NEGLECT OF SENIORS is not just an unfortunate occurrence; it is a systemic issue that strikes at the very heart of our community's values. We have experienced firsthand the HEARTBREAKING NEGLECT that our seniors are enduring and it NEEDS TO STOP NOW.  

• We request the IMMEDIATE SCRUNITY and OVERHAUL of the MANAGEMENT TEAM at NANAIMO FAMILY LIFE ASSOCIATION, funded by the UNITED WAY
• We request the Better At Home program servicing Gabriola be accountable in providing consistent, essential services as promised and advertised
• We find it EXTREMELY CONCERNING that the Director of the Better At Home program repeatedly terminates excellent service providers without reasonable cause, notice, or a replacement; resulting in suddenly and unexpectedly depriving seniors and the disabled of essential care for months at a time. This incompetancy and neglect by management has far-reaching consequences, dramaticlly affecting our seniors emotional, mental and physical well-being. This is an unethical deprivation of our basic human right to essential care and deserved human dignity. We request these ongoing, disgraceful management practices to be addressed immediately to protect our seniors rights to the vital health services that they need. 
• To help mitigate the high turnover of service providers and to ensure the longevity of staff, we request that the Better At Home booklet be re-written in a way that honestly and accurately represents the position of a service provider so that new employees can be better informed to decide if this position is right for them.
• We request that the title "light housekeeping" and "light yardwork" be changed to a more fitting title such as "Housekeeping with Care" and "Yardwork." Otherwise, this is a misrepresentation of the real physical demand required to regularily perform housekeeping and yardwork for several hours per day.
• Service providers have expressed shock at at the deplorable state of some of the homes. We request that homes that require deep cleaning, clutter/rubbish removal, and proper organization to first be qualified as "DEEP CLEANING REQUIRED" and NOT classified under "light housekeeping". For the homes that require deep cleaning we request that the extra services, resources, and hours needed for deep cleaning the home and property, be provided. This also ensures that the service providers are not asked to continue to work in deplorable conditions.
• The reality in providing cleaning service for seniors and the disabled is that you often deal with continual unexpected health crises and incontinence, resulting in the necessary cleaning of fecal matter, urine, and vomit (that, again, should NOT be categorized under the title of light housekeeping OR to expect this to be regularily handled by Hazardess Waste Management). Performing this type of cleaning requires extra compassion, care and sensitivity from the service provider to ensure the client feels safe, comfortable and is treated with dignity. This involves a certain level of comfortability, intimacy and connection between the client and their service provider; making it extremely disruptive when care isn't consistent or when the trusted provider is conitinually changed.

We request that Compassion and Companionship be included in the program hours and be reflected in the pay that is offered. If it was, it would make this program authentic in providing a more well-rounded, satisfying quality of service; offering peace of mind to our seniors and their loved ones who trust us to provide the best care possible. We believe that this would also attract more genuinely caring service providers, reducing the high turnover rate. Many seniors face the loss of their life partners, or a sudden stroke, or fall ill and suddenly become bed ridden. During these times of crisis and transition, which is continual at this stage of life, people need someone to talk to, who has a compassionate ear or who can simply be a comforting presence. Because the clients are asked to remain home while service is provided, it becomes a time of sharing and connection, as it should. Often service providers are also in contact with family members who might be distraught or have a new routine to discuss, etc. The hours currently provided do not allow for this more well-rounded, genuine, attentive care that is required. We request that the importance of offering Compassion and Companionship, be properly recognized as being a key part of this valuable role as a service provider in contributing to the well being of our seniors; as advertised in the Better At Home mission statement :

"Stay Independent at Home. Helping older adults stay independent, connected, and comfortable in their own home."

• Previously the Better At Home program allowed service providers to drive seniors to where they needed to go. Leaving seniors at home without transportation can lead to significant challenges, including increased social isolation, missed medical appointments, and a decline in overall health. Without reliable transportation, seniors may struggle to access essential services and maintain social connections, which can negatively affect their quality of life. Gabriola has very limited amentities/transportation and it can be very isolating. We implore the Better At Home program to please REINSTATE this VITAL TRANSPORTATION service and aquire the necessary insurance.

• The current billing/payment system is very confusing, disorganized and inefficient, causing continual unnecessary stress for our seniors. We request an updated billing/payment system that is easy to understand, streamlined, efficient, and honours agreements to send bills to designated family members as requested. Requests for this update have been ongoing for far too long without change.
   

Our call to action is for the Nanaimo Family Life Association, operating the Better At Home program to acknowledge this crisis and for immediate action to be taken to reforms that guarantee quality care for our seniors in need on Gabriola. 

Please join us in advocating for our elders by signing this petition. Together, we can make a significant difference in their lives and honour their contributions to society.