BRANCH AFFAIRS - Ontario Association of Social Workers

EASTERN BRANCH
ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS
BULLETIN
SECTION DE L’EST: L’ASSOCIATION DES
EASTERN
NEWS
TRAVAILLEUSES ET TRAVAILLEURS SOCIAUX
DEBRANCH
L’ONTARIO
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
SPRING 2016
Spring/Printemps
2016 (Vol. 42 No. 1)
“SENIORS”
Eastern Branch News
President’s Report .................................................. 1
New Members.......................................................... 2
Treasurer’s Report .................................................. 6
Committees
 Social Justice Committee ....................................
 New! Social Justice Corner ................................
 Publications Committee .......................................
 SWAG ...................................................................
2
3
4
4
In Memoriam – Glenn Drover ................................. 5
Scholarships and Bursaries................................... 5
Awards
 Bessie Touzel Award ........................................ 6
 Joan Gullen Award for Media Excellence.......... 7
Editorial
“The Graying of our Clients and Ourselves” ..... 9
Articles
 OASW Focuses Attention on Issues that Impact
on Older Adults and their Caregivers ................ 10
 Social Work Practice with Immigrant and
Refugee Seniors: Comments from Three Social
Work Practitioners .............................................. 11
 Seniors’ Mental Health and Social Work
Practice ................................................................ 14
 Elder Abuse ......................................................... 15
The Bulletin for Summer 2016 ............................... 15
Spring Celebration and Annual General
Meeting .................................................................... 16
Your Ideas for the Bulletin .................................... 16
Bulletin Board ......................................................... 20
Registration Forms for Celebration\AGM ............. 21
As I sit today I am struck by how quickly the Board
year has gone by. It seems only a few months ago
our current Board was voted in at the 2015 AGM and
yet as you read this Bulletin, the 2016 AGM is just a
few weeks away.
The Eastern Branch Board members have been very
busy since the Fall Bulletin attending the Carleton
University Hats Off ceremony, participating in the
Carleton University Agency Fair, supporting the
Provincial marketing campaign, surveying our
members once again to gather information for the
Social Justice sub-committee, presenting at the
Ontario Budget Consultation, planning a Social Work
Week networking opportunity, and organizing this
th
year’s 80 Anniversary Professional Development,
Celebration and Annual General Meeting.
Additionally, a significant commitment was made to
organizing and interviewing some of the pioneers of
Eastern Branch. I hope each of you will feel inspired
by the video clips completed with these amazing
women and men of Social Work. A short montage will
be presented at this year’s Celebration while the
individual videos will be available on the Provincial
Website (www.oasw.org) and on YouTube.
I would like to recognize the collective efforts of
Graeme Roderick and Deborah Davidson who have
successfully transitioned the Bulletin from a paper
newsletter to an E Bulletin. Transitioning to an edocument has not only contributed to significant cost
savings which the Board hopes to pass onto you as
members via professional development opportunities,
but it has also allowed our Publications Committee to
expand our newsletter to include permanent features
contributed by students, SWAG, the Social Justice
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Bulletin
The Official Publication of the Branch
Le Bulletin est publié trois fois par année :
Fall/Automne, Spring/Printemps, Summer/Été. The
Publication Committee welcomes submissions that
examine public health and social issues, discuss
local, regional or provincial issues in social
work/social welfare, or which share social work
information of interest to social workers or the social
service public.
Le comité de publication accepte les articles
pertinents traitant de questions relatives au travail
social/ bien-être social, sur les plans local, régional
ou provincial ainsi que d’information d’intérêt public
ou professionel. Suggested length is 500 to 1000
words. All articles require a précis!
Submissions may be e-mailed to the address below.
They must be in an IBM-compatible word processing
format.
Subscription Price:
Members and Non-members $12.
Single issues: $4.
Classified ads/Annonces :
Cost/coût : Full page $90. Half page $60. Quarter
page $30.
Contact Graeme Roderick at 613 226-7081, or
request an ad circular from the Branch Office at
613 238-8406.
Deadlines /dates limites : le 17 novembre, le 17
février et le 17 mai.
Tirage/Circulation : 509
Editorial Committee/Comité de rédaction :
G. Roderick (Chair), Elser Lee Archer, Tiffany Dugas,
Amanda Telford, Mariom Ferrer, Marie-Claude
Bouchard, and Wendy Birkhan
Translator: N. Breeze
Editor: D.A. Davidson
Send submissions and ads by e-mail to/faire
parvenir soumissions et annonces par courriel à :
[email protected]
THE BULLETIN FOR SUMMER 2016
“TEAMWORK”
Deadline for submissions:
May 17, 2016.
Don’t wait to be asked. Send us your
news, articles and ideas for the Bulletin.
Committee, and a local lawyer. If you have
ideas for additional features in the Bulletin don’t
hesitate to pass them along.
Please join me in congratulating Geneviève Côté on
being chosen this year’s Bessie Touzel Award winner
and Kathy Stiell on being awarded the OASW
Provincial Inspirational Leaders Award. These ladies
are great examples of leaders within our community.
On a more sombre note I would like to acknowledge
the death of former Branch President Glenn Drover
on December 28, 2015. Glenn was an academic and
a scholar who sat as the Dean/Director at Carleton
University, Dalhousie University, the Université de
Moncton, and UBC’s Schools of Social Work among
many other employment and voluntary commitments.
In recognition of Glenn’s commitment to education,
Allan Moscovitch and Glenn’s family have initiated a
bursary in Glenn Drover’s name at
https://futurefunder.carleton.ca/giving-fund/glenndrover-memorial-bursary/.
Should you wish to make donation to this or to the
other university scholarships and bursaries, feel free
to make a donation through the provided link, or bring
a cheque to this year’s Celebration/AGM.
Evelyn Weger
President
NEW MEMBERS
Eastern Branch welcomes new members Christina
Anglin, Mohamed-Ali Arfa, Heather Baker, Besma
Benali, Jessica Bouvier, Jeannine Bradley, Katherine
Cassidy, Levia Chan, Bridget Curran, Aminata Diallo,
Tiffany Dugas, Fatina Elkurdi, Melanie Finney, Kristal
Fournier, Mathieu Frigon, Natasha Hawley, Cynthia
Leblanc, Cheryl Macaulay, Jennifer O’Connell, Renée
Ouimet, Pearmjeet Parent, Ashley Prince, Olga
Salgado, Joseph Thaiparambil Varkey, David
Wainwright, Brittany Williston, and Kellye Woods.
Welcome back Kerri-Anne Ede and Lynda Russett.
COMMITTEES
SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE
During the January 18 meeting, new member Sarah
Gutman was welcomed. Discussion focused on a
survey to be sent out to members of Eastern Branch,
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the draft standards for domiciliary hostels, notice of
the January Ottawa Council of Women (OCW)
meeting, a submission to the Ontario Minister of
Finance, and a Basic Annual Income (BAI).
The City of Ottawa’s Task Force on draft standards
for Domiciliary Hostels has completed its
deliberations. A report is expected to be released in
March.
A member of our Committee attended the January 19
meeting of the Ottawa Council of Women for a panel
discussion on “Homecare…Why it’s not an easy fix.”
The fact that there is renewed interest in BAI was
introduced for further exploration at a later date. A
BAI program would replace current social assistance
programs and ensure that social assistance rates
would meet basic needs for recipients.
The call for a submission on budget matters to the
Ontario Minister of Finance was discussed and it was
agreed that a draft paper would be prepared following
the SJC meeting. The Submission was prepared by
member Esther Doucet, and has been forwarded to
the Eastern Branch Board, who will send it to Eastern
Ontario MPPs. (See Page 16 of this issue for the
text.)
The February 17 meeting began with an excellent
presentation from our energetic and caring guest
speaker, Allisar Jalal, Social Services department,
City of Ottawa. She informed members that:
 100% of funding for Ontario Disability Support
Program (ODSP) is provincial.
 80% of funding for Ontario Works (OW) is provincial
and 20% municipal; the program itself is managed
by the city.
 As of 2018, 100% of Ontario Works funding will be
provincial. So far, there is no information on how
much that additional provincial funding may change
the structure or primary goals now in place in the
city-run program.
Highlights of the Ontario Works (OW) presentation:
 There are many available, positive programs for
OW clients, primarily focusing on training and
opportunities for employment.
 There is interest among OW staff in developing
resources for clients with mental health issues.
 The main OW focus is to help clients find
employment and move on.
 Financial help is still available to both OW and
ODSP clients for resettling (moving expenses,
furniture, rent arrears, etc.
