The Challenges of Home Care in Rural Ontario: A Heartbreaking Story of Separation After 76 Years of Marriage

In rural areas of Ontario, obtaining reliable and high-quality home care services can present a significant obstacle for seniors and their families. At Arcadia Home Care, we understand the difficulties faced by those living in rural communities and are committed to addressing this pressing issue. The recent case of Robert and Margaret Boussen sheds light on the challenges and heartbreaking consequences that can arise when suitable home care options are lacking.



Robert and Margaret, who had been inseparable for 76 years of marriage, were forced to endure a painful separation due to the lack of available care in their rural community. Their son, Frank, along with his siblings, made the difficult decision to place their parents in a retirement residence for the first time. This decision was driven by their father’s development of dementia and the realization that proper care was simply not accessible in their rural area.

The impact of this separation has been profound, not only on Robert and Margaret but also on their family. The emotional toll and burden of guilt weighed heavily on Frank and his siblings, who longed to fulfill their parents’ wish to remain together. The Boussen family’s story exemplifies the pressing need for improved home care services in rural Ontario, as many families are grappling with similar challenges.

Addressing the issue of home care in rural Ontario requires a multi-faceted approach. Government initiatives are needed to allocate resources and funding for expanding home care services and ensuring equitable access across all regions. Collaboration between healthcare providers, organizations, and community stakeholders is essential to attract and retain skilled caregivers in rural areas. This can be achieved through offering competitive wages, providing incentives for training and professional development, and improving infrastructure and transportation options.

Advocacy and raising awareness play a crucial role in driving change. By sharing personal stories and collaborating with local and provincial organizations, we can shed light on the challenges faced by families in rural communities and emphasize the importance of accessible and quality home care services. Together, we can advocate for policy changes and work towards a future where no couple has to endure the heartbreak of separation due to inadequate home care options.

At Arcadia Home Care, we are dedicated to improving the state of home care in rural Ontario. We believe that every individual, regardless of their geographical location, deserves access to reliable and high-quality care. Through our services, we strive to bridge the gap and provide compassionate and personalized care to aging individuals and their families in rural communities.

The story of Robert and Margaret Boussen serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by families in rural Ontario. Their heartbreaking separation after 76 years of marriage underscores the urgency of addressing the barriers to home care in these areas. Together, let us advocate for change, raise awareness, and work towards a future where aging individuals and their loved ones can receive the care they need while remaining together in the comfort of their own homes.