Responding to the letter, “Seniors should not be used for profit,” (Observer Aug. 24, View Point.)
There are greedy business people who see seniors as a cash cow. They are bullies, who are not at all concerned about our well-being. Their attitude is what drives the insanity of worshiping the shrine of the bottom line. And yes, efficiency is the name of the game.
It is happening right here in Salmon Arm. Come take a look and you will be surprised.
Institutions look fantastic from the outside, but what is going on inside is alarming. Our children and friends give us great support, but think of what would happen if society decided the ability to hear is a justice issue?
This affects all of us.
Remember how long it took to get wheelchair access in all public buildings? Now we need hearing access and it’s available at Shuswap Theatre, and First United Church.
It is called an Auris Loop, which allows us to hear what is being said right in our audio canal. For those of us so afflicted, it’s like a miracle – we are once again invited back into society, to participate as much as we want.
So we’re asking society to give us a hand, just as they did when we asked for wheelchair access. I had no idea how restrictive it is when you can’t hear what people are saying. It starts when your friends tell jokes and you keep missing the punch-line.
So I’m hearing challenged, like most of us in seniors institutions, especially in privately owned ones.
There doesn’t seem to be much of an incentive for owners to have compassion, even though the cost of installation in a large activity room would only amount to $1,500.
We think this is a justice issue, how about you?
Dan MacQuarrie