 45% of OW clients need financial help for less than
a year; 75% are off the program by five years; 7%
need help for seven years or more.
 60% of OW clients are between 18 and 40 years of
age.
 61% of clients are single; another 28% are sole
support parents.
 41% of clients move off OW due to finding
employment or making too high an income for
continued support; 7.71% leave due to being
granted ODSP.
 60% of clients are born in Canada; 40% are born
outside Canada.
From the above description, it appears the OW
program is clearly helping its mandated population
group. The Committee, however, had serious
concerns that people with multiple barriers (mental
health issues, disabilities, addictions, etc.) still need
significantly more help than they are currently getting
from any system.
With the Bulletin now in electronic format which allows
for a larger edition, the Committee has the potential to
periodically submit both a Committee Report and a
"theme" paper for publication.
The Social Justice Committee welcomes both new
members and new issues. Please contact Margaret
Nelson, Chair, at [email protected] to learn
how to join us for our monthly meetings.
Margaret Nelson,
Chair
NEW! SOCIAL JUSTICE CORNER
The advent of our new electronic Bulletin facilitates
new information sharing possibilities. Since the
electronic version means no expensive publishing
costs, we are able to experiment with new ideas.
One of these initiatives is our new Social Justice
Corner, where we will be sharing our thoughts on
some of the social justice issues which we constantly
encounter in our daily work. For most of us these
issues are so integral to our practice that we stop
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thinking about them as barriers that could be
overcome to provide excellent service. In fact, we
spend much of our careers trying to make
unmanageable conditions manageable in order to
meet the needs of our vulnerable clients. That’s what
social workers do. But let’s use THIS space to muse
upon thinking outside the box – how could we do
things differently and more effectively if we had the
ability and authority to do so? What questions can we
ask – and what answers can we discover? Let’s begin
by considering and understanding some of the issues
we encounter in our daily work. Nothing revolutionary
– just common sense. You are all invited to
participate in this conversation.
(…continued on Page 17)
PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE
The Publications Committee published three insightful
issues of the Bulletin in 2015:
Spring 2015: “Social Work with Persons
with Disabilities”
Summer 2015: “Supervision and
Management in Social Work”
Fall 2015: “Gender/Orientation Issues”
We sincerely thank everyone who contributed their
articles, ideas and time to the Bulletin this past year.
C’est toujours avec plaisir que nous accueillons, pour
le Bulletin, des articles et des idées dans l’une ou
l’autre des langues officielles. Nous encourageons
les membres francophones de la Section de l’Est à
participer au comité des publications. Si vous avez
des suggestions sur la manière d’améliorer notre
Bulletin et de le rendre davantage bilingue, n’hésitez
pas à nous en faire part!
Sadly, we lost Glenn Drover just before the New
Year. He was an active participant on the
Publications Committee over the past years, and
we will miss him very much.
We invite you to participate! Six new members
have joined the Publications Committee for 2016 -Elser Lee Archer, Tiffany Dugas, Amanda Telford,
Mariom Ferrer, Marie-Claude Bouchard, and Wendy
Birkhan. Welcome aboard!
EB Members are cordially invited to participate on the
Committee as an active Member, or to “shadow” the
production of an issue as an observer to see what we
do. We welcome your ideas to develop the electronic
version of the Bulletin into a first class e-publication.
Social Work Students are actively encouraged to
send in their articles and ideas for inclusion in the
Bulletin.
For more information, contact us at
[email protected] or call Committee Chair
Graeme Roderick at 613 226-7081.
SOCIAL WORK IN AGING AND GERONTOLOGY
(SWAG)
INVISIBLE BRUISES, HIDDEN SCARS: THE
LASTING EFFECTS OF PARTNER VIOLENCE
AS A CAUSAL FACTOR OF LATE LIFE ONSET
OF DEMENTIA.
Research in progress by Professor Roy Hanes,
Ian Ford and Karen March
th
On February 18 Professor Roy Hanes presented
research to SWAG on the topic of Chronic Traumatic
Encephalopathy (CTE), also known as Dementia
Pugilistica or Punch Drunk Syndrome, as a possible
contributing factor to the onset of dementia and other
impairments of women who may have been
victims/survivors of Intimate Partner Violence.
Professor Hanes reported that while the existing
statistics pertaining to violence towards women in
Canada show that one quarter to one third of women
have been abused, there remains minimal research
pertaining to the long-term consequences of the
violence.
Professor Hanes and colleagues Ford and March are
particularly interested in examining the connection
between the violence, head trauma and dementia. It
is their contention that there is a strong connection
between later life onset of dementia and related
disorders and earlier head trauma resulting from
violence.
Professor Hanes pointed out there is little research
addressing the topic, however, much of the ongoing
research into head trauma, concussions, and CTE is
coming from brain injury research into professional
athletes, especially football players. His hope is that
the discussion and research pertaining to sports
related head injuries can be broadened to include
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head injuries and Intimate Partner Violence so that
greater awareness can be placed on the topic, and
professionals, particularly social workers working with
older women as well as social workers working with
abused women, can be more cognizant of the issues
relating violence, head trauma, CTE and dementia.
Glen accomplished much as a teacher, researcher,
author and administrator throughout his lengthy
career in the service of the social work field. His
daughter Sarah says of him, “his never-ending driving
force was to help others, to seek need and to give
service as required.”
Clinical assessments as well as treatment plans
pertaining to dementia for older women need to look
beyond age-related dementia. Clinicians need to be
more accepting of the possibility that the dementia is
more than a result of the aging process -- it may be
the result of beatings received years earlier.
He was recently recognized for his lifetime
contributions to Canadian social work when CASW’s
Annual National Social Worker Award was renamed
“the Glenn Drover Award for Outstanding Service.”
For those wishing to honour Glenn’s memory with
a donation, please see the link below.
If you are interested in contacting Professor Hanes
about this topic, he can be reached by e-mail at
[email protected] or by phone at 613 520-2600,
ext. 3545.
https://futurefunder.carleton.ca/giving-fund/glenndrover-memorial-bursary/
Beverlee McIntosh, Chair
A public celebratory dinner will be held in Perth in the
Spring of 2016, with the place, date, and time to be
announced later.
 IN MEMORIAM 
SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES
Glenn Drover (May 1935-December 2015)
Glenn was educated in Toronto, New York and
London, England, acquiring degrees in theology,
urban planning, economics and social work. He was a
member of faculty and directed departments of social
work at a number of universities, including Carleton
University.
Glenn took time out from his university career to work
for the Ontario government in the Ministry of
Community and Social Services, and for the Federal
government’s Special Parliamentary Committee on
Child Care (1986-1987).
He was a President of the Canadian Association of
Social Workers, and remained active with that
organization, helping to produce several policy
papers.
He was also an active member of the Ontario
Association of Social Workers, being a former
President of OASWEastern Branch. For the past five
years he was a member of the Branch’s Publication
Committee. He was the editor at different times of
both the Canadian Social Work Review and the
Canadian Review of Social Policy. He published
widely on a range of topics related to social welfare in
Canada and China.
OASW Eastern Branch supports four Bursaries and
Scholarships awarded to students at Ottawa-based
Schools of Social Work.
At Carleton University:
 the Edith Moore Bursary (BSW)
 the Swithun Bowers Memorial Scholarship
(MSW)
 the Brian MacIntosh Memorial Bursary
À l’Université d’Ottawa :
 la bourse Roland Lecomte
The recipients of these Bursaries and Scholarships
will be acknowledged at the March 23 Celebration/
AGM, and in the Summer 2016 issue of the Bulletin.
The annual financial report will also be available in
the Summer issue.
For information on how you can make a taxdeductible donation to these awards, please contact
us at
[email protected]
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TREASURER’S REPORT - 2015– RAPPORT DU TRÉSORIER
Bank Balance
December 31, 2014
REVENUE
Membership Fees
Jan.-June 2015: $5,975.82
July-Dec. 2015:
$6,120.82
AGM Dues/Donations
TOTAL Cash Assets
Outstanding Expenses 2014
Total Available Funds 2015
EXPENSES 2015
Salary and Benefits
Occupancy Costs
Telephone Expenses
Bank Charges
Boards, Committees, AGM:
Heritage Videographer Retainer
($875.00) paid in 2015
Communications (Bulletin)
Membership
3,212.12
12,096.64
1,849.42
17,158.18
1,740.57
15,417.61
1,760.00
2,368.80
276.60
70.54
3,682.06
5,143.43
233.34
Total Expenses Jan-Dec 2015
13,534.77
Cash Assets for 2015
15,417.61
Total Available Funds as at
December 31, 2015
1,882.84
Submitted by
Elizabeth Fennelly, Treasurer
Solde en banque
au 31 décembre 2014
RECETTES
Cotisations des membres
janv.-juin:
5 975,82 $
juillet-déc.: 6 120,82 $
Droits d’inscription à l’AGA/Dons
TOTAL des liquidités
Dépenses non réglées 2014
Total des liquidités 2015
DÉPENSES 2015
Salaires et avantages sociaux
Coûts d’occupation
Téléphone
Charges financières
Conseils, comités, AGA
Moments de patrimoine: Vidéaste
retenue (875,00 $) payé en 2015
Communications (Bulletin)
Membres
3 212,12
12 096,64
1 849,42
17 158,18
1 740,57
15 417,61
1 760,00
2 368,80
276,60
70,54
3 682,06
5 143,43
233,34
Total des dépenses de janv. à déc.
