Interviews (Elder Homes)

Elder People living in boarding homes or rooming houses:

Interview 1

Q: (If you could change the way things are done) what would you like from the system? (What should be done for a) people living here b) people in your situation?)

I live in a rooming-home. Everybody gets their cheque and we have a big party that lasts two days and then we’re broke again. We wanna party every day. Some like myself are on medication and we’re treated very badly. Very often I can hardly walk, and lay for days in bed but no one really cares.

Q: Has the system or some part of it ever worked for you? What helped?

It’s okay to get a cheque and make do. I can’t cook for myself anymore and the food is bad. But it’s better than nothing or going out and spending money. I’m still looking for a girlfriend with lots of money to get me out of here.

Q: What parts of the system have not worked for you?

I’m waiting for a place in a geriatric ward or old age pension home with support for almost five years. I have applied to several. But I’m poor, so I don’t think I will make the cut and will die in this place.

Interview 2

Q: (If you could change the way things are done) what would you like from the system? (What should be done for a) people living here b) people in your situation?)

I don’t think about my own situation for the people in here can be alone a lot. Medication should be reduced, too much locked up for long periods of time. I think they make people lose their independence, reliance on the system. The hopelessness, despair, take confidence away. I can’t take care of myself to a large extent. I never sat down to feel sorry for myself.

Q: Has the system or some part of it ever worked for you? What helped?

The system (you have to be part of it). To be oneself you have to be away from the system. First, I started relying on the system. I don’t give a shit about the system. I don’t rely on the system anymore. I don what little I can for myself to keep what little freedom I have. The system rules and I don’t want to rely on it.

Q: What parts of the system have not worked for you?

You can’t isolate yourself, so some parts of it have worked for me. I don’t think so, my biggest trial, I feel mature, it might help others, but I don’t want its help.

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