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Wednesdsay September 13, 2000 TH5 OAKVILLE BEAVER A5 Facility says lack of funding is problematic (Continued from page A 1 ) Jean and H ow ard C aine A partm ents) on Robinson Street was com pleted by the Ontario March o f Dimes in 1995 and contains 59 units, approximately 24 of which are home to those with disabilities who receive attendant care ser vices. One feature is self-directed care in which residents with disabilities direct staff how to attend to their needs, such as the manner in which they prefer to be lifted from bed into a wheelchair for example. March o f Dimes regional director Pearl Wolfe said she remains m ystified by Care W atch's position, especially after meeting with members over several months to discuss their concerns. "W e're working with them, recognizing that they're concerned members of the community," said Wolfe, who will be on hand at tonight's meeting. "W e're puzzled where all this is com ing from." Wolfe said she is taking Care W atch's con cerns "very seriously" but rem ains unsure just where the communication process has broken down. What would help, she explained, are more specifics from the group so that any problems can be addressed. "If the consumers are not happy, we have to take action," she said. Care Watch Halton was formed six months ago when a "loose group" of residents with shared general concerns about healthcare joined forces. As fate would have it, Care Watch's inau gural meeting was held in March at the Oakville Independent Living Centre, at which time build ing residents took the opportunity to state their concerns about "serious problems" there. Care Watch's survey of the building resulted in an "alarming response," said Ledwith, who explained that most residents want to remain anonymous for fear of retribution. Some, how ever, plan to give testimonials in public at tonight's meeting. "Our primary concern is attendant care ser vices, specifically self-directed care," said Ledwith, who made it clear that some residents have stated that they are happy with the care they are receiving. As an advocate for those who feel that care is inadequate, however, Ledwith said Care Watch wants two things. The first is a M inistry o f Health and Long Term Care forensic audit of the building's independent living program. The second is for the M arch o f Dimes to review all aspects of its attendant care services in the building and "assess the effectiveness and continuance of the self- directed care model." Over the past six months, Care W atch has sent its concerns to the M inistry of Health and Oakville M PP Gary Carr. Ledwith said her group has also tried to work with the M arch of Dimes but characterized the organization's response as "dism issive." Wolfe disagrees and said som etim es resi dents may not get the answ er they want and therefore feel that they are being disregarded. "I think we have really tried to work with consum ers and those w orking on their behalf," said Wolfe. "We regret that it's reached this stage." Wolfe said one explanation for som e o f the m isunderstanding may have arisen from the way the building slowly filled with tenants who, given their small num bers, enjoyed a higher level o f service. W hen the place became full, services were spread more equitably. In addition, W olfe explained that extra stress is placed on service levels as residents with disabilities get older or their conditions degenerate due to illness. "W e're really doing our best to work with people in a su p p o rtiv e en v iro n m en t that respects how they choose to live their lives, and th at's not alw ays easy," said Wolfe. Wolfe said she's loathe to pass the buck to the governm ent but feels that everyone m ust understand the funding challenges her organi zation faces. w e 'v e J u s t should see what we brought with us. STORE HOURS: MON.-FRI. 9:30-9:00, SAT. 9:30-6:00, SUN. 11:00-6:00. TEL: 403-8742 9:30 am, Winston Churchill Blvd. & Dundas St. Welcome to our grand re-opening in Erin Mills. A new store at a great new location filled to the brim with everything you've come to expect from Winners and more. More of the latest designer fashions for men, women and children. And browse for something perfect in our expanded home decor and giftware aisles. All the brand names and designer labels you'll find at other stores for 20 - 60% less than other stores! With thousands of items arriving each week there's always something new to try on. But first try out our new look. We think you'll agree now, more than ever, Winners is a new store every day. NOW WITH 32 LOCATIONS IN THE GREATER TORONTO AREA. Call toll free 1 -8 7 7 -W IN N -8 7 7 fo r th e nearest store location.