Dear Editor:
Responding to the "Concerns over new Manor rules" of Wed. July 27. That letter clearly expresses how the residents, their familes and most caregivers feel.
In speaking to the families who have residents in Sunrise Health Region homes, the general response is "We don't like the changes that are taking place but what can we do?"
People in the community felt good about donating fresh organic produce which the residents really enjoyed and felt useful in helping prepare, giving them pride and a sense of purpose. Staff got satisfaction out of baking apple pies and rhubarb desserts knowing the residents were experiencing the taste and smell of home baking as well as helping in the preparation.
Our family member was very happy with her "new home" when she entered the care home in the spring of 2010. Since the policy changes this spring, she senses the frustration of the staff and changes in the quality of the "processed food" as well as the quality of life being eroded.
Instead of being a "home away from home", regulations are changing them to institutions, causing caregivers to enforce rules rather than giving residents a sense of usefulness.
Throughout Sunrise the mandate appears to be creating income by imposing a $20.00 monthly fee for inferior personal hygiene products, cut costs through food services, close beds in hospitals and long term care, cut Chaplain and staff positions, create multiple part-time positions resulting in lack of continuity and a revolving door of hiring, training and quitting.
All this at the expense of the humanitarian treatment of the general public (now classified as customers). The creating of more offices and management to supervise supervisors perceives to be the priority.
Perhaps a private, independent review of Sunrise Health Region Management practices are required.
Elaine Patzer
