December 16, 2013

Dear Sir,

On behalf of the Bermuda legion (charity 809) please may I direct your attention to the vulnerable situation of Bermuda’s war veterans, their widows and the families who support them.

There are about 235 remaining WW2 veterans and widows in Bermuda, and their basic needs for end of life security, healthcare, housing and financial support are growing dramatically.

The Government’s war veteran’s benefits have not increased since they were introduced in 2007.

Our veterans are now approaching 90 years of age, and they represent a sharply-defined focus group for all Bermuda’s ageing seniors.

There have been increases of almost 50 percent in the cost of living since 2007, especially in healthcare and basic utilities. The Government’s war veteran’s budget was capped for this year and almost seven percent is scheduled for further cuts.

War veterans and their widows do not receive the hospital’s age related subsidy in the Continuing Care and ARDU unites of King Edward VII’s Memorial Hospital.

The nursing home/home care allowance for each veteran was reduced by $2,000 per month last year, while the cost of intermediate nursing home care has risen as high as $10,000 a month in some cases.

All government seniors’ housing units are full, with closed waiting lists. There is an urgent need for sheltered housing as a viable alternative to nursing home placements. There is a desperate need for affordable home care and specialised treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia.

I respectfully request and require your attention to safeguarding the quality of life and final days of Bermuda’s remaining WW2 veterans and their widows.

Sincerely,

CAROL EVERSON

The Bermuda Legion.