Comments on: Minister: Families Refuse To Take Seniors Home

By: Tough Love

Tough Love — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 20:28:20 +0000

No, broke people.

By: Tough Love

Tough Love — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 20:26:34 +0000

Financial assistance doesn’t cover all expenses. You know nothing about what you type here.

By: Tough Love

Tough Love — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 20:25:19 +0000

Been under a rock lately? There aren’t enough facilities on the island to care for everyone properly. Social workers actually deem a place unsuitable, like the place that let that man get those horrible sores.

By: Tough Love

Tough Love — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 20:23:06 +0000

You don’t even go to church to talk like that. If you went, you would know what they spend it on. Dopey!

By: Tough Love

Tough Love — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 20:20:23 +0000

Your understanding of nursing homes is strange. Families help their elderly by placing them in nursing homes that can care for them better than they can.

However, there is no space in nursing homes. There is a long waiting list for the decent ones.

By: mj

mj — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 20:08:23 +0000

My grandma was brough over here during the War!!!!Some were innitially brought over as indentured servants until they classified ALL blacks as slaves,.. And yes we were brought over to Work and were called slaves because we were NOT allowed to benefit from the rpofit of our labour!!!!!Wo in affect quite a number of our relatives were brought over by boat and sold!! thats were the STOCK MARKET came from.. We were shocked an appalled that we had become slaves and tried to escape, some even comitted suicide rather thatn be a slave, because we were educators!!! We were supposed to work and get paid as indentured servants but we were tricked bamboozled and subtley introduced to slavery conditions, even though we fouhg tagainst it, we were tortured branded and forced to take on other religions and practices under threat of death constantly, we couldn’t even walk in public without permission or laugh out loud, we had to laugh in a barrel, hence the term “a barrel of laughs” so i don’t know about your relatives but my grandma told me about how she got here!!!!

By: mj

mj — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 19:59:43 +0000

Yes families should take care of their own, But!!!! families were broken up and set against each other through our very own system.. The reason for elderly facilities is because some people don’t have family here(there are a number of foreigners who married here that also got ill and had no immediate family here, so Bermuda was obliged to take care of them because they married into the family) also some family members are not working that would put the burden on those working, plus their own families.. Bermudians are the first to be laid off, NOT FOREIGNERS who continue to send money home comfortably with local approval..so are able to provide for their families.. Meantime the sicnesses that have plagued our island are new to most and therefore they are not trained to take care of their own relatives,,.. try running after an 80 year old mobile person who is confused and four of your own children plus husband… Or even having to renovate home to accomodate parents when Bermudians are not secure in their jobs.. Govenrment is shirking their responsiblity as the Village raising us, clearing pointing out that we have been used(sweat acquity) abused and thrown away…NO THANK, apology or even raparations for work of former generations that built up Bermuda to where it is today so OTHER people are benefitiing without problem.. I don’t hear any recent complaints from the uyghurs, I guess they are quite comfortable, especially since the governor announced the appointment of a young lady who champinoned their cause in Us, she has been appointed as PATI head.. hmmmm but our elderly should just go home.. THEY ARE HOME!!!!!!Anywhere in Bermuda!!!!They should be first, they delivered us and suffered before us, far worse than we could imagine… they were victims under an unfair system and were strong enough to make it this far, they continue to be ridiculed as we see by the above post…

By: really?

really? — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 16:31:12 +0000

People have very little time to take care of kids. adding an old person into the mix. its RAT RACE

By: Done

Done — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 14:41:22 +0000

It’s a bit deceptive to say that 30 people are in beds in the new hospital when you know they have been moved to the old part and being looked after by the Extended care unit staff. I’m sure the number in the new part is smaller and yes you need to jump on those families to take their folks home We need more nursing homes in this island and we have all known this for years

By: Tony Brannon

Tony Brannon — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 10:00:53 +0000

Families Refuse To Take Seniors Home ????

WOW _ So what happened to the moral compass of they “SEE US IN & WE SEE THEM OUT”.

It is shocking to see how many people are dumped off in old age care facilities and some family members never visit.

