I would like to add my opinion and support to the wonderfully stated opinion the OBSERVER (May 6) written by Debbie Hamernick, regarding the Chautauqua County Home.
Every statement was clear and simple, but her opening question and closing comment said it all.
Her question: "Why should the hard working, taxpaying residents of this county spend their hard earned money on a nursing home for old and disabled people, when they could be put to other more important areas in the county?" She had several very good answers.
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County workers were happy to see the inter-governmental transfer funding approved.
The following is my answer: First and foremost, because they once were the hard working (probably harder working than we know today), taxpaying residents of this county, who truly deserve the peace of mind and quality care provided by the Chautauqua County Home in their declining health/years.
Second: We will be those old and possibly disabled residents sooner than we realize! A version of a quote says "There are two things in life that are certain, birth and death." We know we are born and if we do not die before old age sets in, we will definitely be old before we die. Think about this and the following:
Economic times are difficult. Our grown children will probably not be living in this area. They will move to find jobs to raise their families.
Our children probably will not be able to financially support us in our declining age and health. Will we have pensions, Social Security or other means to provide for our care in our own homes? I am thinking not for a great many of us! Who will care for us? Where will we go?
I believe when we see things through a more personal level, they greatly raise in importance!
The writer's closing comments: "We need the Chautauqua County Home where it is. We need it as it is and we need it how it is. .. . I hope you agree."
My answer: I could not agree more! I have had personal connections with this facility as both my mother and my aunt needed to reside there in their declining health. I considered myself blessed that such a facility was within 10 minutes of my home, not 50 miles or more away. This is especially important when you receive emergency phone calls concerning their health and it is a major snowstorm or dark of night out. Also, my dad was an employee of this facility for 20 years. Think of the jobs this facility provides in our area!
Have we become a generation that cannot see, hear, think or speak for what is right? Have we lost all compassion? I hope not, for if we have, we are really becoming a declining area, not the proud and caring one we are noted for.
Jackie Grant is a town of Pomfret resident.
