For months, the only face-to-face communication I had with my brother who has Down's syndrome was through his window at the home he is residing in.
This month our family was finally allowed to take him outside with only one family member allowed in the home, which I am fine with.
Now, he is allowed out for a drive with that family member but not with me.
I can take him outside in his wheelchair but not in my car.
To do this, I have to make an appointment. But if it is raining that day, my appointment has to be cancelled because they are not equipped with outdoor umbrellas. So, I have to wait another three days before I can book an outside table.
My brother is getting very depressed over these decisions.
Before this pandemic, we had been out in the car at least three times a week at movies, concerts, sightseeing, etc.
I am aware that he would not be allowed in those places now, but at least going for a drive would help him with his depression.
I feel the health department is operating at a one-size-fits-all policy because they are treating my brother as if he was a senior, which he is not as he is 56 years old.
I feel that each individual should be judged by the home care workers who know them the best and not some person in the health department who has no idea of the lives of these seniors.
It took the health department a very long time to allow the homes to be opened and now it is taking them forever to make specific family requests.
We have opened up the province to Atlantic Canada. The bars are now allowed to open, parks, etc.
Why is it that I can't take a family member for a drive?
Anna Penney,
St. John's