How could anyone walk away from their parents after they raised and nurtured you?
That is just cruel and unkind.

By: Mumbojumbo

Mumbojumbo — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 09:59:54 +0000

But they want their money….parasites…I actually put my ma in Corannado Royal ,Corannado San Diago California,She had a balcony overlooking the park where they did fireworks,and had concerts,two dining rooms two elevators,and a tram that went Mexico daily,where she would dissapear to every now and then, the staff would kindly go accross the border and retrieve her from a canteena where she could be found with the tequila lined up in front of her and a joint in the ashtray….an Irish movie star was her room mate…it was expensive but ….this was my mama!

By: Dennis Law.

Dennis Law. — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 05:37:14 +0000

This does not absolve the families of it’s duties. The government is not your family. If we as family took care of our own then we would not need them. As it stands because we as families don’t do our part the government will have to step in. Now some money that was slated for other things will have to go here. Not because it is governments fault but because the fault lies with us. We fail to care for each other. If we cannot see ourselves in this then shame on us.

By: Dennis Law.

Dennis Law. — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 05:27:46 +0000

Are you kidding me. Are you truly saying that families are not obliged but the tax payer is. The family is first to care for our seniors. Why is this even a question. If we took care of our own then the burden of care on all of us would be easier. We look for and love one another but it starts at home. Family first.

By: Dennis Law.

Dennis Law. — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 05:19:16 +0000

If families won’t take care of their seniors in hospital then makes you think that they will care for them in a nursing home. The first line of care starts at home not a nursing care facility.

By: Rock watcher

Rock watcher — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 00:16:56 +0000

Ok having worked in the health system here in Bermuda for almost 25 yrs, this is not a new problem what it does is raise an issue which has generally been denied, I have seen people drop of elderly relatives just left them in the ER while family members go on their cup match holiday or another oh we just fixing up grandma/pa house, then surprise oh we can’t take grandma/pa back can’t afford to , but u managed to fix up their house and now u living in it, I don’t think the general public would believe what goes on and it’s all races, rich poor it is not to one specific group. With an ageing population this is not going to get any better……..it is expensive to have a family member at home….perhaps instead of gov sub paying $30,000 a month for a patients stay at KEMH they pay a sixth of that as a monthly wage to an in home caregiver….just a suggestion also hats off to the Social Workers who work long and hard to try and help these patients…..another suggestion for the ones who won’t take their family member home start billing them for their stay….

By: Curious

Curious — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 23:11:44 +0000

I think the article said there are social workers at the hospital who can help you figure out how to look after you family member. I imagine they have helped many families.

By: Curious

Curious — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 23:04:44 +0000

If anyone visits the rest homes they will see healthy seniors being cared for by very attentive caring staff. Many of the same nurses assistants at the hospital.. I have seen for myself so stop with the excuses. And tax payers pay for them if they qualify for lack of funds and the DESERVE IT.

By: Curious

Curious — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 22:55:51 +0000

its not illegal to take seniors to the bank if they agree to it. No law against it.

By: Coffee

Coffee — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 20:48:47 +0000

Any WHITE PEOPLE ?

By: BermudaGirl

BermudaGirl — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 20:00:51 +0000

Seniors in poor health deserve good care. Most families work two and three jobs, and those jobs are NOT high paying! They are just getting by. So those who “dump” their family member, coldly, and walk away with money to burn are NOT the norm!! Consider training home health aides IN BERMUDA who would then be able to stay with the person in need while the family is at work, or around the clock if needed. It is a win-win. The person receiving care could pay according to their income, and the government could pay the rest. Home health aides are not the highest paid, anyway, and it is MUCH cheaper than keeping folks in hospital or in nursing home. Just THINK, Bermuda!

By: Pat Adderley

Pat Adderley — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 14:25:41 +0000

Is this a stupid question? How about we use the old hospital if in fact there’s room there to create a place for those who cannot afford to pay the high prices of the nursing homes that do exist. Then see if we can get volunteers to work it along with a core of trained nurses of course that would be needed. Not sure how but maybe we as a community could help in some way, as for sure it’s not easy to find $5k or more to care for your parents when you are struggling yourself.
I do believe it’s something that the government going forward should put into place as there is such a need. Maybe a portion of the taxes on Gambling going forward could be earmarked towards Elderly Care….what say people?