2015
Liquidités pour 2015
13 534,77
Total des fonds disponibles au 31
déc. 2015
1 882,84
15 417,61
Présenté par
Elizabeth Fennelly, Trésorière
AWARDS
THE 2016 BESSIE TOUZEL AWARD RECIPIENT
GENEVIÈVE CȎTÉ
The first words that come to mind when describing
Geneviève Côté are: intelligent, hardworking,
passionate, caring, ambitious, dedicated, and
creative.
Geneviève graduated with her Masters of Social Work
degree from the University of Ottawa in 1998. She
started her career at the Ottawa Hospital where she
worked in the Emergency department and later in the
Oncology department, an area of practice that has
figured prominently in her career. She left Canada in
1999 to gain perspective of Social Work Practice in
the United Kingdom, working in a number of
challenging areas in London for a couple of years.
Geneviève returned to Canada in 2003 with her new
husband Andrew in tow. At that time, she went back
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to work at the Ottawa Hospital, where she sought out
a number of different opportunities working as a
clinical social worker in general medicine, the
Women’s Health Centre and the Cancer Clinic. She
moved on to become the Oncology Social Work
Professional Practice Coordinator. Most recently, she
was promoted to Professional Practice Manager, a
position where she provides direction and guidance to
over 100 social workers, 8 chaplains and 30
psychologists.
Geneviève is a lively and engaging speaker and has
presented her work at national and international
social work leadership and psychosocial oncology
conferences. She is dedicated to research and
advancing clinical knowledge and has published
articles on grief and bereavement as well as
interprofessional care. She now teaches on topics
such as ethical issues, psychosocial oncology and
advanced counselling in the contexts of professional
development with the MSW programs of Dalhousie
University, Carleton University and the University of
Ottawa. She has demonstrated excellence in teaching
and has garnered consistently positive feedback from
her students. Indeed, she is a role model to current
and future Social Workers and is dedicated to moving
research into everyday practice.
Passionate about the profession, Geneviève was
elected as regional council member for the Ontario
College of Social Workers and Social Service
Workers from 2004 to 2010. Geneviève embodies the
leadership qualities required to advance Social Work
as a profession during a period of great system
transformation. She leads from where she stands,
whether it is related to decisions that need to be
made, negotiations that need to be agreed upon, or
the actual care that needs to be provided.
In my opinion, Geneviève Côté is more than the sum
of these parts. When you ask Geneviève what she is
the most proud of in her career, she says that her
best accomplishment is to have had the privilege of
making a difference in people’s lives.
“I started my career in social work almost waiting to
get disillusioned by dysfunctional systems and
discouraged by the witnessing of the effects of
poverty and abuse. Instead, by setting out to make
just a small difference for people and only expecting a
small morsel of impact, I’ve ended being inspired by
the courage and resilience of the people I work with
every day. To have people trust my competence and
authenticity enough to be part of their lives and assist
when possible, that is a great accomplishment to
me…. The needs of those most vulnerable in our
communities will always be there. We just need to be
poised to respond with competence, dedication and
commitment.”
This is what makes Geneviève Côté a great leader! I
am incredibly honoured to have had this year’s
Bessie Touzel Award recipient as a former student –
the student now becomes the teacher.
Josée Lavoie
WINNERS OF THE GULLEN AWARDS FOR
EXCELLENCE IN PRINT MEDIA
OASW Eastern Branch is pleased to announce this
year’s winners of the Gullen Awards for Excellence in
Print Media.
There are two categories for the Award: one for
large print media serving the region, the other for
small print media serving local communities.
By unanimous choice, the winner in the Large
Print category is Giselle Portenier for her article,
"Citizen readers help genital mutilation victim get
reconstructive surgery" (The Ottawa Citizen,
December 12, 2015).
Giselle Portenier is an acclaimed filmmaker and
journalist who has consistently focused on human
rights, especially the rights of women and children.
She was the first CanWest Global visiting professor at
the University of British Columbia, and in 2014
received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Carleton
University.
Giselle is on the Board of the Canadian Journalism
Forum on Violence and Trauma. She regularly
speaks about journalism and human rights, and lives
in Vancouver with her husband, Chris Browne.
One of the judges said: "Fantastic article about this
issue which is often quite taboo and not thoroughly
discussed in the media or given the attention it
deserves. The article explores how reconstructive
surgery is performed, but also the psychological and
emotional impact of having to make the decision to go
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ahead with this procedure in light of cultural
expectations, traditions, and pressure from religious
groups."
The judges were also unanimous in their choice
of Fateema Sayani, Editor of the Carleton University
Magazine, for her article in the Small Print Media
category, "Remembering Paul Menton" (Carleton
University Magazine, Spring 2015).
Last year, 2015, marked the 25th anniversary of
the Paul Menton Centre at Carleton University -- a
Centre of support and growth for students with
disabilities. In his short life, Paul Menton (BA/Hons
'82) inspired many and his influence continues
stronger than ever. The article looks at the Centre's
early days, its future, and its accessibility program
that continues to build on what Paul started all those
many years ago.
As a freelance writer, Fateema has written many
articles about the arts scene for Ottawa Magazine
and the arts weekly Capital City. She is currently a
Master's candidate in the School of Public Policy at
Carleton University where she studies non-profit
leadership. She currently sits on the board of
directors of Girls Action Foundation/Fondation filles
d'action where she promotes media literacy programs
for girls and young women.
The Awards will be presented at the Annual
General Meeting of the Ontario Association of Social
Work (Eastern Branch) on March 23, 2016.
The Awards are named after Joan Gullen, a Bessie
Touzel recipient who has been recognized nationally
by the Governor General. The Awards consist of a
citation and a small monetary prize which is donated
to a local charity chosen by each recipient.
For further information about the Gullen Award,
contact the Eastern Branch office by e-mail at
[email protected]
LES LAURÉATES DU PRIX GULLEN
D’EXCELLENCE DANS LA PRESSE ÉCRITE
C’est avec plaisir que l’ATTSO, section de l’Est,
annonce les titulaires cette année des prix Gullen
d’excellence dans la presse écrite.
Le prix comporte deux catégories : l’une réservée
aux publications régionales, l’autre aux publications
communautaires.
La gagnante du prix dans la catégorie des
publications régionales, choisie à l’unanimité, est
Giselle Portenier, pour son article « Citizen readers
help genital mutilation victim get reconstructive
surgery » (les lecteurs du Citizen aident une victime
de mutilation génitale à subir une chirurgie
reconstructive) (The Ottawa Citizen, 12 décembre
2015).
Giselle Portenier est une cinéaste et journaliste,
dont le talent est reconnu, qui s’est toujours penchée
sur les droits de la personne, en particulier les droits
des femmes et des enfants. Elle a été la première
professeure invitée de CanWest Global à l’Université
de la Colombie-Britannique et, en 2014, elle a obtenu
un doctorat honorifique en droit de l’Université
Carleton. Giselle siège au Conseil du « Canadian
Journalism Forum on Violence and Trauma » (forum
du journalisme canadien sur la violence et les
traumatismes). Elle prend régulièrement la parole sur
le journalisme et les droits de la personne, et elle vit à
Vancouver avec son époux, Chris Browne.
L’un des membres du jury a fait ce commentaire :
« Remarquable article sur une question qui est
souvent totalement taboue, ne fait l’objet d’aucune
discussion approfondie dans les médias ou ne reçoit
pas l’attention qu’elle mérite. L’article étudie la
manière dont la chirurgie reconstructive est
entreprise, mais aussi l’incidence psychologique et
émotionnelle de devoir prendre la décision de subir
cette opération compte tenu des attentes culturelles,
des traditions et de la pression des groupes
religieux. »
or call us at 613 238-8406.
