The Minister's visit was arranged by the Edmonton General's Residents' Council, which is comprised of representatives from continuing care units who meet monthly with administration to discuss and promote quality of life at the Edmonton General. Residents from the Edmonton General's Family and Community Advisory Council were also present as guests at the meeting.
At the meeting, the Minister listened to comments and concerns from several residents and answered questions from those in attendance. Through stories of their experiences and observations, the residents shared with the Minister the benefits and challenges of living at the Edmonton General Residents' Council Co-Chairs Claire Ethier and Dr. Anne Burrows welcomed the Minister and Dr. Burrows began the session with a few remarks.
On behalf of the council, Dr. Burrows expressed appreciation for their home at the Edmonton General and for the work of Caritas Health Group. As she invited others to speak, she asked the Minister to take the key messages of the group back to the Government. For almost an hour, residents talked - sometimes passionately-about their lives at the Edmonton General.
Their words painted a picture of a hardworking compassionate team of caregivers struggling to keep up with workload. "They don't walk, they run!" declared one resident. "They work so hard, but there isn't enough money for more staff," said another. "If I had a million dollars I would give it to help out."
'The residents talked about the challenges of living in an old facility with an aging infrastructure. "The maintenance department is doing its best to fix things and make sure things are working properly, but this takes them away from other things and it has to cost money. Where is it coming from?" asked one resident.
Another spoke of the need for more security staff on site to help residents and staff feel safe in the sprawling building.
Throughout the session the Minister listened intently, took notes and asked questions. He thanked the members present for their frankness and expressed confidence in Caritas as it continued to deal with those issues related to day to day care. As the residents and family members pressed on the need for additional funding, the Minister pointed to the recent increase in accommodation fees and the fact that Caritas had reinvested additional revenue into staffing, food and other pressing issues.
The Minister stressed that the Government has committed to helping any resident experiencing continuing dialogue between the government, the regions, and the Alberta Long Term Care Association to ensure people are receiving the proper care.
As the session closed, the Minister was asked to articulate where seniors fit as a priority for the Government. The Minister pointed out that Alberta, as the only province with a dedicated Ministry for Seniors, is taking the health and welfare of seniors seriously. "As for my portfolio," he said. "You are a number one priority."
| 
