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"We have thousands of members employed in this sector, and most are struggling to serve their clients properly without adequate resources and training while earning bottom-of-the-barrel wages. For work this important, there need to be massive improvements. We want to talk about how we can effect this kind of change for everyone involved." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
Ottawa (21 Aug. 2019) — The National Union of Public and General Employees is hosting a conference for members who work in the home care sector. The meeting will take place October 27–29 in Ottawa, ON.
Home care conference to address challenges in sector
Home care is an essential element of an integrated, client-centred health care system. With demographics in Canada shifting, many are extremely worried about having access to the health care services they need to be able to age in place, that is, remain in their homes. But the pressure on the system is not just from our growing senior population: home care services address a range of needs for a range of people. Home care covers services such as short-term assistance for acute conditions or surgery, long-term care for people with chronic conditions and disabilities, rehabilitation, and end-of-life care. People also access home care support services for physiotherapy, occupational or speech therapy, counseling, self-care, meal preparation, housekeeping and transportation to allow them to remain in their communities.
Yet, in Canada, we are experiencing a shortage of professionals to work in the home care setting. The conditions under which workers perform their duties are often unstable, irregular and isolating. Not-for-profit care is becoming rarer, yet for-profit private agencies continue to use a low-wage strategy for employment, while reaping in profits for shareholders.
Supporting home care workers
"These are important issues for us to examine," said Larry Brown, NUPGE’s President. "We have thousands of members employed in this sector, and most are struggling to serve their clients properly without adequate resources and training while earning bottom-of-the-barrel wages. For work this important, there need to be massive improvements. We want to talk about how we can effect this kind of change for everyone involved."
Participants will hear speakers addressing the issues facing the sector. They will also have opportunities to share information as to what is taking place in different provinces and what challenges lie ahead.
"We look forward to seeing our home care members in Ottawa for these important discussions about the future of home care work in Canada," said Brown.