CLA board visits homes, says no problems found

Directors of Community Living Algoma say they visited four CLA homes over the weekend and are satisfied with what they found.

CLA Chief Executive Officer John Policicchio says that the Algoma Health Unit and Sault Ste. Marie fire officials also paid visits and report no problems.

"Family members are encouraged to continue visiting their loved ones and to communicate any concerns or issues to the management staff in the homes," Policicchio said.

"The supervisory staff has done an outstanding job of ensuring that the individuals are being supported and that they are safe," added CLA Board President Gary Wills.

The following news release was faxed to us by Community Living Algoma at 9:31 p.m. Sunday night.

The material indicates it is for release on Monday, but SooToday News does not consider itself bound by unilaterally imposed embargoes on information.

Unless we've specifically agreed to terms of an embargo, we reserve the right to publish any information sent to us without delay.

**************************************************************** For use/release Monday May 5/03

Board members take a first hand look at CLA homes and report that those receiving care are doing very well; health unit, fire dept say no problems

Board members of Community Living Algoma (CLA) over the weekend visited the four homes in Sault Ste. Marie operated by CLA management staff and say they are confident appropriate care is being provided.

Throughout the labour dispute involving CUPE Local 1880, CLA has been supporting 48 people in four homes throughout the city as well as supporting people in the community and maintaining contact with families of individuals who have returned home.

In addition some individuals are being supported with the assistance of home providers and respite providers in our community.

Mr. Gary Wills, CLA Board President said, "We were very pleased with what we saw Saturday. The individuals are doing well.

"We met the residents and they were very receptive to our visit. The supervisory staff has done an outstanding job of ensuring that the individuals are being supported and that they are safe."

The Algoma Health Unit has conducted recent inspections at the request of the employer and has reported back to the employer that everything was fine.

In addition to their inspection, they also identified some minor repair and maintenance items, which were going to be completed immediately.

The Fire Department completed a fire inspection and a fire drill at one of the homes and reported that the building complied with fire code regulations.

Board members visited a home where last week three individuals celebrated their birthdays on the same day.

Throughout this past week, individuals have been going out into the community with support.

CLA Chief Executive Officer said, "Some individuals have been going into the community to places like coffee shops, to the park, for a drive and have enjoyed these opportunities.

"The individuals and the workers have adjusted very well to each other. Our management staff has been working very hard to ensure that people's needs are being met and that people are safe.

"From the outset our focus has been on providing care and assuring safety.

"We're meeting those needs from medication administration, to dietary, to personal needs and safety.

"Family members are encouraged to continue visiting their loved ones and to communicate any concerns or issues to the management staff in the homes."

****************************************************************