Yukon couple, married 75 years, now forced to live apart because Watson Lake has no long-term care options
CBC
Lloyd and Evelyn Kostiuck of Watson Lake, Yukon, have been married for 75 years.
And according to their son Cliff Kostiuck, there hasn't been much that could keep the two apart from each other over the years.
That was until Evelyn, 95, lost her mobility in January.
She now needs 24-hour care. That's meant moving into an extended care facility in Whitehorse, a five-hour drive away from Watson Lake — and from her 99-year-old husband.
There are currently no local options in Watson Lake for those who require long-term care.
Cliff told CBC News that being apart from Evelyn is taking a toll on his father.
"Ever since my mother went into extended care, his health has gone downhill," Cliff said. "The stress of being apart makes it hard for them."
On Tuesday, Cliff brought his father to Whitehorse to see Evelyn for the first time in two months.
He said the expense to travel to Whitehorse, find accommodations, and cover other costs while there prevent them from visiting more often.
"If they had the accommodation for our mother with a second bed in the room, it would make his transition a lot easier," Cliff said. "If they had a place where people could book it for a couple ... they could stay together."
Cliff says if there was an option for long-term care to be provided in Watson Lake, it would save some families a lot of headaches and heartaches.
Cliff said he was surprised when the Yukon government decided to call off its plan last year for two long-term beds at the Watson Lake hospital.
He said he was even more surprised to learn that a local contractor had offered to build a facility at a very affordable cost, and nothing ever happened.
"[Watson Lake] needs something," he said. "The two beds aren't the answer but it's definitely a start. You've got to start someplace."
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