Please consider donating to the Gullen Award. To
make a donation, please contact the Ottawa
Community Foundation by phone at 613 236-1616,
or by e-mail at [email protected].
Les membres du jury ont également été unanimes
dans leur choix de Fateema Sayani, rédactrice du
Carleton University Magazine, pour son article dans
la catégorie de publications communautaires intitulé
« Remembering Paul Menton » (en mémoire de Paul
Menton) (Carleton University Magazine, printemps
2015).
9
e
L’année dernière 2015 a marqué le 25 anniversaire
du Centre Paul Menton à l’Université Carleton -centre de soutien et de développement pour les
étudiantes et étudiants handicapés. Pendant sa
courte vie, Paul Menton (BA/Hons '82) a été une
source d’inspiration pour de nombreuses personnes,
et son influence continue d’être plus forte que jamais.
L’article passe en revue les débuts du Centre, son
avenir, et son programme d’accessibilité qui continue
ce que Paul avait lancé il y a de nombreuses années.
En tant qu’écrivaine à la pige, Fateema a rédigé de
nombreux articles au sujet des arts de la scène pour
l’Ottawa Magazine et l’hebdomadaire sur les arts
Capital City. Elle est à l’heure actuelle candidate à la
maîtrise à l’École de politique publique de l’Université
Carleton où elle étudie le leadership dans le secteur à
but non lucratif. Elle siège actuellement au conseil
d’administration de la Fondation Filles d'action où elle
fait la promotion des programmes d’initiation aux
médias pour les filles et jeunes femmes.
Les prix seront décernés lors de l’assemblée
générale annuelle de l’Association des travailleuses
et travailleurs sociaux de l’Ontario (section de l’Est)
qui aura lieu le 23 mars 2016.
Ces prix portent le nom de Joan Gullen, une
titulaire du prix Bessie Touzel, qui est reconnue à
l’échelle nationale par le gouverneur général. Les prix
comprennent une attestation ainsi qu’une modeste
somme d’argent qui est versée à une œuvre de
bienfaisance locale choisie par chacun des titulaires.
Pour obtenir plus de renseignements au sujet du
prix Gullen, veuillez communiquer avec le bureau de
la section de l’Est de l’ATTSO à
[email protected]
ou nous appeler au 613 238-8406.
Veuillez considérer faire un don au prix Gullen.
Pour faire un don, veuillez communiquer avec la
fondation communautaire d’Ottawa, par téléphone au
613 236-1616, ou par courriel à [email protected].
EDITORIAL
THE GRAYING OF OUR CLIENTS AND
OURSELVES
Until now the most recent issue of OASWEastern’s
Bulletin dedicated to Seniors’ issues was in 2008, and
prior to that in 1998. In the former issue Roland
Lecomte noted that, “seventy five percent of social
workers end up working with older adults, even
though they might not have thought that they would.
Regardless of practice settings we are likely to
encounter older adults”. Eight years later, that
referenced percentage is likely to be greater. This
Issue of our journal should therefore have broad
appeal. Contributors are thanked for making that
possible.
Who are these baby boomers who are slinking into
the ‘Senior’ category in social work practice? We
were born with the sound of the doomsday clock
ticking towards midnight and living on the cusp of
global nuclear destruction. For the most part our
fathers (and some mothers) were World War II vets
who came home with varying degrees of PTSD and a
certainty that because of their sacrifice, the world
would be a better place for their children. So yes, we
were a bit indulged and our parents bought into the
new social imperative to buy! buy! buy! in order to get
the economy into post war recovery.
Families were big and few of us had our own
bedrooms. Every classroom at school was full to the
gunnels and there was no time for ‘special education’
for anyone with a learning disability, mild or severe.
When it came time to find jobs we were in stiff
competition with the rest of our cohort who were all
looking for work. The community college system was
set up to take some pressure off of universities and
stream some of us into trades. And suddenly we
were adults who actually had some control over our
own reproductive choices. The free love generation
scandalized our elders in a way that no other
generation had done for centuries. We Ruled! For a
few decades anyway.
As adults we were enthralled and appalled as the war
in Vietnam became a permanent fixture in the news.
How could young people go to war, knowing what our
parents just went through? We marched, we
chanted, we composed anti-war songs and we
became the ‘flower children’ of the world. In
retrospect we were naïve about world politics and
10
how much control we really had, but there were so
many of us that our collective vision of world peace
pushed back the hands of the doomsday clock.
The housing market boomed as we built homes for a
small nuclear family. Farmland was sold to agribusinesses. We instituted pensions for the elderly
and pension saving plans for ourselves. It was really
our parents’ generation who conceived of the Canada
Health Plan for all, but we baby boomers remember a
time when we were young when we had to pay to see
a doctor, and the times we did not go because the
family could not afford to pay.
In decades past, seniors’ issues meant the issues of
the World War I, World War II and Korean War
generations. Now the issues of the flower children
are the issues of seniors. Are there enough children
in Canada to support our social structures as we age?
What are the conditions of care in those nursing
homes where our parents had to go to live? We have
money and property that our parents did not have and
we are, as a cohort, more at risk for financial abuse
than previous generations. And of course, as we had
birth control, we now want control over our dying.
Whatever happens, the baby boomers are not
programmed to go ‘gently into that dark night’.
Publications Committee
ARTICLES
OASW FOCUSES ATTENTION ON ISSUES
THAT IMPACT ON OLDER ADULTS AND
THEIR CAREGIVERS
by Joan MacKenzie Davies
Précis : D’ici 2024, selon Statistiques Canada, une
personne sur 5 au Canada aura plus de 65 ans. Ce
changement radical dans la démographie exigera que
les travailleuses et travailleurs sociaux ainsi que les
étudiantes et étudiants en travail social envisagent
différemment leur objectif de carrière, ainsi que les
connaissances, les compétences et la formation dont
ils ont besoin. Les aînés sont concernés par tous les
aspects de la pratique du travail social – tendance qui
ne fera que s’accélérer dans un avenir prévisible. Ces
cinq dernières années, l’ATTSO a porté une grande
attention aux questions qui ont une incidence soit
spécifique soit générale sur les aînés et leurs
personnes soignantes. Le présent article aborde ces
questions.
As a growing number of baby boomers reach 65, this
has profound implications for policy development,
planning, funding and delivery of services to older
adults and their caregivers. In Ontario, older adults
now outnumber children age 14 and younger. By
2024, Statistics Canada predicts that one in five
Canadians will be over age 65. This seismic shift in
demographics will require social workers and social
work students to think differently about their career
focus, as well as the knowledge, skills and training
they need. Older adults touch on every aspect of
social work practice – a trend that will only accelerate
in the foreseeable future.
There are numerous challenges. Chief among these
is the imperative for government to help older adults
remain in the community as long as they can safely
do so. This will necessitate a redistribution of funding
from hospitals to home and community-based health
care, a feat that will not be easy to accomplish.
Family caregivers, the mainstay of the current
homecare system, will also need enhanced supports
and services. The impact of the demographic shift on
families, especially women who are in the workforce,
will be far-reaching. Broadening the definition of
health to include the social, emotional and economic
factors (e.g., poverty) that have such a profound
impact on health status and health outcomes will be
crucial.
In the last five years, OASW has focused
considerable attention on issues that either
specifically or broadly impact on older adults and their
caregivers. Examples of work in this regard fall under
these categories:
 Advocacy with the provincial government
related to greater integration and equity in access
to services health care and related supports. This
includes participation in: February 2016
consultations regarding the Ministry of Health
(MOH) Patients First: Proposal to Strengthen
Patient-Centred Care in Ontario Discussion Paper
which proposes major structural changes to the
delivery of health care; January 2016 consultation
with the MOH and the Ministry of the Attorney
General related to physician-assisted dying;
October 2014 MOH Expert Panel on Home and
Community Care consultation which sought
practical recommendations to make
home/community care more responsive and
accessible; August 2015 meeting with the MOH to
discuss a palliative and end-of-life care strategy;
September 2015 response to changes in the
11
Retirement Homes Act; advocacy in
April/December 2014 with three provincial political
parties to bring Bill 21, the Employment Standards
Amendment Act (Leaves to Help Families) into
force, which requires employers to hold jobs for
eight months for employees who take unpaid leave
to care for a seriously ill relative; and the 2013
MOH consultation regarding Ontario’s Seniors
Strategy.
 Social Advocacy related to poverty reduction both
as an individual association and as part of various
coalitions; written pre-budget submissions; and
advocacy for more affordable/subsidized housing.
