June 4, 2014

Dear Sir,

Concerning Progressive Labour Party Shadow Minister for Seniors Derrick Burgess and The Department of Health, on the one hand there is a shortage of seniors care facilities on the Island and on the other it is suggested that independent homes be closed down because they failed or were unable to maintain the standards of the Act. I believe this would be a case of cutting off your nose to spite your face. Why not recommend a progressive action instead of a digressive one.

Independent senior care homes are left to provide a 24/7, 365-day service to the community, a community already devastated by economic instability. Government does offer some assistance to seniors through financial assistance who require institutionalised care but by no means covers the cost of continued care. Families are then expected to cover any difference, which often becomes an unsustainable financial burden and often facilities just don’t get paid. They receive no subsidies, no payroll tax breaks, they are not offered free courses for staff, no support is provided through the National Office of Seniors and Physically Challenged — only regulation.

Institutionalised care for seniors is not a luxury that only people with limitless wealth employ. It is a necessity that the middle class majority can barely afford.

Many care facilities struggle to continue the service they provide and I’m sure it is offensive to the many in this profession that the first politician to speak on issues surrounding senior care facilities recommends closing them down if they are not up to par.

Why not the creation of an office to assist, support and work with independent senior care facilities? It seems more cost effective to help raise the standard than to investigate at a cost, enforce closures at a cost, create new facilities at a cost, regulate at a cost. Not to mention the loss of jobs.

Elder abuse is unacceptable and should be dealt with, but isolated incidents of improper care do not reflect the standards of the majority.

So, Mr Burgess and the Department of Health let’s look at ways to improve the industry and not demonise it. Complaining has never fixed anything. These service providers need subsidies, they need Payroll Tax breaks, they need an organisation dedicated to supporting the service provided.

All those with the power to make a difference should ask themselves this question. If my mother or father were to fall ill tomorrow and require placement in a facility, would I be able to pay between $3,000 and $13,000 per month for an unknown duration of time? Now how many people have taken on the burden knowing they could not afford it when it’s a necessity? How many facilities are owed thousands of dollars?

SDM WILLIAMS