By: Impressive

Impressive — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 13:40:52 +0000

agree, but we are still waiting for a sex offender’s register, we all know how long that’s taking, but I live in hope.

By: hmmm

hmmm — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 13:22:53 +0000

Don’t make excuses for it. We live on a tiny rock.

By: hmmm

hmmm — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 13:21:22 +0000

There were people in the Americas prior to settlers.

You defeated your own point.

By: Bermuda123

Bermuda123 — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 13:10:57 +0000

Some of the reluctance/inability of the families may well be financial. How about the families get financial support from the Government and free provision of equipment (hospital bed, daily visits by a nurse etc) to help them make it work. If we gave an allowance (say $5,000 per month) that would be far cheaper for the taxpayer than the $27,000 cost to have them stay at the hospital.

There is no right and wrong here as most families are probably very torn. Let’s think about an alternative solution. I imagine many of the seniors do not need 24 hour care, they just cannot live alone.

By: blessed

blessed — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 13:09:18 +0000

You are all bashing the people that left their parents there…. so what…. how much does it cost to put your parent in an old folks home? How many people in this economic time can afford that as well as pay their household bills and take care of their own kids? Government has all the taxpayers money they should stop spending as they like, stop taking trips that isn’t being paid for out of pocket, stop having the need for fancy mid-life crisis cars, stop having to live in big oversized expensive houses and rent a normal apartment like a normal person and TAKE A DAMN PAY CUT….. taxpayers money is there to pick up the slack and support those in need… HAVE YOU EVER SEEN AN MP IN NEED? No! Why? Point is old folks homes cost to damn much. Its no way in hell most people can afford them and keep themselves afloat. Most old people have worked years government needs to create senior housing that they can afford to live in with only their pension.

By: Bermy to the Bone

Bermy to the Bone — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 12:11:27 +0000

I bet this will change the minds of a lot of people who just dump their parents there at the hospital for the country to take care of.

It has just become a convenience to let the hospital take care of their responsibility until their parents are deceased.

A shame really.

By: Bermy to the Bone

Bermy to the Bone — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 12:07:45 +0000

By this logic, if world population began with Adam and Eve, every last person on planet earth is a paper/status Nationality….

Then again, Adam and Eve were put in the Garden of Eden, so essentially , even they are paper imports.

Me thinkest your post has ulterior motives.

By: Hmmm

Hmmm — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 11:54:20 +0000

So you haven’t tried…………excuses.

By: Coffee

Coffee — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 11:38:25 +0000

It’s your opinion that’s evil , it’s not a Bermudian thing , it’s a generational thing , it’s a phenom that’s occurring in every developed jurisdiction . Go back home and you will see , you won’t have to look hard or long .

By: Kathy S.

Kathy S. — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 11:37:40 +0000

Idiot!!!! You go take them all in

By: Creamy

Creamy — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 11:29:10 +0000

She didn’t say anything about hospital costs. She infcated nursing home costs, and she is right. It’s easy to spend $10k a month in a nursing home.

By: Just Wondering

Just Wondering — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 11:21:57 +0000

If any of these people left in the hospital have assets such as homes, land, bank accounts, etc, then their estates should have to reimburse for these expenses. Why should relatives be allowed to abandon love ones then benefit after they die?

By: ohno

ohno — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 09:18:12 +0000

Alicia, be quiet you know nothing about hospital costs…where did you get those figures???

By: ohno

ohno — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 09:16:02 +0000

EVIL PEOPLE

By: ohno

ohno — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 09:15:06 +0000

Ive always believed that at the heart of the “BERMUDIAN” is EVIL AND SELFISHNISH
This confirms it; you better beleive these bermudians will be waiting for their inheritance after the sick parent dies

FEEL THE LOVE – bermuda asks
WHAT A JOKE and no love in these families

By: Coffee

Coffee — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 05:05:10 +0000

I reckon that many of those poor old souls worked hard all of their lives and most likely didn’t receive a pension . Before we ask the Unions and Churches , we should seek out the former employers and determine whether or not Mr.Jones or Mrs.Cooper actually received the earned benefit !

