MacDonald House for Seniors Inc.

Very nice hospitality

Firstly, this home is not a home for seniors as advertised. The home does not have a nurse on site and the current owner information is not updated yet. My mother has been living in this home for 2 years and we were mislead from the very beginning. The home is advertised as a retirement home and that is not the case because the home is not regulated by retirement home rules and regulations. The home is regulated by York Region under the category of housing with supports (formally known as hostels). There are many different people who move into these homes and they may not necessarily be a senior citizen. After our mother had been living in the home for 1 year and receiving reasonable support, new owners purchased the home. It was then that I began to look into the rules and regulations of the home as my mother was not having her daily needs met around food, housekeeping and general mental emotional support. Personal Support Workers requested by CCAC, do go into the home for seniors who need assistance with daily living and once those PSW's leave, who handles the support? Seniors are left in isolation with very little communication and support from the proprietors. I believe this is neglect. Meals are mediocre and the minimum of what the food guide recommends while our mother is left feeling hungry many days. Other residents have reported the same. I am buying extra food like fruits so my mother is getting adequate nutrition and I have been told by the compliance officer for the home, that the owners should not be buying fruits. The home is not cleaned effectively on a regular basis and there are very few activities that occur in the home to keep seniors engaged and stimulated. The home lacks support resources and no matter how many conversations I have had with the proprietors and the compliance officer who works for York Region, the above have not been solved yet. I have even been told from the York Region Housing support department, that these homes are not designed for senior care. What are we to do when a home is advertised as a retirement home, where the majority of the residents are seniors? CCAC have been notified of the situation in this home and some action steps have been taken to create change. We shall see what kind of change happens. I have continued to advocate for my mother while we search for another place for her to live that is affordable and in her best interest for personal support needs to be met. I am now at the point, where hiring an agency to provide additional support is needed. I believe that every senior citizen has the right to age with dignity and respect...unfortunately this home does not provide either fully and completely. I recommend that you do your research before an elderly parent goes into any home and stay mindful about what is happening as I have. Speak up when needed and do whatever it takes to bring awareness when dignity and respect is not being honoured. It takes passion to care for seniors and a willingness to make it about senior care, instead of it being about running a business to earn a profit while thinking about your own needs first.