 Research to demonstrate the effectiveness of
social work interventions with vulnerable groups,
including older adults, who are frequent users of
costly health care services. For example, OASW
partnered with researchers to evaluate findings
from two 3-month pilots which placed social
workers in Emergency Departments during peak
hours; and submitted a multi-year funding proposal
to the MOH for “Better Care for At Risk Seniors
Attending Sole Physician Practices” which focuses
on non-medical factors that impact on health
status/outcomes.
 Education/Training initiatives have included: the
launch of a 6-module online certificate course for
advanced practitioners in February 2016;
workshops at OASW’s biennial Provincial
Conference; articles in OASW Newsmagazine
(e.g., article by Bonnie Schroeder entitled “Focus
on Family Caregivers as Essential Partners in
Care”); a Member Appreciation presentation on
brain health in November 2015; participation in the
February 2014 “Better Aging Education Summit”
which looked at the educational needs of
professionals working with older adults; and
ongoing advocacy with schools of social work to
place greater focus on required courses on aging.
 Consultations in January 2016 with the Law
Commission of Ontario on an end-of-life project
which considered the identities, rights and values
of persons transitioning through the last stages of
their lives as well as those of caregivers, families
and friends.
 Coalitions/Groups provide an opportunity to
jointly address specific interests/concerns (e.g.,
OASW’s Regional Director for Eastern Ontario,
Bonnie Schroeder, is one of two Association
representatives serving on the Ontario Caregiver
Network.
 Resources include a role statement (2013) on
social work with older adults, and a one-pager
promoting the role of social workers as systems
navigators, developed by OASW’s Older Adult
Issues Advisory Group, entitled: “Social Workers:
Essential Systems Navigators” (2016). OASW’s
publication Elder Abuse: A Practice Handbook for
nd
Service Providers (2 Ed.) also remains a valued
and useful tool.
Joan MacKenzie Davies, MSW, RSW is the Executive
Director of the Ontario Association of Social Workers.
SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH IMMIGRANT AND
REFUGEE SENIORS: COMMENTS FROM THREE
SOCIAL WORK PRACTITIONERS
Précis : Il existe de grandes différences en ce qui
concerne le travail avec des personnes âgées qui font
partie d’une famille de réfugiés par comparaison au
travail avec des personnes âgées qui ont été
parrainées par des familles plus jeunes qui ont
immigré au Canada puis ont fait venir des grandsparents pour aider à s’occuper des enfants ou pour
être aidés parce qu’il n’y avait personne pour
s’occuper d’eux dans leur pays d’origine alors que
leur santé s’affaiblissait. Dans un cas comme dans
l’autre, les travailleuses et travailleurs sociaux à
Ottawa fournissent des services de soutien essentiels
à ces aînés. Cet article comprend des commentaires
de trois agents chargés de dossiers individuels qui
travaillent avec des personnes âgées immigrantes ou
réfugiées.
Talking out Life Experiences with
Immigrant Seniors
by Wen Jean Ho
During a social work intake it is crucial to recognize
the history and complexity of working with our elders.
Generic questions such as one’s name, health and
family can be an open door to truly knowing the client.
What in the past has affected their physical and
12
mental health? Many of the immigrant seniors we
meet in Ottawa have emotional past that may include
serious loss due to war, poverty, geographical/
ethnical exclusion, or due to gender or sexuality
issues. Knowing if your client may have been
oppressed due to race, religion, sexuality or ethnicity
is crucial in how we work with them to resolve issues.
Let’s use, for example, a 90 year-old man, Victor,
born in Russia, physical health is deteriorating due to
multiple TIA's which also brought on memory
impairment. During World World II he was drafted into
the Russian Army where he was a leader among the
men. Victor became a prisoner of war and spent time
in a concentration camp where he witnessed and
experienced extreme violence. Victor never shared
his past with his family.
Wen Jean Ho received her social work degree in
Taiwan and practices as a community worker in
Ottawa. Wendy Tang, MSW, RSW, works with
seniors who have been sponsored by the Asian
community.
Preventing Isolation in At Risk
Immigrant Seniors
by Karen Anne Blakely
After the war Victor worked as an accountant, married
and had one son. His son immigrated to Canada and
his father followed after the death of his wife in 1990.
Many of the families who have sponsored their
parents to Canada are skilled professionals who were
admitted as landed immigrates on a point system.
The grandparents are more often than not also well
educated professional who are brought here to help
with child care and to benefit from a better quality of
life offered in Canada. But it is still an adjustment for
these Asian seniors and there is a role for creative
social workers to ensure that these Asian seniors do
not become isolated and are given an opportunity to
contribute to their new homeland.
Victor learned English quickly so he could speak to
his grandchildren to whom he was devoted. However,
on being diagnosed with Vascular Dementia, Victor's
personality changed and he became more verbally
aggressive. Victor began calling his son “Ivan” and
would be demeaning towards him followed by
begging his forgiveness. His son did not know anyone
named Ivan in his father's past. Through the social
work interview it was determined that while a prisoner
Victor had been forced to regularly beat another
soldier, Ivan, for the amusement of his oppressors.
The Kanata Chinese Seniors Support Centre
http://www.kcssc.org/ conducted a public
consultation in 2013 to ask about the mental health of
Asian Seniors living in the high-tech community
centered in Kanata. It aimed to identify the main
issues affecting Chinese seniors’ mental well-being
and to determine what type of community activities
could be successful in promoting their wellbeing.
Immigrant seniors have particular integration needs
and are at higher risk of isolation than their younger
family members.
Though dementia was a factor, it was important to
recognize and help Victor grieve over what was out of
his control and help him understand that he was not
responsible. Helping Victor and his son learn to not
ignore Ivan but bring Ivan into the present. Victor's
son learned to “be Ivan” and communicate that he did
not blame Victor. Each time “Ivan” forgave Victor the
situation would end much faster and with less
aggression. Once calm, Victor’s son would then
change the discussion to the grandchildren which
brought pleasure to Victor.
Social workers in ethno-cultural organizations play an
essential role in bridging seniors to mainstream
services available in the community. The immigrant
seniors need to create social networks when they
move to Canada, but there are barriers preventing
them from participation in community activities and
volunteer work. In fact, the four major reasons
isolating them are language, transportation, time
constraints, and family responsibilities. Also, not
being able to communicate with their children’s
partners and/or their English speaking grandchildren
add to their risk of acquiring situational depression.
The social worker needs to direct the people involved
in the caring for our elders to deeply know their clients
and allow for more understanding of who they are as
people. We cannot make assumptions that one
person is like another as we all have experiences that
have affected our lives and those around us.
From the consultation it was learned that Asian
seniors wanted to learn about Canadian culture,
values and institutions to gain understanding of the
society. KCSSC social workers have developed
programs where seniors could meet with other Asian
grandparents and make new friends, partake in
13
exercise classes and short travel excursions with
peers as well as recreational group activities (e.g.
dancing and singing) and most importantly, the
seniors have been provided an opportunity to
contribute to their community by volunteering.
Encouraged and coached by the KCSSC, the senior
volunteers helped co-ordinate Chinese cultural
events, design programs for seniors, assist at event
set-up and take-down, and to organize food drive to
support the local food bank.
KCSSC social workers have been trying to break
down seniors’ isolation by reaching out to isolated
seniors, empowering seniors to increase their
participation, and strengthening seniors’ participation
in their communities. KCSSC provides transportation
support, organizes English and computer skill training
classes, and fosters overall family support. KCSSC
also works with health service providers to carry out
community awareness about mental health using
non-medicalized approaches and peer support. The
social worker has validated the seniors’ new role in
the extended family, and breaks down communication
barriers amongst the generations using drama and
games, thus integrating grandchildren’s cultural
values with traditional values reflected in the
experience of the family elders.
Supporting social networks and developing a sense of
belonging through community activities and volunteer
work are important to healthy living and integration of
immigrant seniors. Ethno-cultural organizations need
more support from government to hire culturally and
linguistically proficient social workers to help
immigrant seniors to access resources and to provide
culturally appropriate interventions. As a result, the
immigrant seniors become contributing family
members and citizens in their new country.
Karen Anne Blakely, MSW, RSW is the Director of
Community Services at Abbotsford House at The
Glebe Centre on Bank Street. She has many years of
experience working with families of newcomers,
whose multi-generational stressors are barriers to
adjustment caused by war trauma.
Support Networks for Refugee Families
by Wendy Birkhan
There are many challenges that refugee families and
their seniors face when relocating to a new country.
