Canadian Man Advocates for Home Care Amid Concerns Over Assisted Death
A Canadian man, Roger Foley, who suffers from a serious neurological condition, has shared his experience with Fox News Digital, revealing that medical staff repeatedly mentioned assisted death while he was struggling to secure necessary home care. Foley, diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia, has been hospitalized for several years at Victoria Hospital in Ontario as he seeks a personalized home-care setup.
In a letter from July 2026, Foley’s physician indicated he could leave the hospital if the Ontario government approved his proposed home-care plan. Dr. George K. Dresser highlighted that Foley has been medically stable despite facing some infections acquired during his long hospitalization. He noted that conventional home-care solutions often do not meet Foley’s specialized medical needs.
According to Dr. Dresser, maintaining Foley’s hospitalization is not only costly but also does not serve him well. He suggested that a community-based arrangement would likely be more economical while providing better-suited care, emphasizing the need for the Ontario Ministry of Health to approve funding for Foley to manage his personal support workers.
Foley recounted an incident in 2017 when he felt pressured to accept hospital care arrangements. He claims he faced threats of steep daily charges if he didn’t comply. He firmly states, “I don’t want to die,” and insists on managing his own care with the help of caregivers he trusts.
Foley indicated that in 2025, the hospital removed lighting adjustments that helped accommodate his neurological sensitivities. He described these accommodations—specifically, the use of amber-spectrum lighting—as crucial for his daily care, as the fluorescent lighting used instead exacerbated his condition and made it difficult for him to eat and drink without discomfort.
To cope, Foley has had to rely on external support workers, but financial constraints have limited the assistance he can secure. He also expressed frustration that some staff members were instructed not to aid him unless fluorescent lights were on, despite past experiences where he received help under amber lighting without issue.
Foley’s past discussions about suicidal thoughts, particularly after the lighting changes, led him to distrust the hospital staff, further complicating his situation. He remains open to discussing his mental health but is cautious because of his previous experiences, particularly given past mentions of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID).
This ongoing struggle, he stated, has spanned nearly ten years, as he aims to obtain the care necessary to go home. Despite being hospitalized, Foley has kept his apartment, which he describes as accessible for his needs. He continues to pay bills and has support lined up to help him once he is granted self-directed funding.
Foley is also involved in initiatives like the “Bring Roger Home” project, which aims to raise funds for his return to community life, including a campaign that utilizes music he recorded in better days. He hopes for the proceeds to support his home care while inspiring others in similar situations.
He passionately conveyed his belief that just because one is not the same person they once were doesn’t mean they cannot achieve meaningful goals. “Even in the darkest times,” he reflects, “you can still find a light at the end of the tunnel to go towards.”
Lastly, Foley strongly criticizes the MAID system in Canada, arguing that it fails to ensure patients have sufficient access to necessary treatments and support before discussing assisted death. He believes that patients should be given proper resources to live fully before such options are considered.
Fox News Digital reached out to relevant health organizations for statements regarding Foley’s situation but did not receive immediate responses.
