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WHERE IS THE FAMILY WHEN THE OLD FOLKS NEED THEM?

The banner headline in the London Free Press under Seniors’ Care shouted out that, “Couple, 95, forced apart by the system”. Joe Warmington’s column tugged at our heartstrings. Gordon & Jean Vigars after 69 years of marriage are being forced to live apart.

There seems to be a room at Valley View Homes Nursing Home for Jean but there is no room for her loving husband Gordon.

The couple have four adult children who have done well in the London area. They have been blessed with are eight- grandchildren & nine-grand-children.

When you read the column it seems that the system, government, has let the old folks down; not able to provide nursing home space for the couple in their time of need.

We have to ask ourselves where is the family when they are needed. Sure they are going to shed a tear of two when the folks are split apart, But, there doesn’t seem anyone able or willing to take on the responsibility of caring for the parents.

Mom and dad were able to raise and care for four children but there is not one child able to care of a parent for a few months. The parents are not bedridden in need of custodial care. The old folks need a helping hand to live out their lives in dignity.

If you dare and check out the nursing home stats you will find that very few of our seniors live more then a short time in care.

The old order Amish people have a system where the youngest son inherits the family homestead. Along with the farm property he is obligated to care for his parents.

It is sad that Gordon & Jean do not seem to have children that can care for them. I am sure that if you ask the old folks they will not lay blame on their offspring.

It is not the system’s fault. Society, family doesn’t have a high priority to care for seniors when they are in need.

Len Lesser