Authority hopes to clarify wheelchair situation

The Fraser Health Authority is ‘clarifying’ the new 25-dollar a month wheelchair fee that will soon be charged in residential care facilities.

The health authority says the hope has always been, those who can afford to buy or rent a wheelchair will do that, but officials says the policy continues to be in place: to provide a wheelchair to seniors who require it, regardless of financial ability.

Health Authority spokesperson Tasleem Juma, “If you’re coming into a residential care facility that’s owned and operated by the health authority you will receive a wheelchair regardless of your ability to pay. This is not about impeding your ability to participate in life.”

Fraser Health owns and operates 16 residential care facilities.