Editor, The News:
Re: Warehousing mentally ill is cruel (Sidewinder, Sept. 6).
It’s shameful that the folks with severe and profound mental illness who are not able to care for themselves, the ones that “fell between the cracks,” are left to “fend for themselves” on the street – disgraceful and cruel.
And you think in group homes they are not medicated and have restrictions or locked-up?
At Riverview, they had phenomenal care and there were lots of excellent programs for them – parades, BBQs, walking programs, music therapy, occupational therapy, pastoral care, alcohol and drug counselling, dances, art programs, horticulture programs, Finny Gardens, recreational hall, general store, access to telephone, lots of outings, medical care, dental care, hairdressing, cloths, footwear, hygiene products, bathroom sink/toilet/bath, warm clean bed, three healthy meals per day, snacks, and caring compassionate qualified health care professionals dedicated 100 percent to helping them.
The bus came many times daily, practically to their door, so they could go places and return safely and, importantly. They had grounds security for “their protection” while on the grounds.
Their community, where they lived, their home, was all based in the most beautiful peaceful landscape in British Columbia.
Steve Tretick
Maple Ridge