Letter to the Editor: Re: Nursing Home Public Hearing

Letter to the Editor
The Prowers Journal
June 18, 2018

Dear Prowers Journal Editor,

The Sage Brush Meadows Board of Directors is requesting that the Lamar City Council refer a question to the November ballot asking city voters to support the construction of a new and innovative nursing home.  A public hearing and vote will be held on Monday, July 9th,  7 p.m. at the city complex, 102 East Parmenter.  Our proposal is to build a 54 bed facility located on ten acres of land donated by the Frontier Group just to the north side of the Elks.  We believe our loved ones, friends and neighbors need an option to what is currently available.

There are many of us such as my wife and I that have served the Lamar community for many years and unfortunately may need nursing home care at some point. The research tells us that 35% of those of us who have reached age 65 will need nursing home care at some time in the rest of their lives.   Should the need occur for my wife or I, we do not want to have to be separated by distance to receive care in a new and innovative nursing home that would have memory care and local access for our Veterans.

The Council has listened patiently to our concerns and plans, but does not appear to be leaning toward letting you the citizens weigh in at the ballot box on the need for a new and innovative nursing home to serve our loved ones.

Do you think you or a loved one, friend or neighbor may need nursing home care at some time?  If you would like to have a different option than what is available, it is imperative that you show up on the 9th to let the Lamar City Council know you would like to be able to vote on this issue at the November election.

Sincerely yours,
Jay Brooke
Sage Brush Meadows Board Treasurer/Secretary
481 Prairie Street
Lamar, CO 81052