Having family in Greenfield and area, I read the Oct. 8 column in the Recorder, “Sustained attention works: try it on nursing homes.” I can certainly echo the writer’s findings that all too often, chain ownership of nursing homes has reduced competition and state regulators are reluctant to issue denials for further acquisitions.
Some time ago, I was a nursing-home patient for a somewhat extended time. While there, I experienced things that made me think of Covid-era shortages such as the whole facility lacking paper towels for two to three weeks; a shortage of clean and dry cloth towels for a couple of weeks; and even a brief toilet paper shortage for about a day and a half. I am glad the Bpy Scout in me hoarded a roll from home (just in case). And that contingency came within about 20 inches of becoming a back-up lifesaver. I anticipated a possible crisis, say, in the dead of winter, but not on a clear, warm June day.
Furthermore, I had an elderly man who continually urinated all over the bathroom floors, spraying the toilet daily, and not even potty-trained in his own bed. He was a constantly grouchy gripe-head of a man who had no teeth and had the mind of a child by giggling one minute; yet he had the rudeness of a hard-headed old geezer, griping at the poor nurses and aides about his food (which they didn’t prepare, but catered to his whims). Yet, it was not all sweetness and light from staff. Many were jaded from working long hours, and several years in a facility made them robotically jaded. Only one or two aides seemed to have any genuine feeling or empathy in their souls.
Mere regulations on the books are insufficient. Nursing homes need governmental officials to hold real accountability with significant monetary fines for non-compliance.
I was told that one nursing home in my current state of Texas was owned by a trust, which was effectively controlled by a man in the Western U.S. I know that conglomerates are big, but nursing homes should have representative board members who have the decision-making ear of those in ownership status. There cannot be a long rope or chain of command. This only fosters things such as supply-chain malfunctions, shortages, staff becoming indifferent or disillusioned, and worse.
Constant attentiveness to our disabled and elderly population is imperative. Even if you don’t think you’ll land in a nursing home, you just might.
I’m just thankful that I retained a bit of my wits and common sense. The trials and tribulations will definitely test anyone’s sanity.
Things like ongoing supply shortages and poor staffing shouldn’t happen in America. I’m just advocating eternal vigilance and super-close vigilance. We will all be better off if that happens.
James A. Marples lives in Longview, Texas and has family in Greenfield and area.