Akwesasne Community Members

Akwesasne Community Members,

Abuse of our frail and vulnerable Elders takes place every day by the people they trust most, their caregivers. The signs of abuse are evident but no one takes action, either out of fear of retaliation or because of their own personal agenda.

Your long term care facility used to enjoy a good reputation of providing excellent care for the Residents but all that has changed. Now, current Residents can’t wait for their ‘first choice’ of a long term care home to have an open bed offer so they can move out of Tsiionkwanonhso:te. Some employees are tired of the ‘games’ being played by coworkers and transferring out to other programs.

How did all this come about?

The former ED had a meeting with all the employees (several years ago) to hear their concerns and promised Supervisors a report of her findings. The report never materialized. Employees felt unappreciated and morale ‘sunk’ to an even lower level. Talk about a union resulted in OPSEU organizing the Personal Support Workers, Registered Practical Nurses, Dietary Aides, Laundry and Housekeeping workers. However, the workers do not work together and act as one, but have individual agendas for their own benefit.

The Mohawk culture and government (that the United States based its own) is the first socialist society. Who hasn’t heard from their parents ‘what one gets, you all get’ when growing up. Despite a year of re-orienting staff to the MHLTC Act and the laws that govern the long term care industry, there is no teamwork. Bullying and a disregard for policies and procedures is rampant.

Sadly, the first casualty when rules and laws are not followed is the vulnerable and frail members of society.

Laws and regulations are created by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Act and the O. Reg’s must be followed by the licensee of a long term care home. Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (licensee) is a generous employer with a bank of leave credits to make sure every employee receives a full paycheck. This leaves the residents without the care they deserve when employees do not work scheduled shifts.

Tsiionkwanonhso:te has a ‘Zero Tolerance of Abuse and Neglect’ and MHLTC promotes ‘Whistleblower’ protection BUT employees still feel privileged to do whatever they want despite the mandatory training.

The annual Resident Quality Inspection report is available online and is PUBLIC knowledge. This report is considered the ‘report card’ of the Home and right now, it is receiving a failing grade. Without an organized Family Council to assist the Administrator and Resident council, Tsiionkwanonhso:te depends on community members to visit the home and report any ‘suspected’ or ‘alleged’ abuse to the administrator (613.932.1409) or call the Ministry at 1-866-434-0144.

At this rate, MCA will lose its long term care license and Tsiionkwanonhso:te will close its doors.

If you care about the future of long term care in Akwesasne, speak up and let your elected officials know your concerns.

Skennen,

Kaneh:kahawe