By: Coffee

Coffee — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 04:58:59 +0000

By your flawed reasoning Every white American , Canadian , Brazilian,South African are paper citizens as well ? Now , there is a fair chance that in the future we will see a fair number of foreign born indigent patients residing permanently at the extended care unit !

By: thoughtful

thoughtful — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 04:08:31 +0000

Bravo! Now that’s the truth!! What is this Atherden woman thinking?? She’s just bringing to light the despicable level of services and assistance available to the elderly, and the quandary that families are left in. As the saying goes…before you judge, walk a mile in my shoes. This Government is well aware of the understaffing and under funding of the National Office for Seniors – just ridiculous that she wants to try to put it back on the people of Bermuda. Without resources, what’s a family to do???

By: Edens DAY Care Service - New in Warwick

Edens DAY Care Service - New in Warwick — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 02:24:31 +0000

Bermuda could use more Nursing Homes to help with the problem.

By: hmmm

hmmm — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 01:05:53 +0000

Then in the meantime, you really need to reimburse the hospital until you find a suitable facility.

where have you looked and why weren’t they suitable?

By: Tough Love

Tough Love — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 23:55:30 +0000

The minister, and you as well, assume that families won’t take their relatives! If she gets more nursing homes with proper equipment and adequate staff up and running in Bermuda, then the hospital wouldn’t have this issue.

She’s wagging the dog’s tail with this decree. “Look over here! It’s the families fault!” “Pay no attention to the nursing home issues that are contributing to this situation!”

By: Tough Love

Tough Love — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 23:51:43 +0000

Exactly!

By: tears

tears — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 23:50:54 +0000

This is truly heartbreaking. I could not imagine me leaving my parents at the hospital. I definitely wouldn’t want my son to do that to me. These families need to realize they are going to be old as well.

By: Tough Love

Tough Love — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 23:30:48 +0000

Bermudians born here are not paper status Bermudians. You would like to merge the two so that it’s nothing when the status is given away to the highest bidder.

By: Tough Love

Tough Love — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 23:28:49 +0000

Does the minister know this for a fact that every senior’s family refuses to take them home? I know that my family member was kept there because the social worker wouldn’t release them to anyone, even though they appeared healthy enough to leave.

We were unable to care for them at home because they needed nursing assistance and a lift, which very few nursing homes have, etc. Is home a viable option for all of the seniors taking up bed space? I highly doubt it, or they wouldn’t be in the hospital!

By: Sky Pilot

Sky Pilot — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 23:10:49 +0000

It’s NEGLECT,the immediate next of kin should be Charged and brought before a Judge.

I bet my last dollar these families are living in fancy houses their parents built and it’s costing them nothing too,bill everything to the parent’s bank account.

By: Keepin' it Real!...4Real!

Keepin' it Real!...4Real! — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 23:04:57 +0000

so what i’m getting out of these comments is that these seniors should be sent home to an unknown quality of life care…send them home to an empty house..? not all of us are living large…struggling to survive…little dollars from week to week…have you ever tried hiring a nurse or even seen what Westmeath charges for a patient that may need 24hr availability..? well i have…i suggest you do too before you talk loud but say nothing…BY all means i’m not advocating fraudulent behavior or just plain nasty leeches…i’m speaking for the HARD WORKING HAVE NOTS so…It is the COST of health care which needs to be addressed and NOT be just accepted. A Govt.should take care of the very young AND the very old…all of you in between…it’s all on you brah!…if you can survive to become old ,then you deserve to be cared for.

By: Coffee

Coffee — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 22:31:47 +0000

Could I retract that post ? I’m afraid that I spoke out of turn . They’re already done there ! I should have known instead of assuming differently !

By: Creamy

Creamy — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 22:30:47 +0000

Why don’t you ask Zane? He set the whole thing up, didn’t he?