The Citizen, 2002-12-11, Page 6Riding along
Comfy and cozy this group enjoyed a sleigh ride along the Christmas parade route held Friday
night in Blyth. (Vicky Bremner photo)
Aft- they want for Christmas...
Can be found- at gtlicroAge Basics
during the "Final-Shopping Days"
.Cant Minute gift Idea&
• 2003 Diary Products
• Good Selection of office chairs and home
office furniture
• stocking stutters for the student &
business-minded people
• digital cameras & accessories
• selection of computer software
• computer & desk accessories
• beautifully boxed pens
• computer luggage
ifts for the
pickiest people
n your list
Check out our current flyers (available in our stores)
for extra savings & special product rebates!
- Gift Certificates Available -
AtIN„
MicroAgG
223 Huron Rd., Goderich
524-9863
Big City Prices
DAS/ CS
214 Josephine St., Wingham
357-1554
- Small Town Service ...
THE EDITOR,
. Now that my 69-year-old foster
sister has been "safely" moved to a
nursing home by Community Living
South Huron, I feel I must share with
the taxpayers of this' community
some interesting facts about how our
tax dollars are being spent. This
transfer to a nursing home was
initiated and' executed despite
objections from her foster family and
without the support of her family
physician.
Many years ago, the government
developed programs to be de-
institutionalize persons with
developmental challenges.
Community Living organizations
were given funding to create a home-
like environment to teach/train these
persons to reach their fullest
potential. Residents came with
annual funding to be supported in the
attainment of these goals.
The Ontario Association for
Community Living believes that
"institutional settings including
homes for special care, nursing
homes and chronic care facilities are
not appropriate living situations for
persons with a • disability"
(http://www.oacl.on.ca), Yet,
Community Living South Huron
appears to go out of their way to get
an Alzheimer label on aging Down
Syndrome persons to justify their
transfer to a nursing home. (The
diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease can
only be confirmed at the time of
autopsy.)
In one United States study, Down
Syndrome persons, who were
incorrectly labelled as having
Alzheimer Disease, made dramatic
recoveries when their depressions.
due to the death of their parents,
family and other significant losses,
were identified and appropriately
treated.
Despite the fact 80 percent of the
normal population with an
Alzheimer label are supported in
their own home, some community
living associations still insist on
institutionalizing the aging
developmentally challenged person,
even though they are still actively
participating in activities in their
community. Why can't they stay in
Vanastra
will see deficit
Continued from page I
Centre will be in a deficit position."
The Seaforth and District
Community Centre has experienced
a significant drop in revenue.
Knight was quick to note that the
recent failure of the ice-making
machine meant that revenue was
unavoidably lost when the ice was
removed.
Knight said however that, "there
were other areas where (expected)
revenues were not materializing."
Operating expenses for the centre
appear to be well within the budget.
Unfortunately the cost of
replacement ice-making equipment
will result in a large increase in
capital expenses.
In other areas Knight noted that
revenue from building permits
might not meet expectations this
year. Increased revenue from
aggregate resources grants have
allowed the municipality to set aside
over $14,000 in a reserve for future
bridge repairs.
in general Knight appeared to be
satisfied with the current stateof the
municipal finances and council
accepted his report with little
discussion.
their own homes?
Aging community residents, who
can no longer be adequately
supported in the community, wait
four to six months in a community
hospital ,for a nursing home bed
because of (NH) bed shortages. Why
do we add to the (NI-I) bed shortage
by transferring people who are
already being appropriately
supported by our tax dollars in
Community Living Programs?
What will happen when you
require hospitalization and hospital
beds are not available because of
inappropriate use and long (NH)
waiting lists?
When the elderly can no longer be
supported in their own homes in the
community, nursing homes are
wonderful places for them to receive
the required support they need;
however, long-term care facilities
(NH) are not suitable placements for
persons with a developmental
challenge who are happy and being
appropriately supported in their own
"Homes".
Yvonne Kitchen.
PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2002.
Letter to the editor
Writer shares facts
on govt. spending