Goodenough’s husband originally qualified for seven hours per week of publicly funded homecare, but the actual service providers were all for-profit organizations. “They do not care in any way, shape or form about the patients,” Goodenough says. “I’m not saying the PSWs don’t care, but the actual pencil pushers, they do not care because they would chop and change the hours at will and they would send different people. It was just so frustrating.”
She recently switched to Home Care Workers’ Co-operative after qualifying for Family-Managed Home Care, a program that allows certain clients to choose their own publicly funded service providers. The difference has been monumental: 28 hours per week instead of seven, and two dedicated PSWs who feel like they “are part of our family.”
“Now that we have consistent care, George is not as anxious all the time,” she says. “He has continuity in his life. The two PSWs are both very caring individuals, and they listen to his needs. When he’s not having a good day, they can adjust their strategy, which means that George is more relaxed. He doesn’t feel that he is on a conveyor belt, you know? ‘Well, I’ve got 15 minutes to change your diaper, so let's get on with it.’ This is more about: ‘Let’s take care of you, George. How are you today?’ ”
Read the rest at Collingwood Today
Listen to an interview with Home Care Workers' Co-operative co-founder Danielle Turpin here.
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