‘Ironic . . . borderline criminal’
Facility looking after welfare of seniors, intent on creating lot of stress for couple
We have known Jim and Barbara Munves for approximately 30 years. We frequently visit with them and try to take them out to dinner and/or a movie almost on a weekly basis when our schedules permit.
Several years ago, Barbara suffered a stroke that has slowed her down. However, Jim has continued to provide attentive and loving care which only a devoted husband can provide. Jim and Barbara have hired help which comes into their house on a daily basis to assist with keeping their home neat and well maintained and to provide additional support in taking care of Barbara.
About three months ago, Jim was hospitalized for surgery to have his hip replaced.
At that time, he recognized that Barbara would need to go somewhere to be looked after while he recovered. He was able to find a short-term residency at the Atlantic Baptist Seniors Home in Charlottetown.
Upon his release from the hospital, Jim and Barbara fully expected to resume their lives together in their home on Sydney Street. However, when Jim tried to reunite with Barbara, he was told that Barbara could not leave. The people involved in this case told Jim that Barbara could leave if he got 24-hour care at home. Jim agreed to do this and found a registered care worker who is willing to move in and spend the night in their home. They then told Jim that he would have to upgrade the security alarm system. Jim agreed to do that.
Now I am told that they insist Barbara have a lift to get into bed. It seems that as soon as Jim agrees to one condition they add another and another.
The Munves are fortunate to have the financial resources to hire people when needed. Jim and Barbara have a wide circle of friends who enjoy visiting them. They are often seen walking about town arm in arm attentive, happy and worry free.
He and Barbara are also on a waiting list to move together into The Mount Continuing Care Community facility as soon as space becomes available (expected to be 3-6 months). The Mount is a much more appropriate facility that will allow them to continue living together.
It is ironic and from our point of view, borderline criminal, that a facility that is supposed to be looking after the welfare of seniors is intent on confining Barbara and creating a lot of stress for both of them.
Our seniors should be able to live their lives in the manner in which they choose.
Instead, Atlantic Baptist is keeping Barbara against her will and charging significant fees for her to be there.
Meanwhile, there are supposedly other people who want and need the care Atlantic Baptist provides but they cannot get in due to a shortage of vacancy. The social workers and other provincial participants involved in this case should be ashamed.
Please allow Barbara to go home and enjoy the life she and Jim have chosen.