What will Become of the HLRC Building?

Dear Editor,

It is a shame that our fair city of Malta can’t take care of our elderly. I am sure the residents are not resting in the “rest home”. What is going to become of this fancy structure? I think of the first “care center” in Malta. It was an older house moved into town in the 1950’s. My mother, Palma Solberg, and her neighbor, Lila Vickhammer, were the caretakers. The majority of the residents were men. The women cooked and cared for the residents. They would lift the guys to change their bedding and cleaned them up. I would go over and visit with the guys and they were always glad to see kids. That’s all they needed, a warm bed, something to eat, kept clean and a friendly warm hand and a voice everyday. I think the women took turns on the night shift or had someone come in once in awhile. No registered nurses on hand. Dr. Setzer and Dr. Williams came to check often. The old hospital had the west wing for long term patients and it had a nursery, yes, babies were born there, too, never heard of any “mishaps”. It took care of many people Too bad it couldn’t have been fixed up as it could have cared for as many as the clinic and Hi-Line have now. Now there are all these government rules and regulations. So much paperwork, more secretaries than patients. Just wishing for the way things used to be.

May God bless and take care of you.

Patricia Murdock

Whitewater, Mont.