Brown letter: Unfair to seniors

A local Boise senior independent facility spent months doing cosmetic repairs in lobby and dining areas while refusing to do needed maintenance. When finished, instead of compensating residents for inconvenience, the rent was raised as much as 50 percent. Residents cannot apply for Medicaid assistance because this is not assisted living or skilled nursing. Options: Pay or move

I’m told immigrants can receive monthly checks and are eligible for subsidized rent and other benefits. What about our independent American seniors? A fraction of the help would assist these displaced residents. Over a dozen units are already being vacated and the facility is advertising on television for apparently new, more affluent residents.

After a lifetime of work, why can’t seniors be treated with respect, adequate housing with meals and transportation?

This story was originally published July 17, 2017 at 11:09 PM with the headline "Brown letter: Unfair to seniors."