SUDBURY -- Sudbury has come a long way in caring for its aging population, but it still has work to do according to several seniors that attended Friday’s Aging in Place symposium in Sudbury.
Denise Bradley is a senior citizen who attended the event hosted by Home Instead Senior Care in Sudbury.
"As I'm getting older, 'm finding out about what's available." said Bradley.
She says concern over healthcare changes prompted her interest in taking in some of the exhibits offered at the event.
"What's happening with our healthcare now, that a lot of things are not going to be available, we need to know what we can look for." said Bradley.
Common concerns expressed by attendees are the availability of personal support workers, healthcare professionals, and even doctors, but for some, there are even bigger issues that need to be addressed.
Irene Sacchetto is on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Association of Retired Persons in Sudbury.
"I think the biggest challenge is trying to stay in your own home and keeping your health and wellness because it just seems like we're second-class citizens when it comes to the hospital. They seem to think ‘oh my goodness, we have all these old people.’" said Sacchetto.
Most seniors at the Aging in Place symposium have a few things they'd like to see change.
Evelyn Dutrisac is a former Sudbury city councillor and is now involved in the Sudbury Seniors Advisory Panel.
“I think it's important that we treat our older adults with respect and that we care about the older adults that are around us, that live in our community." said Dutrisac.
Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger said many conversations about the importance of PSWs in the realm of seniors care are being had.
Bigger says he's hopeful that Extendicare, a private long-term care company, will take advantage of the newly discounted development charges to update three long-term care homes in the city. He adds there are also future plans for Pioneer Manor.
