CHARLOTTETOWN , P.E.I. - A 96-year-old Charlottetown man fighting the province to bring his wife home says he has been overwhelmed by public support.
Jim Munves shared his story with The Guardian last month, detailing how he has been battling to bring his wife Barbara back to their Sydney Street house from Atlantic Baptist Home.
Since the March 24 story, The Guardian has received numerous letters of support for the Munves, calling on the P.E.I. government to reverse its decision and allow the couple to live together in their home.
Jim has been reading them all.
“Barbara and I are overwhelmed, we really didn’t expect that much and it’s been really helpful,” said the Second World War veteran, who still visits his wife every day. “It’s been so hard, I just keep telling Barbara to keep a stiff upper lip. But it’s been really heartening to see all those letters.”
Related: Charlottetown senior fights P.E.I. government to bring wife back home
Jim said he has been Barbara’s main caregiver since she suffered a stroke in 2013, which resulted in some dementia.
He planned for Barbara to be admitted into a respite bed in January for about a month and a half while he recovered from hip surgery. In late February, the province issued an emergency intervention order that prevents him from taking her out – even for an afternoon.
The province then filed a notice of application for a 12-month protective intervention order, with Barbara’s proposed plan of care to remain at the Atlantic Baptist Home permanently.
Jim said he has made a number changes in his home based on the province’s recommendations so his wife could return.
So far, it has been to no avail.
Jim, who said he was never consulted by the province as Barbara’s primary caregiver, will be fighting the application in Supreme Court during a hearing scheduled for Wednesday, April 11. While the hearing is closed, several people have indicated to The Guardian they plan to be at the courthouse to support Jim during the hearing.
Jim said he is optimistic that his ordeal will end soon but is also
calling for a review of the province’s Adult Protection Act as well as the appointment of an ombudsman representing elders.
“I don’t want this to happen to anyone else, if it can be avoided.”
