Editor:
It’s a typical winter morning with the wind conversing with the rain. One shift is ending in the dark and another beginning before first light.
These workers are passionate and dedicated. It’s a world that I personally took for granted until my mom was diagnosed with dementia and medical issues forced the difficult decision to place her in long-term care. This is part of all our futures that we put on a back burner, ignoring the necessity of long-term facilities as our elderly population grows. These men and women were responsible for pioneering our beautiful country and paved the way for us. They deserve dignity and care during this last chapter in life.
We are blessed that the workers at Shorncliffe are there because they want to be. They could all be ambassadors of kindness, many from different countries, but all with one common thread – caring and helping their patients through many adverse conditions to make their lives safe, happier and dignified. Politicians could learn from this team. This is not a luxury job; these angels are overworked and underpaid. They are silent in our system.
The demand for accommodation is far greater than the supply. We all have the opportunity to use our voices to tell our local and provincial governments about the need for more facilities.
At present there are lengthy wait lists of elders and individuals who need long-term care and have nowhere to go. Life can change in one heartbeat, which can impact all of our lives. Unless more staffed facilities are built, we are looking at a future crisis.
Becky Lohn, Sechelt
