A new opportunity for closed hospitals

I’m an 85-year-old retired teacher who is fortunate enough to live in an excellent retirement home. I’m writing to you to express my deep concerns about the lack of facilities for the aged.

It is my belief that the Ontario government must have a social conscience and a duty to respect and take care of our seniors. As more and more of us age, the greater the need for facilities for people with dementia.

One of my friends, a retired university professor, has developed dementia. The only assistance his wife receives is the help of LHIN (formerly CCAC) to shower him twice a week. His wife has been told that it will be one to five years before he can be placed in a long-term care facility. This is a man who has contributed to society all his life and now requires help.

I feel that your government is letting this man down and he is representative of hundreds across the province.

As baby boomers age, this lack of facilities will become greater unless steps are taken now to alleviate future problems. Windsor has been promised a new mega-hospital, which will mean the closing of two local hospitals.

Why couldn’t one of the facilities be converted into a long-term care residence?

I find it difficult when I hear that money is being given to various companies for research and development while care for the elderly appears to be largely ignored.

I write this letter to you in the hope that the Liberal government will recognize the problem and start to work on a solution.