In my younger years, when I saw old people with hollow mouths, more teeth, without prostheses, I found it painful for them. They attracted and still attract a certain pity. Now it’s my turn. It takes courage to come out publicly at such a disadvantage. The federal government has just added new measures for dental care for young people, but will the turn of the elderly and the less fortunate come? And yet, we are talking about the golden age. The golden age for whom? Why ?
Posted at 1:00 p.m.
The purpose of this letter is to denounce this injustice that seniors and low-income people still experience today in terms of dental care. However, there are treatments that can correct these problems.
How is it that now so many people are still forced to “eat soft”? Eh yes ! these beautiful treatments are only accessible to people with a well-stocked wallet. For those less well-off, oral care is a luxury, the costs far exceeding their ability to pay. This is why people are forced to feed themselves in such an unappetizing way.
Political leaders boast that we have one of the best health care systems. Either we are being hidden or something is being overlooked. The reality of many elderly or low-income people is being swept under the rug. However, it is a right in our society to have health care accessible to all.
Yes, today is my turn to be discouraged. It’s disgusting to be condemned to “eat soft” for the rest of my life. My precarious financial situation does not give me the luxury of receiving acceptable dental care. I cannot afford the costs. I had to go into debt for basic care, and it’s not over. I used to eat my apple every day, now I have to eat my applesauce…
I allow myself here to speak on behalf of all people living the same problem as me to denounce this state of affairs, to be excluded from the dental health system. We need substantial financial support or, even better, free dental care.
At 84, I’m getting tired of always fighting for justice.
Despite everything, I continue to believe in the good will of our governments and I hope for an improvement for the edentulous in the health system.
* Participant in the ACEF du Nord de Montréal, Gertrude Lavoie sent a letter to Émilie Laurin-Dansereau, budget advisor at the ACEF du Nord de Montréal, stating her situation as a low-income person with no cannot afford the dental care she needs.