In 2004 I wrote a very complimentary letter about the Avalon, for which I received effusive thanks from the Administration.

However, soon after that, some positions at the Avalon were eliminated and hours drastically cut. This decision was made by the owner, according to the staff.

In the recent survey of Long Term Care facilities in this area the Avalon received a very low rating but most of the "demerit points" were for trivialities - the real problem is staff shortage.

A few months ago another four hour PSW (Personal Service Worker) shift was cut from the evening staff on I South, where I have a room. There are now three PSWs (one 8 hour, one 6 hour and one 4 hour) for 33 residents, 16 of whom require a full lift. A full lift requires two PSWs to get a resident in and out of bed, or to the bathroom.

On the occasions when someone is away, and no replacement available, two PSWs are left to do all the work.

One evening, of the two PSWs on duty, one had worked here for only four months, the other less than a year.

Sometimes PSW from another floor will come to give the evening snacks, other times the residents do without.

When Agency staff are used there is often a language barrier, also they do not know the routine. Recently one of them told me she had never received any training! When I spoke about this shortage to an administrator (no longer at the Avalon) she said "the residents should not be involved in staff problems." I reminded her that residents have eyes.

I have asked the present and previous administrators why there are so many more PSWs on the day shift - three 8 hour, one five hour and one four hour. Also the midnight PSW gets some residents washed and dressed before she leaves.

I realize there are two meals during the day shift (one of the Restorative Care staff helps at lunch time) and more baths are given - but there is still a discrepancy in the ratio of staff to residents. I have never received an explanation. The administrator said someone from Head Office is "looking into it."

I know that this matter has been brought to the attention of the present and previous administrators by the staff, who are not allowed to discuss this with the residents. As this does not apply to former staff, I hear this from PSWs who have resigned.

According to the Administrator, the Ontario Ministry of Health determines the number of hours, but the Avalon Head Office is responsible for where those hours are used.

In spite of all this, the vast majority of Avalon staff are extremely kind, caring, hard working people who do their utmost to give the residents the best possible care and who deserve a huge vote of thanks from the residents and their families.

I also wonder why Government run facilities staff are paid more, have more staff and more supplies.

Long Term Care Facilities must be a very profitable business because Mr. Jarlette and his company who owns the Avalon have a total of twelve Long Term Care Facilities and six Retirement Lodges in Ontario!
Elizabeth Davies
Avalon resident