Dear Editor:
It's all very well for the Fraser Health Authority to say that seniors who can demonstrate financial hardship can have the $25 wheelchair fee waived. However, past practice shows this will not be easy, nor simple.
In 2010, when the Ministry of Health and its health authorities raised residential care rates, seniors heard the same song.
However, finding out who to contact about the hardship review process was extremely difficult. In some health authorities such a contact was nonexistent. And when the process was finally set in motion, it was arduous, confusing and required a great deal of "proof" of hardship.
There are already many items and services that are not included in basic residential care rates. The list is lengthy and varies from facility to facility. The wheelchair fee is just another burden on seniors and it should be stopped before it starts.
Bonnie Pearson, secretary/business manager Hospital Employees' Union
