This is in response to the story, “Cuts sting assisted living facilities.” There is a very good reason why that news made the front page of the Sun Journal Aug. 27. Anyone who has had friends, neighbors or family members in an assisted living facility knows that the peace of mind, the sense of security, and the reduction in stress and anxiety provided by that arrangement is probably the single most important factor in the resident’s overall health and well-being.

Failure to recognize and appreciate that fact in order to effect a less than 1 percent reduction in the projected state budget gap is not only shortsighted, but will most certainly create even more expense in the adverse effects on the health of those who reside in those facilities.

Facility officials must always look for ways to reduce waste and improve efficiency. However, a temporarily empty bed in a health care facility is not wasted. It is, in fact, providing an extremely important therapeutic function.

That empty bed says: “You live here. You are not a prisoner here. You are not a burden here. You are not homeless. Being with your family on Christmas, seeing your grandchildren is important. Getting the medical procedure or rehabilitation you need is important. Don’t worry. We are your friends, your family, your neighbors. You will always have a home here with us.”

David Jenckes, Farmington