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LETTER: Longtime residents forgotten?

Re: “Squamish hospital and nursing home not keeping pace with population, say 22 seniors,” published on April 25.

 

Re: “Squamish hospital and nursing home not keeping pace with population, say 22 seniors,” published on April 25.

There have been many long-time residents of Squamish who have made substantial contributions to the community, only to find themselves, in their final years, shipped off to a strange city to die among strangers.

A case in point is my father Isidoro Boscariol, who died at Evergreen House in North Vancouver on Aug. 8, 2018 — four days before a bed became available in Hilltop.  Every day he asked “why” and begged to be sent back to his beloved town of Squamish.  I believe he finally just gave up.

Isidoro served many years as an alderman in Squamish and was elected mayor in 1979.

His eulogy was written by  Corinne Lonsdale, who also served as councillor for 16 years and mayor for nine years. Of particular interest in this eulogy is mention of The Cedars our first seniors home. Then, there’s mention of locating a site for the Hospital and Hilltop House. Topics that Isidoro worked diligently to implement.  

Recently, Isidoro’s wife, Bernice has been sent to Vancouver to die. She is 95 and the wait list for Hilltop is one year, we were told.  Her chances of ever seeing Squamish, the town where she spent 95 years of her life, are doubtful.  She is very depressed and also begs every day, to return to her beloved town. Something desperately needs to be done to remedy this situation. Maybe a priority list for longtime residents, Maybe another long term care facility.

Interesting to note The Chief article that

VCH states that the demographics of Squamish is quite young.  That may be true, but I’m pretty sure these young people have parents and grandparents that are being welcomed into Hilltop and Shannon Falls, while old-time residents are being sent to Vancouver.

Also interesting to note is the comment made by VCH spokesperson Carrie Stefanson, and I quote.  “It is important to note that their care needs are being met in their current setting.”  Are you kidding me?  What about their mental care? They are desperately unhappy and something needs to be done.

Claudia Schalm 

(Isidoro and Bernices daughter)

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