Tears roll down Teddy Faddies' cheeks moments after she begins to talk about the abuse of an elderly woman in Brantford.

"I'm emotional," she says apologetically. "I was watching the TV but I couldn't watch all of it. I don't know how people could be so cruel.

"She echoes the sentiments of many people following shocking evidence of violence and theft against an 87-year-old woman in two privately operated nursing homes.

"What I saw was pretty disgusting. It's intolerable," said Zelda Shepherd, moments after signing a Hamilton petition aimed at nursing home abuse.

Two weeks ago, CTV's W5 broadcast hidden camera footage of staff at two nursing homes assaulting and stealing from resident Norma Stenson.

Two female workers were charged. One was found guilty and proceedings continue against the second.

Joan Faria is determined to push for change. With the help of the Catholic Women's League at her church, the Hamilton resident is collecting signatures urging the government to take steps to protect the elderly living in nursing homes.

In just a week, there are more than 1,000 names."I was always taught that talk is cheap, you have to make a difference," said Faria.

"Politicians depend on the apathy of Canadians. They will do nothing unless they realize that people have not forgotten about an issue.

"Grace McDonald, 84, answered Faria's call for help to distribute the petition. "These people need our help. They can't speak up for themselves and even if they can, they are afraid of more abuse.

"McDonald said everyone she approached is eager to see more protection for nursing home residents. "I don't care how old or young you are, we might all get there someday."

There are 28 long-term care facilities in Hamilton. Two are run by the city, several more are operated by non-profit groups and the rest are privately owned. Tom Jackson, who sits on the advisory committee for the city facilities -- Wentworth Lodge and Macassa Lodge -- vows to use his political connections to get Faria's petition into the channels of power. He said the long-term care industry, especially private operators, need to be more closely regulated."

This reinforces the need to bring awareness and to ensure dignity and care are given to the elderly," Jackson said.

Statistics about nursing home abuse are hard to come by because incidents are lumped in with other forms of domestic violence. Critics say reported cases are the tip of the iceberg.

Health minister George Smitherman has promised his government would develop a strategy to deal with elder abuse in long-term care homes. He has also vowed Ontario will institute surprise inspections of nursing homes and a complaints hotline. NDP leader Howard Hampton is pushing a private member's bill to protect seniors in nursing homes and hospitals."

It will place a duty on operators of health facilities to protect patients from abuse and on persons who are aware of abuse to report it," Hampton said.

Those who fail to report abuse would face fines up to $50,000 and corporations found in violation could be fined up to $1 million. The bill would protect staff or families from retribution after reporting abuse.

The bill, modelled on similar legislation in Manitoba, would also establish a tough new senior care watchdog to investigate complaints. Sandra Correa of Hamilton laments that Western society doesn't revere the elderly like her Indian culture."

Our tradition has always been to deeply respect the elderly. It grieves me so much to see or hear stories of abuse. It shouldn't happen in any country." When asked what is missing in our treatment of seniors, Correa's mother, Betty D'Souza, answered simply: "love."

For more information on the petition, call Joan Faria at 905-387-4451.
mmacleod@thespec.com 905-526-3408

Sandra & Evarist Correa - originally from Jinja, Uganda, now live in Hamilton, Ontario. Sandra's parents are Betty & Selwyn D'Souza also from Jinja, Uganda. Selwyn D'Souza died in 1994 and Betty who is 86 years old, lives independently, belongs to Bridge & Euchre clubs and goes swimming 4 times a week. Her positive mental attitude keeps her going. Betty D'Souza is known for her famous " Goan Bibic" which she often makes and gives to her many friends. Write to Sandra sandracorrea@quickclic.net for the recipe.

Betty D'Souza is known and loved by many ex-Ugandans for her kind and giving personality. In Jinja, Uganda she was always known for her generosity. She had a dress-making business in Jinja and often gave free sewing lessons to needy African women. Betty had a flair for dress designs and often wore her wonderful creations. She loved her stay in Uganda and like other Goans, found it difficult to leave Africa in 1972 but nevertheless she has successfully settled in Canada.

Despite suffering the loss of 2 children - her oldest daughter age 4-1/2 and her son Ivan age 44, she has managed to move on with her life offering courage and help to all people. Even at the age of 86, friends can visit Betty today, be greeted with a warm hug and lovely smile and in keeping with her Ugandan lifestyle, friends will find a complete Goan meal awaiting them.

She doesn't look her age that's for sure, her face still pretty with a light touch of make-up, her delicate hands and nails beautifully polished - she is definitely someone to be admired. "When you look good, you feel good" Betty tells her friends. Most of all, people across the globe love Betty D'Souza because she has a heart of pure gold.

Sandra Correa welcomes emails from old friends. She believes that we can be supportive of one another and emails are a positive method of 'staying in touch'.