Social workers and those in community services
intervene to help achieve goals for families, including
seniors, who are to become settled and achieve
equality and freedom of participation in the new
country.
Increasing the support network for the individual or
family is crucial. Without overwhelming the
newcomers, a small but committed team who can
communicate with the family, can be the first point of
contact until an informal support network is
established. The family will direct the process and the
social workers will ensure the family has access to
resources in this country with unfamiliar systems and
cultures.
Adaptation to the new environment will take time and
the journey may have challenges. Social workers and
settlement counselors must remember that refugees
never chose to move to a new country, it was a
necessity for survival. Being aware of your own
cultural influences; respecting their culture; taking the
time to appreciate differences and commonality will
contribute to a possibility of social workers making a
positive impact.
Refugees have experienced a serious lack of control
of their lives in recent times. There may be a variety
of emotions expressed with the new found control and
realization of recent or past losses. Social workers
watch for challenges; explore the newcomers’
willingness and motivation to address the challenges
and provide options for resolutions which may include
accessing counseling for Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder. There may be underlying issues that are
interfering with the integration process: fear of
authority, pride, shame, and mental issues, religious
or cultural barriers. Social workers must not assume
that the family has skills in IADLs or in navigating
systems for school, health care or housing, especially
if the social workers do not have a complete
background of the refugees’ culture, traditions and
experience with past government systems. It is
important to refrain from judgment and ask questions
to gain understanding.
The social workers’ ultimate goal for interventions with
seniors who are part of a refugee family is to enable
them to attain their aspirations in life. As with all social
work interventions, the senior has the right to selfdetermination and social workers can provide relevant
information for refugees to make informed decisions
to get closer to realizing their aspirations.
14
Wendy Birkhan, BSW, RSW, has worked with refugee
settlement programs and is a presently in private
practice doing case management with seniors and
their caregivers.
SENIORS’ MENTAL HEALTH AND
SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE
by Carmelina Cimaglia
Précis : La proportion de Canadiennes et de
Canadiens qui vivent plus longtemps ne cesse
d’augmenter, et les aînés sont en passe de devenir la
cohorte démographique la plus importante. Alors que
le rythme du vieillissement s’accélère, le besoin de
services de santé mentale s’accroît. Le présent article
discute du risque accru qu’ont les personnes âgées
de développer des déficiences physiques et
cognitives, et du besoin qu’ont les praticiens en travail
social desservant cette population de demeurer
vigilants face aux nouveaux défis que représentent
les besoins complexes et en constante évolution des
aînés aux prises avec des problèmes de santé
mentale ainsi que leurs familles et leurs personnes
soignantes.
The proportion of Canadians living longer is
increasing and seniors are becoming the largest
demographic cohort. As the pace of the aging
population increases, the need for mental health
services and supports becomes greater. Although
many seniors can lead fulfilling lives, there are
challenges when physical and cognitive impairments
affect a senior’s functional ability. Older adults are
also at risk of developing mental disorders,
neurological disorders or substance use. “A number
of social and psychological determinants make
seniors more apt for mental illness. These include
physical changes, retirement and its accompanying
decrease in income, the loss of a spouse, social
isolation, and loneliness” (CMHA).
The most common neuropsychiatric disorders
exhibited in seniors are depression and dementia.
These mental health problems are not a normal part
of aging. They are usually signs that something is
wrong which requires attention. Mental illness can be
debilitative, affecting the senior’s quality of life. Mental
health and emotional well-being are as important for
seniors as for any other age group.
According to the Canadian Coalition for Seniors
Mental Health, 20% of seniors are living with a mental
illness; however this number does not capture the
high prevalence rates (approximately 80% - 90%)
within health and social institutions, including Long
Term Care Homes (LTCH). Furthermore, mental
illness can place great stress on family/spouses/
caregivers and this can have negative effects on their
relationship.
Social Work’s understanding of this population’s
vulnerability is essential in being prepared to meet
their specific needs, including the impact the illness
has on the family and health care providers.
Knowledge of psychosocial interventions to support
and improve the lives of seniors with mental health
issues and their caregivers and families, is therefore
integral to ensure a supportive environment. Part of
what constitutes best practice in geriatric mental
health is developing capacity among health care
providers/caregivers and families to allow the most
effective provision of care designed for seniors.
Having social work as part of a multidisciplinary team
can be effective in supporting and encouraging health
care providers/caregivers in the development of a
diverse repertoire of knowledge and skills designed to
care for seniors with mental health issues, including
the building of healthy relationships with families. As
the numbers of older persons with mental illness
increases, it undeniably warrants collaboration among
professionals and caregivers to develop effective and
efficient services to meet the complex and everchanging needs of these seniors.
The goal of building partnerships with the professional
caregivers and families is to support an environment
whereby the senior’s autonomy and self-sufficiency is
respected. Social Work practice with this client
population must remain vigilant to new challenges
presented due to the complex and ever-changing
needs of seniors with mental health as well as their
families and caregivers.
Carmelina Cimaglia MSW, RSW is a Social Worker
with the Geriatric Psychiatry Program at the Royal
Ottawa Hospital.
15
ELDER ABUSE
by Barbara Burns
Précis : Au Canada, l’exploitation financière des
aînés est reconnue comme la forme de maltraitance
des aînés la plus répandue, allant du vol pur et simple
à des tactiques plus trompeuses de manipulation des
procurations, ou à la signature de documents
juridiques à leur insu, ou le transfert sans permission
de biens ou d’importantes sommes d’argent liquide;
les victimes sont les personnes les plus vulnérables
de notre société. Mais cela n’est pas la seule forme
de maltraitance à laquelle font face les travailleuses
et travailleurs sociaux. Le présent article discute de la
maltraitance des aînés et des problèmes qu’entraîne
le manque de financement durable pour traiter cette
question.
Elder abuse appears in several forms: physical,
psychological, sexual, neglect and financial, but rarely
is one form encountered singly. However, in Canada
financial abuse is acknowledged to be the most
prevalent form of elder abuse, ranging from outright
stealing to the more deceptive tactics of mishandling
Powers of Attorney, or legal documents unwittingly
signed, or the transfer of property or large amounts of
cash without permission; its victims are the most
vulnerable in our society.
Locally, the evidence for the prevalence of financial
abuse is apparent in the disproportionate and
predominant number of financial abuse cases brought
to the Champlain Elder Abuse Consultation Team for
advice. This Team offers an holistic and eclectic
perspective to elder abuse cases drawn from the
diverse professional backgrounds of its members:
medicine, law, nursing, police, neuropsychology,
social work, etc. and community organizations
including Public Guardian and Trustee; Community
Care Access ; Geriatric Outreach Team; Regional
Geriatric Program and Community Resource Centers.
The situation of Mrs. X, 83, a widow with several
health problems who lives with her unemployed son
illustrates a typical example of abuse. A sister reports
to a social worker at a community agency that her
brother is cashing Mother’s private pension cheques
to buy drugs. A home visit reveals filth, decay and a
bare refrigerator. Mrs. X appears to be capable but is
unsure about her medications and also believes that
she has given Power of Attorney to her son: “he is so
good to her”. While affable during the visit, “Don’t see
much of my old friends,” Mrs. X avoids any
recriminations of her son when he refuses the social
worker’s care suggestions.
In intervening with Mrs. X, the social worker's tasks
may include assessment, counseling, advocacy,
protection, family therapy and arranging for services.
However with financial abuse the problem is
amplified, as, by its very nature, financial abuse is
convoluted, time-consuming and solutions or options
are not easily found or even always available,
particularly when it is often accompanied by agerelated health or capacity issues.
Unfortunately, the multiplicity, complexity and duration
of elder abuse problems are not acknowledged by
funders who apparently do not recognize the need for
on-going operational, sustainable funding for
community agencies to maintain their elder abuse
component. While much has been accomplished
provincially with education and prevention elder
abuse programs, the lack of sustainable funding to
address the core issue of treatment and intervention
continues. Programs are cut and expertise is lost and
meanwhile as our older population grows,
undoubtedly the abuse of the elderly will continue to
increase.
Barbara Burns, a recipient of the Bessie Touzel
Award, is a nurse and social worker whose field of
practice has been seniors. She has been an active
member of OASWEastern Branch’s SWAG group
since its 1988 inception.
THE BULLETIN FOR SUMMER 2016
“TEAMWORK”
Do you work with teams? Or s a team? What kind of
team? Do you have good news stories about successful
teams? Have you participated on a team involved in a
great project? Any best practices or lessons learned to
share concerning social workers and teamwork? Here is
your chance to tell others about it! If you have an article,
or an idea for a story on Teamwork, please don’t
hesitate contact the Publications Committee at
[email protected]
The deadline for submissions is May 17, 2016.
