What About The Residents of Terrace Lodge? Has anyone thought to ask the residents of Terrace Lodge what they think is needed; what they would like; what is really important to them? If only because of their collective wisdom and experience (not to mention years of paying taxes), they should be the first to be asked and the first to have a say. Instead, they are being told what they want and what is good for them. My mother-in-law, Isabel Frey, is 97 and a resident of Terrace Lodge. What is her view of the “well save you with more washrooms” bandwagon that the media has created? “I grew up in a family of eight children and one outhouse. I dont mind the washrooms here.” What does matter to her is how she is cared for, not by more floor space and more washrooms, but by real people – the people who treat her with love and respect. You dont hear about those people in the sensationalist, tabloid journalism that passes for TV news coverage these days. Rare, bad apples not withstanding, Mom Freys caregivers at Terrace Lodge are everyday heroes in my estimation. More attention (or at least some, to qualify it is real journalism) needs to be given to the good work done, every day, by the workers at Terrace Lodge, and every other seniors, long care residence. More investment needs to go to those people not just more bricks and mortar. One thing that Mom Frey really enjoys is the balcony off her room, where she and her room mate can sit and enjoy the sun, fresh air, trees, flowers, birds and visitors, with snacks cheerfully provided by the workers. That was until the “We know whats best for you” rulers in Toronto, decided to have locks put on the doors and, eventually, will remove those balconies altogether. Im afraid the usual train of events will play out here: Outcry at how poorly our elders are treated, followed by a lot of money being spent, followed by chest thumping assertions of having given our seniors what they wanted and needed, followed by all the concern being forgotten and followed, finally, by Mom having to look out a window at where her balcony used to be. At least the good care she has received from the people who really do care will still go on. David Helsdon
Posted on: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 11:42:04 +0000
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