Dear Editor:
Re: Disabled woman stuck in care home, Oct. 27.
I read the above mentioned article with interest after a friend who has a disability and lives independently in the community brought it to my attention. In 2009, I completed a research study during which I interviewed eight adults between the ages of 22 and 59 who had a physical disability and lived in a geriatric care facility. Each stated that their primary goal was to move back into the community and that their family physician had suggested they move into a geriatric residential care home due to lack of other options. There are few supports for young people in this setting as the facilities are designed to meet the needs of an elderly population. It is also worth noting that residents who are too young to receive a pension are left with only $95/month from their disability benefit after paying for their care. You may ask yourself, "Why should I care about this?" and I would challenge you to consider that most Canadians will experience disability and a need for support at some point in their lives. Persons with disabilities have the right to live in the community with the same choices as everyone else. Every participant in my study was previously able-bodied and had been living independently prior to finding themselves living in a nursing home. Someday this could be you.
Sarah Chapple
Vancouver