16
SPRING CELEBRATION AND AGM
Mark Your Calendar!
OASW-Eastern Branch
Celebration/ Annual General
Meeting
Wednesday, March 23, 2016,
13:00 - 21:00
Kanata Golf and Country Club
7000 Campeau Drive, Kanata
Afternoon Workshop
Registration at 13:00
“Strengthening Interventions
with High Risk Youth”
with
David Falardeau and Dr. Ben Roebuck
Meet and Greet
with friends and colleagues
16:00
Celebration and AGM
17:00 to 21:00
You can see we’re doing things a little differently
again this year. We’re following on with 2015’s
successful format, and meeting at a brand new
location.
Please check out the Celebration\AGM Registration
Form (pages 21-22) in this issue for all the details of
this popular annual event!
Important!
Please confirm your attendance with
our office at 613 238-8406,
or by e-mail at
[email protected]
by March 14, 2016.
YOUR IDEAS FOR THE BULLETIN
This is your Branch publication, and your opinions
and comments concerning it are important to us.
 What subjects or issues would you like to see
covered?
 Are you interested in writing a regular column?
 How can we improve/develop our electronic
Bulletin?
 Any recommendations for formatting or layout?
Send your comments, suggestions
to our Branch Office at
[email protected]
SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE
(…Continued from page 3)
SUBMISSION TO ONTARIO MINISTRY OF
FINANCE BUDGET CONSULTATION
Submitted by
The Ontario Association of Social Workers,
Eastern Branch
We would like to thank you for the opportunity to
provide input into budget considerations for the 2016
year. We represent over 400 social workers
employed in front line, administrative, policy making
and educational settings across the province. This
represents approximately 830,000 hours a year of
work with some of the most vulnerable populations in
our province. This is not to mention the additional
volunteer hours that many of us contribute in our
communities. Considering this, we represent a group
of skilled, informed and analytical practitioners who
have front line and social policy knowledge and an
understanding of the needs of the large vulnerable
populations in our communities. In many cases,
these are the individuals and families who do not
have the capacity to advocate for their own needs as
they are often spending an overabundance of energy
on meeting basic needs, some of which we will
discuss in this submission.
Housing:
It is no surprise that there is a shortage of affordable
housing in Ontario. Interestingly this issue has once
again, come to the forefront with the influx of new
immigrants to Ontario. However this has been a
challenging issue for many years. Not only is there
not enough affordable housing, but some of the
housing conditions are deplorable (i.e. Infestation of
rodents and bedbugs, poor plumbing, mould
contamination, to name a few). According to a recent
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article from CBC on January 19, 2016, our centralized
affordable housing waitlist currently stands at
approximately 10,000 applications with an average
wait time of five years.
Income security:
The benefits of having a living wage to meet basic
needs are broad ranging and not only include the
obvious markers of good nourishment and physical
health but also the reduced likelihood of chronic
disease, greater educational success, improved selfesteem, increased productivity, and reduced risk of
mental illness.
The low income cut off (LICO) in 2015 for a family of 4
was $44,340 in Canada. The basic social assistance
rates in Ontario after October/November 2015 for a
family of 4 is $16,896. For those same families who
are on the disability benefit the rate is $24,300. This
represents a LICO gap of 61.9% and 45%
respectively. If this gap could be reduced by half, this
would likely have significant saving in other areas of
our social assistance expenditures as we know that
when people are able to meet at least minimum basic
needs their social determinant of health significantly
improve which reduces the strain on other social
support networks in our communities.
The Food Institute at the University of Guelph
estimates that food costs alone will rise between 2
and 4% in 2016. Food prices rose 4.1% in 2015 which
is significantly higher than the rate of inflation and the
1% annual increase allocated to social assistance
benefits in Ontario.
We know that when citizens have more disposable
income, they are able to access more resources in a
timely way. It is no surprise that we are in the midst
of a two-tiered health care system, in which those
who can afford can access private health services for
physical or mental health needs. We know that the
longer people wait for services the more insidious
their condition will become. Right now people who
are waiting for mental health services can wait 6
months or longer for resources to be available to
them, while those who can pay can expedite these
services.
Furthermore, when people have income they are
more likely to spend the dollars locally which will
assist in stimulating the economy.
Conclusion:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has clearly
outlined the correlation between health outcomes and
an individual’s ability to access basic needs. As a
society we have the ability to influence the social
determinants of health, most notably an individual’s or
family’s access to affordable and suitable housing
and access to appropriate levels of income to ensure
basic needs are met.
When, as a society we develop social policy that
enables all Ontarians to thrive by meeting basic
needs, we are more likely to see a reduction in the
negative impacts on our citizens’ physical, mental and
social well-being. We will then witness a society in
which the majority of citizens are productive and
experience a sense of dignity therefore reducing the
cycle of poverty and contributing to the economic
growth in our communities.
Sources:
CBC. (Jan, 19, 2016) “Government-assisted refugee
arrivals paused to deal with Ottawa housing shortage”
The Food Institute of the University of Guelph. Food
Price Report 2016
Income Security Advocacy Centre. Social Assistance
Rates and the OCB, October 1, 2015
World Health Organization.
http://who.int.hia/evidence/doh/en
SOCIAL JUSTICE CORNER
(…Continued from Page 4)
Since the topic of this issue of the Bulletin is Seniors,
we thought that we would begin by linking the issues
of vulnerable, challenged seniors to the research we
have been involved in regarding domiciliary hostels.
While we do not have statistics regarding the actual
numbers of seniors who are resident in domiciliary
hostels, we know they are legion. As a profession we
are not really vocal about these folks because we
know that if they were not in domiciliary hostels they
would very likely be at shelters, on the street,
homeless, or clogging up our hospital emergency
departments. We are thankful that we have found
them housing, and we move on to the next problem.
However we all know that their living conditions often
meet only minimally acceptable standards. Let’s
begin this discussion by outlining what the Social
Justice Committee has discovered about domiciliary
hostels.
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THE DOMICILIARY HOSTEL PROJECT
For the past several years the Social Justice
Committee has been researching domiciliary hostels
in Ottawa. Domiciliary hostels are, fundamentally,
group homes for adults. Individuals who live in these
homes are among the most vulnerable members of
our community. These adults, often frail seniors, are
living with a variety of disabilities, including mental
health issues, developmental delays, addictions and
physical disabilities.
In 2015 there were over 1020 individuals living in 31
hostels designed for 980 tenants. There is a waiting
list. Licensed and monitored by the City of Ottawa
Housing Branch, 5 hostels are non-profit and 26 are
privately operated for-profit enterprises. They range in
size from 10 to over 100 residents. Residents
typically sign over their ODSP or pension cheques in
return for room and board with 24-hour supervision,
housekeeping and laundry services, medication
management, recreational activities and access to
community based services. Tenants are permitted a
very modest monthly allowance. Most tenants do not
have private rooms and may live in these hostels for
many years.
Our committee invited a representative from the city
Housing Branch as well as the leader of the service
providers group which represents hostel owners and
operators, to discuss this program with us so that we
could gain a better understanding of the issues at
hand. It became obvious that there are significant
funding problems which limit operators’ ability both to
hire sufficient qualified staff and to provide programs
and services which could ensure an adequate quality
of life for residents. The per diem rate is $49.66.
The Social Justice Committee approached Adje Van
Der Sande, who teaches the Research Methods
course at the Carleton School of Social Work, to see
if his students would be interested in undertaking
doing some research on this issue. In 2013, a group
of students undertook a research project involving the
residents of Cornerstone, a flagship non-profit
organization which provides services to vulnerable
women, and which operates a large domiciliary hostel
program.
In 2014 another group of students under the
supervision of Adje, followed up this initial study by
working with residents of domiciliary hostels,
representatives of the City of Ottawa Housing Branch,
and members of the Social Justice Committee to
develop a Residents Bill of Rights which was
subsequently adopted by the Housing Branch and
posted in common areas of all domiciliary hostels for
the information of all residents.
While standards for Domiciliary Hostels were initially
developed in 2006 by the Housing Branch of the City
of Ottawa, at the provincial level the administration of
Domiciliary Hostels has been recently moved from the
Ministry of Community and Social Services to the
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH).
