By
1974, after much urging by the U.S.C.O., the provincial
government officially proclaimed Seniors' Week on
the third week of June. Finally, in 1984, the entire
month of June was designated as Seniors' Month in
Ontario. The government enthusiastically and financially
supports the promotion of Seniors' Month.
The
special activities of your club can be listed on the
Ontario
Senior Secretariat's website, as well as on the
U.S.C.O.'s. Please use both means to share your celebrations
with others.
The
drug programme was not changed in this year's budget,
but I caution you to remain vigilant. Health costs
are soaring and use by seniors is frequently used
as an example of why.
The
facts are - in 1997, more than ¾ of seniors
living at home viewed their health as good, very good
or excellent. As they age, people tend to develop
health problems that cause them to increase their
use of health services. The great majority of seniors
use prescription medication. Seniors are far more
likely to be hospitalized longer than other age groups.
What
is rarely included in these statements is that the
number of seniors are growing and the seniors who
use the bulk of health care services are frail elderly
- not the vast majority who live in their own homes
and remain active and involved. It's a rather moot
point anyway - what are we supposed to do? Not see
the doctor, not take medication and not go to the
hospital? We have already had a health tax added and
have had a $100. deductible for drugs for some time.
(For those in the low-moderate income range.)
Again, I remind you to watch for any proposed changes
to any of the social programmes that presently allow
us to live with dignity.
While
I'm on the topic of health, I was pleased to note
that in this year's budget, the government addressed
the doctor shortage. Hopefully, with the new local
health integration networks and increased openings
in medical schools, some of the shortage will be alleviated.
Training
more physicians in Ontario is certainly the best response
to this problem in the longer term. We are, however,
in urgent need of support for immediate short-term
solutions, both to retain our current physicians and
to recruit new family doctors - the shortage of doctors
has reached crisis proportions.
Long
term in-home care remains problematic. The U.S.C.O.,
along with many others, know that the majority of
seniors would prefer to remain in their own homes
as long as possible. It's been proven through many
studies that it makes better economic sense to increase
home care hours that to keep an individual in a long-term
care home.
We'll
continue to pursue this, both from the U.S.C.O. and
through the senior's liaison committee at the Ontario
Seniors' Secretariat.
Housing
remains on the agenda. The U.S.C.O. will continue
to put forth its views, ideas and protests on the
shortage of affordable housing that meets changing
senior needs, through the sub-committee on housing
at the Ontario Senior's Secretariat. The new renovation
funding was welcome. (See the reprint in the Voice.)
Many
small communities, mobile home parks, churches and
seniors' clubs are feeling the impact of rural community
water testing. The U.S.C.O. would like to see that
the implementation of regulation 170/03 as it relates
to community halls and similar facilities be delayed
and that the province ensure that these facilities
on private wells comply with water safety standards
that are reasonable and appropriate.
Many
mobile home park clubs and other U.S.C.O. clubs who
use facilities that draw from private wells presented
submissions to Leona Drombrowsky outlining their concerns
and felt that they were listened to.
Social
Development Canada has launched its Public Involvement
website, giving all Canadians an opportunity to provide
information and issues related to the social well-being
of children, seniors, care-givers, persons with disabilities
and communities.
The
first issue to be consulted on is family/unpaid care-giving.
This consultation will run until June 30 - please
give your input at www.sdc-dsc.gc.ca
Your views can help shape future policy direction
and priorities for action - please access this website
and make a difference.
In
the May issue of the Voice, I reminded you that pensions
seem to be misunderstood by many seniors. Two-thirds
of Canadian seniors receive $25,000 or less.
Our
CPP is still the lowest of any major industrialized
country, so be very sure you're getting whatever pension
funds are available to you. We have O.A.S., C.P.P.
and G.I.S. (federal) at 1.800.277.9914 and G.A.I.N.S.
and Ontario Tax Credits (provincial) at 1.800.263.7965.
I'm not a pension expert, so there may be some I don't
know about. If you have questions about your eligibility
for any pension, please call the appropriate number.
As
my year as president comes to an end, I would like
to share some thoughts with you. We've had a busy
year on the political front - we have kept seniors'
issues and concerns on the government's agenda through
representation on numerous committees involving senior
affairs.
The
U.S.C.O. has partnered and is partnering with other
community groups to further senior interests - but
you know what's been the most fun?
