SHOW RESPECT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

23 November 2007, Moncton Times-Transcript

Letter to the Editor:
I would like to bring to the attention of the different New Brunswick associations that are the support system for the senior citizens of New Brunswick concerning the Level 1 and 2 of nursing homes that do not offer private bathrooms in their establishments.
I have mentioned this preoccupation to numerous members of the French Senior Citizens of NB Federation, but nothing seems to have been done about this, since nursing homes offering 1 and 2 levels are still to this day being built without private bathrooms.
Last time I checked we are far from the 1930s, I do not think that it is normal in 2007 for N.B. senior citizens living in level 1 and 2 nursing homes to share a bathroom with six other residents. I do not understand why the senior citizens federations do not address this preoccupation; the seniors are often left without a choice or do not have self defence in a situation like this.
Personally, I hold the senior citizens associations responsible for not taking the necessary steps to improve the system. I wonder if the members of these associations would like to spend their last days in a nursing home where they would have to share the bathroom with six other residents.
I think the association should exercise their power to bring this situation to the different government agencies responsible for nursing homes and the services offered in N.B. The associations should lobby the request that when a new Level 1 and 2 nursing home is being built anywhere in N.B., it should be built with a private bathroom for each room.
I do not expect a full bathroom in each room, but at least a lavatory and a toilet.
The senior citizens of N.B. have the right to be treated with respect and dignity.

Oliver Leger,
Caraquet