Separating elderly couple is a disgrace

Re Tears and a kiss farewell as couple are separated after 73 years, Dec. 20 If a society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable members, ours must be pretty bad. I am left shaken by your story of Herbert and Audrey Goodine, a couple married for 69 years and together for 73 years who were separated because of their differing support needs.

First, it isn’t likely Mr. Goodine’s condition worsened overnight. There was probably time and opportunity to make better plans.

Second, people need to know their rights. I know hospitals can’t just throw you out. Do the same rules apply to retirement and nursing homes? If not, they should. Don’t we believe in “people before money?”

I encourage any seniors who feel their rights are being violated to contact the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly in Toronto. The centre’s lawyers give good advice on just what can and cannot be forced upon the elderly. Gail Rutherford, Toronto It is a complete disgrace that elderly couples are separated when reaching a stage where one needs a higher care level than the other.

There should be facilities where both can continue to live and the level of care can accommodate the one needing the most care.

They should not be placed in separate facilities, especially when the distance means daily visits are virtually impossible.

People at this stage of their lives should not be forced into the isolation of home care as the only option to remain together. My heart breaks at the cruelty. Gail Vallance, Toronto