To whom this may concern, 

I’m Crystal Rondeau and I’m currently residing at 820 Sherbrooke, Health Sciences Centre, GH6, Winnipeg Manitoba 
My email is supergimpchick@icloud.com 

And it is November 22nd, 2024

 

This is a “Petition for the Establishment of a Program to Support 24/7 Personal Care for Individuals with Disabilities”

We, the undersigned, respectfully submit this petition to advocate for the development of a program in Winnipeg, Manitoba, that would empower individuals with disabilities to hire their own 24/7 personal care assistants. This initiative aims to promote independence, dignity, and quality of life for those who require support to live in their own homes.

 

Background

Many individuals with disabilities face significant challenges in accessing the necessary care to live independently. Current support systems often fall short in providing the flexibility and personalization needed for effective care. By enabling individuals to hire their own caregivers, we can ensure that support is tailored to individual needs and preferences.

 

Personal Testimony

I am currently facing a dire situation, and I need your help. I’m being threatened with discharge to the street, which feels like a death sentence. I require 24/7 care, but no program in the province is able or willing to provide the complex support I need. Right now, I’m going hours without being fed, I’ve lost 6 pounds, and in the 17 weeks I've been here, staff haven’t changed my sheets or bathed me—my mom and sister have to step in to provide that essential care.

The staff often express frustration about the time my care takes, and management seems to be asking them to overlook the serious shortcomings of understaffing, effectively neglecting me. I cannot go back home because my self-managed care program has been removed. Even when I had it, I only had access to 55 hours of staff support—far from enough for my needs. 

Riverview isn’t an option either; they will not accept me due to my inability to use transfer devices, like a hoyer lift, which means neglect and abuse would just continue there. Additionally, they won’t provide basic safety features like a saturation monitor, which is crucial because I de-saturate on my ventilator while suctioning and sleeping. And now, Janelle Partridge, GH6’s unit manager, and the executive of HSC won’t even allow me to attend meetings about my care, denying me the chance to advocate for myself. 

 

Purpose of the Petition

The purpose of this petition is to advocate for a program that would:

 1 Provide Funding:
Allocate financial resources to enable individuals with disabilities to hire qualified personal care assistants, addressing both physical and emotional needs.

 2 Promote Independence:     Empower individuals to make choices about their care and living arrangements, fostering a sense of autonomy and self-determination.

 3 Enhance Quality of Life:          Improve the overall well-being of individuals with disabilities by offering them the opportunity to live in a familiar and comfortable environment, surrounded by their communities.

 4 Support Local Economies:        Create job opportunities for caregivers within our community, contributing positively to the local economy.

Innovative Solutions

We propose that student nurses complete their practicum in the 24/7 care program. This would not only help fill caregiver positions but also provide valuable hands-on experience for future healthcare professionals.

Fair Compensation

We also advocate for a starting wage of $20 per hour for our caregivers. The role of a caregiver encompasses the responsibilities of various professions, including nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, chefs, pharmacists, EMTs, respiratory therapists, and beauticians. Our caregivers perform a wide range of essential tasks to support us in living independently, and their compensation should reflect the complexity and importance of their work.

Our Request

We urge the Canadian Government, Provincial Government, and all Regional Health Authorities to consider the following actions:

 1 Conduct a Needs Assessment:
Engage with individuals with disabilities and their families to understand the specific needs and barriers they face regarding personal care.

 2 Develop a Funding Model: Create a sustainable funding model that allocates resources for individuals to hire their own care providers.

 3 Implement Training Programs: Ensure that caregivers receive adequate training to provide high-quality, compassionate care either through a program or by the person who is hiring. 

Establish Oversight: Set up a system for monitoring and evaluating the program to ensure accountability and effectiveness.

 

Conclusion

By implementing a program that allows individuals with disabilities to hire their own 24/7 care, we can create a more inclusive and supportive community in Winnipeg. We believe that everyone deserves the right to live independently and with dignity, and this program is a crucial step toward achieving that goal.

 

To The People of Winnipeg 

I urge you to raise your voices for me and others in similar situations. Please reach out to the WRHA, Shared Health, and local news teams. Your emails and calls can make a difference. When you contact them, emphasize the urgency of my situation and the need for proper care. Every voice counts, and together, we can push for the support we desperately need.

 

Thank you for standing by me in this fight.

Sincerely,

Crystal Rondeau