Cheticamp Association For Community Living Providing Good Care
A review into the operations of the Cheticamp Association For Community Living by the Department of Community Services has confirmed that the residents are receiving proper care.
Community Services staff presented the report and recommendations to the association's board of directors and families of residents today, Jan. 29.
The purpose of the review was to clarify and provide an objective assessment of concerns raised by family members of residents living in one of the association's three residential homes. Interviews with family members, residents, staff and the board of directors took place in December. The review was conducted with the approval and co-operation of the association's board of directors.
"The safety and well being of people in care is our number one priority," said Community Services Minister Chris d'Entremont. "Family members and the community should be reassured that the residents are well cared for by the association's staff."
The association's board of directors has accepted the report and will develop an action plan based on its 31 recommendations, which are mainly focused on organizational structure and enhanced program development.
"We are redesigning the residential programs for persons with disabilities provincewide," said Lorna MacPherson, the department's director of services for persons with disabilities. "These recommendations will give the association a head start toward achieving enhanced residential services and providing greater support for staff.
"While the recommendations go beyond the current licensing requirements of the Homes for Special Care Act, there is always room for improvement and achieving a higher standard."
Brian Roach, a member of the association, said the board welcomed the review by the department and is pleased it confirmed that residents are happy, healthy and well cared for.
"Our staff should be commended for their professionalism in carrying out their various duties during the review process," said Mr. Roach. "We are looking forward to reviewing the recommendations and partnering with Community Services to deliver a plan of action."
The board members, family members, staff and residents have been co-operative throughout this process.
"We expect that spirit of co-operation to continue into the future," said Mr. d'Entremont. "With an action plan for the board to follow, we consider this matter resolved."
The report is available on Community Services website at gov.ns.ca/coms .