Consequently, standards are being revised to reflect
the eight basic categories identified by MMAH:
Eligibility; Staffing; Insurance and Monitoring; Conflict
Resolution, Complaints Processes and Reporting;
Rights and Responsibilities; Physical Safety, Health
and Well Being of Tenants; Provision of Access to
Activities and Support Services; and Monthly
Allowance. These categories reflect the issues
identified by the Carleton students and the Social
Justice Committee. It is now the responsibility of the
Housing Branch of the City of Ottawa to articulate and
implement new standards according to these
categories.
In the fall of 2015, as part of the process of
developing revised standards, the Social Justice
Committee was invited to participate in a Community
Reference Group organized by the Housing Branch of
the City of Ottawa, which also included operators of
Domiciliary Hostels. We reviewed and edited the
proposed standards prepared by the city during three
half-day sessions. These revised standards, which
include The Residents’ Bill of Rights developed by the
Carleton students, are currently confidential. They will
be presented to city council for debate and approval
in March and will subsequently be publicly accessible
in April 2016.
Exploration of this issue has been at least a 5-year
undertaking for the Social Justice Committee. We
have learned much. At this point it is difficult to
assess the degree to which our persistent questions
have impacted on the increased focus on standards
and living conditions in these facilities. We are
pleased that a number of the issues we identified are
being acknowledged by both the Province of Ontario
and the City of Ottawa. It is noted that basic issues
(namely staffing qualifications and staff to tenant
ratios) remain, and cannot really be adequately
addressed until the per diem rate is increased.
Currently this is ruled out by the Province.
19
The fundamental issue of the basic viability of the
concept of a for-profit model of service provision for
this vulnerable, high need, essentially invisible
population has not been addressed at any level. Is a
"for-profit" model of service delivery really viable for
this population? Given the reality that a significant
number of these individuals are seniors who are not
likely to transition out of these facilities into more
independent living and who can expect to live
permanently in these facilities, sharing space with
younger residents with chronic behavioural issues
which make it impossible for them to live
independently, we remain very uncomfortable with the
quality of life which is likely to occur. The per diem of
$49.66 prohibits the type of enhanced staffing
potential which would facilitate a decent quality of life.
The fact that residents pay for this housing,
essentially with their total income, means they are
totally dependent on the hostels. We already know
that they are socially isolated or they would not be in
these facilities.
How could we do this better? The Social Justice
Committee plans to remain alert to ongoing changes
in this program as we move forward with other social
justice issues. We welcome your ideas. Let the
conversation begin!
Lynn Sherwood
Social Justice Committee
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BULLETIN BOARD

Reminder
OASW-EB Celebration and
Annual General Meeting
Wednesday March 23, 2016
from 1:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Kanata Golf and Country Club
7000 Campeau Drive
Kanata, Ontario
 DON’T FORGET!!
Your 2016-2017 Board Nominations
are due March 18, 2016.
Contact our Branch office to nominate
your candidate!
Nominations can also be made from the floor at our
Celebration/AGM March 23, 2016.
 Notez!
Célébration de l'ATTSO (Est) /
Assemblée Générale Annuelle
 Our Mailing Address
Mercredi le 23 mars 2016
de 13 h 00 à 21 h 00
Kanata Golf and Country Club
7000, promenade Campeau
Kanata (Ontario)
Eastern Branch - OASW
404 McArthur Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
K1K 1G8
THE BULLETIN FOR SUMMER 2016
THE BULLETIN FOR FALL 2016
“TEAMWORK”
“ADDICTIONS”
Deadline for submissions:
May 17, 2016.
Deadline for submissions:
November 17, 2016.
Don’t wait to be asked. Send us your
articles on this topic, or your news and ideas
for the Bulletin, in the official language of
your choice.
Your articles on this topic, and your news and
ideas for the Bulletin are all welcomed in the
official language of your choice.
Contact Eastern Branch
You can reach our Administrative Assistant
Kae McColl
at our Branch Office
by phone at
 (613) 238-8406
by regular mail
at our address (above),
or
by e-mail at
[email protected]
ERRATUM
On page 8 of the Fall 2015 Bulletin, in the article entitled,
“Virginia Lafond’s CBT Blog for Everyone!”, there was an
error in her e-mail address. The signature should have
been:
Virginia Lafond
[email protected]
Editor
Posting date: March 4, 2016
OASW - Eastern Branch 80th Anniversary
Professional Development, Celebration and Annual General Meeting
Wednesday, March 23, 2016, 13:00 - 21:00
Kanata Golf and Country Club
7000 Campeau Drive, Kanata
Professional Development
13:00 - 16:00
Strengthening Interventions with High Risk Youth
David Falardeau and Dr. Ben Roebuck
Presentation of the
Joan Gullen Awards for Media Excellence
Join us for a Meet and Greet at 16:00.
Bring your business cards.
For those joining us for the evening, registration is scheduled for 17:00
followed by the introduction of Keith Adamson, OASW President, and Joan MacKenzie
Davies, OASW Executive Director, a buffet dinner, entertainment, and the premiere of
Heritage Moments: The Pioneers of the Eastern Branch
An open forum to follow.
Presentation of the Bessie Touzel Award to Geneviève Côté
Presentation of the Glenn Drover National Award for Outstanding Service
Annual General Meeting
Registration Form
Name:____________________________________________________________________
Telephone/E-mail:___________________________________________________________
I intend to participate in: (check all that apply)
Full day
○ $45.00 members
○$25.00 students and first year graduates
No fee for afternoon education
○ $60.00 non-members
Evening only
○ $35.00 members
○ $25.00 students and first year graduates
○ $50.00 non-members
Please confirm your attendance at 613 238-8406, or by e-mail at [email protected]
by March 14, 2016.
Payments will be accepted by mail at OASW - Eastern Branch, 404 McArthur Avenue,
Ottawa Ontario, K1K 1G8. You may also register through PayPal at [email protected].
Payments will also be accepted at the event.
A 100% cancellation fee will be charged after March 15, 2016.
Please note donations will be accepted for the University bursaries/scholarships.
Cash bar on premises. If you are registering for a group, please include the number of
required seats.
Free parking. Wheelchair accessible.
Please contact the office in the event you require transportation as
carpooling may be provided.
Remember: no scent makes good sense.
ATTSO – Division de l’Est 80ième anniversaire
Développement professionnel célébration et assemblée générale
annuelle
Mercredi 23 mars 2016, 13 h 00 – 21 h 00
Kanata Golf and Country Club
7000 promenade Campeau, Kanata
Développement professionel
13 h 00 h– 16 h 00
Interventions auprès des jeunes à risques
(en anglais seulement)
David Falardeau et Dr. Ben Roebuck
Présentation du
Prix Joan Gullen pour excellence en média écrit
Venez nous joindre pour une séance d’accueil à 16 h 00.
Apportez vos cartes d’affaires.
Pour celles et ceux qui se joindront à nous pour la soirée, l’inscription commencera à 17 h
suivie de l’introduction de Keith Adamson, Président de l’ATTSO ainsi que Joan MacKenzie
Davies, Directrice Générale de l’ATTSO. Un souper style buffet sera servi, suivie
de la première de
Moments de patrimoine: Les pionniers de la division de l’Est.
Un forum de discussion sera ouvert.
Remise du prix Bessie Touzel à Geneviève Côté
Remise du prix Glenn Drover Prix National pour service exceptionnel
Assemblée générale annuelle
Formulaire d’inscription
Nom :____________________________________________________________________
Téléphone/courriel:_________________________________________________________
J’ai l’intention de participer à : (cochez tout ce qui s’applique)
Journée entière
Soirée seulement
○ 45 $ pour les membres
○ 35 $ pour les membres
○ 25 $ pour les étudiants et les récents
○ 25 $ pour les étudiants et les récents diplômés
diplômés (première année)
(première année)
○ 60 $ pour les non-membres
○ 50 $ pour les non-membres
Veuillez confirmer votre participation en composant le 613 238-8406
ou en envoyant un courriel à [email protected] avant le 14 mars 2016.
Les paiements seront acceptés par courrier jusqu’au: ATTSO – Division de l’Est, 404,
avenue McArthur, Ottawa (Ontario) K1K 1G8. PayPal est aussi disponible pour
l’inscription sur le site [email protected]. Les paiements seront également
acceptés lors de l’activité.
Un frais d’annulation de 100% sera nécessaire après le 15 mars, 2016.
Les dons seront acceptés pour les bourses universitaires.
Il y aura un bar payant. Si vous inscrivez un groupe, veuillez identifier le nombre de
places requises.
Stationnement gratuit. Accessible aux fauteuils roulants.
Si vous avez besoin d’un moyen de transport, contacter nous pour organiser
du covoiturage.
N’oubliez pas que certaines personnes sont allergiques au parfum.