Wheelchair-bound Evangelist Garry Cuthbert has expressed several concerns and issues that need to be addressed regarding firms that supply personal support workers (PSWs).
Here is what he says in his own words:
Responsibility for Damages: When a PSW from the agency causes damage to a client’s electric power wheelchair, why is the client held responsible for covering the costs? Clarification is needed on who is accountable for such damages.
Client-First Philosophy: One personal care agency in Oshawa, Ontario, claims to operate under a ‘client-first’ philosophy, prioritizing the client’s needs and goals. This commitment should ensure client satisfaction, convenience, and welfare. If PSW personnel are unavailable, shouldn’t the administrative staff be responsible for providing the required services designed for the client?
Holiday Season Issues: During the holiday seasons, the agency has left me without sufficient care, relying on my spouse, who has a blood clot in her lung and a heart condition. There has been no communication from the agency to our family physician regarding her inability to assist when PSW personnel are unavailable.
Threats and Training Issues: I have been threatened that my services would be cut off if I did not agree to be retrained after a PSW caused damage to my wheelchair. During the retraining, the trainee did most of the work while the PSW stood by without participating in the physical training process.
Scheduling Concerns: As a practicing pastoral evangelist in the Durham Region and the GTA, I often receive my client schedule from the agency. However, the PSW frequently arrives at their convenience rather than within my scheduled time frame. Additionally, some PSWs refuse to use a Hoyer lift and leave as soon as they are asked.
Adequacy of Service Providers: I am an active and mechanically-inclined individual, yet some of the people who have come to provide service have been inadequate. This raises questions about the hiring and training processes.
Final Concern: If such kind of PSW agency is treating me this way, how many other clients, who may not have a voice, are struggling with even more severe issues?
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