors forum addressing issues faced by seniors needing medical care that took place at Oakville Town Hall Sept. 27. | photo by James Bradford - special to the Beaver "The providers and staff who work in hospitals and community care are all trying to do the right thing," said Brereton, noting clients and their families are given the opportunity through Mississauga Halton CCAC to provide feedback on their care. "There has been a sense that `if I speak out about my care and what's not working for me, maybe my care won't be delivered on time or maybe my care will be taken away.' That's not the case," said Brereton. Clients can speak with Brereton if staff members are unable to resolve their issues, she said, but added, "It's much better when you have an opportunity to talk with your care coordinator, your nurse or your personal support worker." Rafferty discussed the future challenges of vision health in Canada, noting a recent CNIB study pegged the cost of vision loss at more than $15 billion nationally. see Seniors on p.16 Community Care Access Centre (CCAC); and Mary Gavel, director of navigator and client advocacy for iCare Home Health Services. They discussed challenges faced by seniors with special needs or disabilities, such as Alzheimer's disease, vision-impairment and physical ailments. Brereton said it is "very eye-opening" to look at the current challenges of hospital and community care vis-à-vis patients' experiences. Fall Bridge Lessons Mississauga-Oakville Bridge Centre For Beginners...8 weeks, $195.00 For "Rusty" Players...8 weeks, $195.00 Wednesday afternoons 1:30, beginning Oct. 15th Monday mornings 9:30, beginning Oct. 27th Monday evenings 7:00, beginning Oct. 27th Bridge Games For Newer Players... Thursday mornings at 9:00 - ongoing weekly · Friday mornings at 9:15 - ongoing weekly And The American Contract Bridge League Please call (905) 820-5728 www.raynerbridge.com * CHES0 BREE 1 t s ir f e FREE to th in line people day! EACH October 4­5 & 11­13 *some exceptions apply. Manufacturers restrictions apply. SALE! OCTOBER OBER 16 (9AM - 8PM), OCTOBER OBER 17 (10AM - 8PM), OCTOBER OBER 18 (9AM - 5PM) (Thursda hursday, Friday & Saturday) Equestrian products & riding apparel. OUR BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR! HWY 401 ) (hwy 10 io St. Hurontar WAREHOUSE Five days! Britannia Rd. . Matheson Blvd . Mavis Rd hlin Rd. Keaton Cr. Located between Hwy. 10 (Hurontario St.) & Mavis Rd., just south of Matheson Blvd., on McLaughlin Rd. Minutes from Hwy 401 & 403 McLaug 5665 McLAUGHLIN RD., MISSISSAUGA, ON. GREENHAWK WAREHOUSE Eglinto n Ave. d. edy R Kenn Seven parks! 80OFF up to % * HWY 410 OFF HWY 403 (905) 238.0311 or 1.800.268.0484 | greenhawk.com | Like us on FACEBOOK N