The article by MLAs Gene Zwoadesky and Mary Ann Jablonski, Red Deer Advocate, June 24, could have been clearer. I submit the following as questions and comments about their article.
Forty-year-old facilities, should not be “badly deteriorating” if they were properly cared for. If the Conservative government is to build new facilities and provide the same care for them, they will have a life span of … you figured it out — 40 years. Perhaps you should look more closely at these buildings; they are really not in bad shape are they?
You indicate these new facilities will be staffed by a team of nurses and other health-care professionals. Are the present facilities not staffed by qualified nurses and care givers? Will the new staff have higher qualifications than the present ones?
You did not indicate what they would cost a senior citizen. Will the cost be based on income or will there be a set amount for each unit? Will our senior benefits cover the costs? If a tenant requires extra care, what will the cost be? Who will set these charges, the government or the company, Extendicare? Where can I obtain a list of the costs of living in these new units?
Will the existing government regulations concerning care still apply to those operating these new facilities?
If Extendicare is to, in the future, build “independent single storey ‘villa’ style houses”, will they do it with our money too? And will they by given the land to build it on? It appears in your article that the land has been set aside and ready for them to build!
And, finally, the article said loudly and clearly to me that the Red Deer Nursing Home and Valley Park Manor are to be closed! Have the voices of Albertans fallen on deaf ears? Will these retirement homes be demolished due to their “deteriorated” condition or sold as was Westpark Nursing Home only to be revived as another private for profit company home for seniors?
Dale Ferguson
Red Deer