EDITOR,
Re. "Smoking rules affect senior," Chief, Feb. 11.
The Respite program at Hilltop House is no longer open to everyone needing it. It has become open to non-smokers only.
The pamplet from Hilltop House states that the Intermediate Care Respite bed is available for up to 30 days each year for eligible clients. It also states that Respite is appropriate as an opportunity for caregivers to have time away from caregiving.
Now the kicker: It also states, "No Smoking."
I am saying I need respite from my role as caregiver to my husband. Last year it was available to me, and the manager of Hilltop House says he cannot attend the Respite program until he quits smoking.
Recently (Feb. 6, The Province) Dr. Patricia Daly, chief medical health officer for Vancouver Coastal Health, stated, "We do not force residents to quit smoking..." She also said, "Seniors deserve our respect and compassion, and so we do try to be flexible in our approach to these issues."
The magic word is flexibility.
Shirley Brown
Squamish
