BY: MIWAKO CHANG
Long-term care homes have been a focal point throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with caregivers at the center of it all. As we begin to explore the terrain of a post-pandemic society, it is more important than ever to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our caregivers on National Caregivers Day. In 2015, The Providers Association for Home Health & Hospice Agencies named every third Friday in February a day to celebrate the work of our caregivers. This year, National Caregiver Day falls on February 18.
A blueprint for new long-term care guidance was released in hopes of preventing a tragedy as seen during COVID-19. These new guidelines focused on fair pay and benefits for workers, re-structuring the prevention and control of infection similar to hospitals, and balancing residents’ rights to allow for a degree of risk. Many of the measures, Dr. Sinha, Director of Geriatrics at Sinai Health in Toronto says, would have prevented the multitude of deaths of long-term care residents.
Lumacare is one of many organizations in Downsview helping caregivers and the elderly. Their Meals on Wheels food services program delivers delicious frozen meals and fresh groceries to your doorstep. Their balanced meals and dietary flexibility, paired with their commitment to supporting BIPOC companies and their flexibility to supporting those with food insecurity make them the perfect dining option. At $7.35 per meal, individuals receive an entree and one or two sides. The entrees can be purchased separately at $5.30 each and a soup or dessert at $2.05 each. Lumacare also provides free specialized daycare and programming around mental health for adults aged 55+.
Local Member of Provincial Parliament, Tom Rakocevic, is also an advocate for caregivers. “Caregivers have been in the front lines of this pandemic, whether they are PSWs, nurses and other long-term care workers or even family members taking care of a loved one.” Says Rakocevic.
“They are protecting our most vulnerable under challenging circumstances, often for low wages and without paid sick days with little support. Throughout the pandemic, long-term care workers have faced staffing shortages, lack of proper PPE to keep them, their families and our loved ones safe.
Decades of government underfunding for long-term care has left PSWs understaffed, underpaid, and overwhelmed. Caregivers need more respect and better wages for the hard work that they do. Long-term care workers have been stretched to the limit, often working long hours without stable, permanent jobs and without paid sick days. The Ford government can immediately help caregivers by raising the wage floor for PSWs, and providing paid sick days for all workers, so they can stay home if they are sick without worrying about how they will pay the rent or put food on the table for their families.
The Ontario NDP will continue fighting for PSWs in Ontario to get a permanent, $4-per-hour raise and permanent jobs.
The Ford government can also help those who take care of their loved ones in their home by providing a home caregiver benefit to help ease the burden and to help to cover the cost of supplies, as my Ontario NDP colleagues and I have suggested.”
You can support the caregivers in your community by expressing your gratitude through a gift, donation, or letter. These seemingly small acts of kindness can go a long way. Offering to help with tasks can bring relief to caregivers. Whether it’s running errands or preparing meals, these gestures always help. Lastly, try lending an ear. Sometimes, all we need is to be heard.
It is crucial that we utilize this day to recognize the work that our caregivers do to care for those in our communities that need it most. The hard work and dedication of our caregivers play a major role in prolonging and maintaining a high standard of living for the elderly and continue to help in the communal fight against COVID-19.