Skip to content

LETTER: Facility will benefit rich seniors

Banks Crescent development does nothing to relieve needs for middle class or poorer seniors
8531966_web1_Typewriter

Dear Editor:

This is in response to Michael Hermish’s letter of last week.

I agree that aging in your own community with all the necessary resources available is wonderful but the reality now is that it is not possible for most people unless they can afford it.

If you are assessed as being in need of long term care you are placed on a wait list but could end up anywhere in the South Okanagan until your preferred facility has an opening.

You must usually accept the first bed offered or be bumped down the list.

Keep in mind also that if a couple has one partner in need of care, even subsidized care, the other must still maintain a living space for themselves.

If you are on a very fixed income it must be very difficult to manage.

I really want every one on both sides to remember that Banks is a for-profit facility. First come the market value condos, then assisted living and then other levels of care.

Private pay assisted living is expensive. Private pay complex or 24 hour care is really expensive.

I am not opposed to the rich needing or accessing care. But the Banks Crescent development does nothing to relieve needs for middle class or poorer seniors. How do they age in place?

Also keep in mind if we are having trouble finding spots for seniors now that when our generation hits the age where we need care the need will be much higher as we are the bulge of baby boomers up and coming.

I am not trying to talk down Michael’s points I just want to make sure that the reality of the situation is presented.

Jane Curtin

Summerland