LITTLE CURRENT—The Manitoulin Centennial Manor received some good news at its May monthly meeting with plenty of what some may see as pre-election gifts from the Liberal government.
Michelle Bond, Manor administrator, began by sharing that the Manor was at 97.37 percent occupancy in April and as of that day, it was full with 21 applicants on the Community Care Access Centre waiting list.
In terms of Manor care, two personal support worker (PSW) shifts have been filled by an agency employed by Extendicare. Ms. Bond commented that she has not seen that low a number of shifts needing to be filled, ever. The board commented on how wonderful that was.
Ms. Bond also noted that the Manor filled a registered practical nurse (RPN) position and has PSW applications galore.
Manor board member Wendy Gauthier asked Ms. Bond to what she attributed this.
“It’s obviously because of our good reputation,” said Manor board chair Paul Moffatt.
“It’s election time, so the Liberals decided to open up the purse strings,” said the Extendicare representative who attended the meeting through conference call.
He noted that the government released money for each of the long term care homes for fall prevention equipment with $100 per resident. The government also announced funding for one new full-time RPN. Ms. Bond said this money would be best spent to fill a night shift position.
“There’s more good news,” the Extendicare rep added. “The government is going to give us another full-time RN (registered nurse) for every home in the province.”
The Manor’s new director of care, Tamara Beam, suggested using the RN position for a restorative care program.
The government also announced more money for food for long term care facilities.
It wasn’t all sunshine and roses, though, as the Manor received two fuel tenders: one from McDougall Fuels for $106.40/L and from Manitoulin Fuels for $102.38/L. Manitoulin Fuels is the current supplier.
Bill Baker asked about last year’s locked in rate. Ms. Bond supplied that it was $77.46/L with plenty of gasps from the board table.
“How’s that going to affect our budget?” Mr. Baker asked.
“A 25 cent per litre increase is substantial,” Ms. Gauthier added. “The increases we’re getting from the province will in no way match our costs in energy.”
The Manor also learned that its eavestroughs are in bad shape. Administration received a quote from Seamless Eavestrough to replace them for $13,000 or clean them for $9,000.
Some of the patient ceiling lifts have been positioned and the new air conditioning units have been installed.
Ms. Bond shared with the board that the Manor is facing some staff bullying and harassment issues. She explained that she has drafted a memo for the staff with examples of what bullying looks like and asked staff to come forward.
“People are starting to come forward and I think it’s coming to a head,” the administrator said, saying she’s looking at having a speaker come in to talk to the staff.
“I think it needs more than just a memo.”
Back to sunshine, Ms. Gauthier said the fundraising for new flooring in the Manor is approaching $9,000 and on November 25, the Little Current United Church Outreach Committee is putting on a fundraiser for the flooring, which “is so helpful to me.”
Ms. Gauthier noted that the Northeast Town donated the hall for the event, for which she was grateful.
Ms. Bond shared that after a nine-year hiatus, Family Council is up and running once again.
“It’s such good news,” Ms. Gauthier commented on the meeting.
Pat McDonald of Mindemoya commended Ms. Bond for her hard work, noting that she doesn’t get a lot of credit. “If the top is good, the bottom is too.”
The board gave Ms. Bond a round of applause.
