I have never written a letter to the editor to any paper in my life, but I cannot let Mr. Garry Wannop’s letter go unanswered.
My first reaction was to ask why Mr. Wannop would accept being placed in the Bethany Cochrane facility if he felt it was so bad? He obviously had this survey, which, by the way, is from HQCA 2014-2015. But that is not the issue.
But beyond that, I am very concerned about the damage and hurt that his letter is doing. The staff at the Cochrane Bethany is the best in the country. They give their hearts and souls every day to the residents in their care. My mother is the oldest resident (102 years) in the Cochrane facility and has been there for nine years and we have had no complaints – it has been a fabulous home. I am also the chairman of the Bethany Family Council – a non-profit, volunteer group who advocates for the residents’ rights and care. Our council members spend many hours at this facility. Every member has (or has had) a loved one who has been a resident. We maintain a constant watch and are extremely impressed with our observations.
Our council, the administration and the staff are a dedicated team working together to give the very best care possible. We aren’t perfect – but nothing is – but the improvement in this facility in the past few years has been outstanding. It has received the highest accreditation possible for the last two accreditation periods – Accreditation with Exemplary Standing for 2013 - 2017 and 2017 - 2021 from Accreditation Canada. The Cochrane facility is accessible, safe, welcoming and filled with love.
I am hoping that anyone who has to make the extremely difficult decision of placing a loved one in another ‘home’ will not pay attention to Mr. Wannop’s opinion, but will come to the facility and check it out for themselves. Speak to those of us who live, work and volunteer in this world. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions – we will be honest and open.
Maureen Vink, chair - Bethany Family Council
