Be nice to your kids...they'll pick your nursing home

[Bill O'Rights]

Link

Snake adds to Iowa nursing home's woes



DES MOINES (AP) - An Oskaloosa nursing home that is being fined $350 a day and will soon lose its Medicaid funding now faces the possibility of losing its state license after a live snake was found in a resident's bed.

A report by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals says a worker at Pleasant Park Estates pulled back the linens on a bed and found a foot-long garter snake in the bed with the resident.

According to state records, the resident has a severe mental impairment and was unaware of the snake.

"I've been with DIA quite a long time, and I thought I'd seen just about everything imaginable," said David Werning, spokesman for the Department of Inspections and Appeals. "But finding a snake in a resident's bed is a first."

If the state succeeds in revoking the home's license, all of its nearly 90 residents would have to move. The home's 58 Medicaid-dependent residents already must leave by Nov. 8 because the federal government has said it will no longer pay for their care.

Since April 8, federal authorities have fined the home $350 per day for failing to meet minimum care standards.

Pleasant Park Estates' owner, Steven Wright of Oskaloosa, said he had received a copy of the state's report on the snake but he hadn't had time to read it.

"All I know is that it's just a couple of D-level deficiencies," he said, referring to the government's designation for low-level violations. "There was no immediate jeopardy or care issues. Just a couple of minor deficiencies."

If Wright appeals the license revocation, the home will be allowed to stay open for private-pay residents until the case is resolved.

I see.
So...what then, would constitute a major deficiency? A poisonous reptile? An alligator, perhaps?
I just hope that Steven Wright has children that really don't like him very much, so that one day he'll find himself in a nursing home with "just a couple of D-level deficiencies".

[mr sticky]

Man BOR, from what I've seen, even nursing homes that do it right are a hella depressing place to be.
But I'm not sure why there is such a big hubbub. This sounds like a weird anomaly as opposed to a procedural issue that the home could be hit with.
I dunno... but just like any place, a snake can find its way in.

[BigBen]

The Eden Alternative

We have a long-term care facility where I live that is a member of the Eden Alternative. When I went for a tour, I was greeted by a laid back golden retriever, who came over to check me out. When I scratched his belly, he walked slowly back to the ring of wheelchairs and continued to have love poured all over him by 4 residents. There were little kids everywhere, playing and laughing, drawing pictures and showing them to residents who smiled. There were plants and gardens everywhere, and the staff (who I thought were supposed to be providing nursing care) were tending a vegetable garden during their break.

It was incredible, to see birds and dogs and cats and pre-school children coexisting with long-term care patients. I want to end up in a place like that.

It takes work and dedication and a total change in attitudes by LTC staff, who are used to the way things are now.

I assure you, snakes are not welcome, but if they did find their way into the facility, they would probably just chill out with the rest of the critters.

When people stop caring and start doing things for the paycheck, the snakes show up. And I am not talking about the literal kind.

This is where the heart of Communism still holds merit: If people did what they loved, in this case caring for the elderly, then the entire society benefits.

[Redlemon]

Seems to be nursing home week... Laxative Prank Spells Trouble For Former Nursing Home Workers

Irvine, Kentucky (AHN) - A prank pulled last year by two former nursing home employees could possibly land them in jail.

Lisa Kilburn, 27, and Kim Congleton, 30, both former certified nursing assistants at Irvine Health and Rehabilitation Center, stand accused of administering laxatives to patients who did not need them, including older and medically-sensitive people, many of which suffered pain and rectal bleeding.

Attorney General Greg Stumbo says the intended targets of the prank were nursing assistants on the next shift, and calls the conduct an outrage to human decency and dignity.

The two women were fired and face criminal abuse charges that carry prison terms and fines. Arraignment has been set for Oct. 6.

ewwww.....

[Pip]

Originally Posted by Bill O'Rights

So...what then, would constitute a major deficiency? A poisonous reptile? An alligator, perhaps?
I just hope that Steven Wright has children that really don't like him very much, so that one day he'll find himself in a nursing home with "just a couple of D-level deficiencies".

Oh, old people lying for hours in their own pee because noone has time to take them to the bathroom or clean up? Senile old ladies getting beaten and verbally abused by those who are paid to take care of them? That's major deficiencies.
Bad nursing homes is a growing problem, what with people living longer and fewer born in the younger generations to support and care for the elders. Longevity runs in my family, I can "look forward to" be at least 90-100. It frightens me sometimes. I don't want to end up in a nursing home for decades.

[Demeter]

I think before I succumb to the old age home,
I'll overdose myself on viagra.

[la petite moi]

Yeah, frankly, I don't see why they are being shut down. Snakes can get in easily, and hide anywhere. They weren't doing anything wrong, and hopefully it's not like someone put the snake there!

As for being nice to your kids as they'll be picking your nursing home: I'm not having kids, so what happens now?

[Demeter]

Originally Posted by la petite moi

As for being nice to your kids as they'll be picking your nursing home: I'm not having kids, so what happens now?

Make sure you have a personal directive to designate someone to make decisions for you when you are no longer capable. I actually did that this past week. You never know what can happen.

[la petite moi]

Originally Posted by Demeter

Make sure you have a personal directive to designate someone to make decisions for you when you are no longer capable. I actually did that this past week. You never know what can happen.

Who would a personal directive be?

[ryfo]

We are not having kids either, I plan to live a long healthy life, and not die....problem solved!!!!

[raeanna74]

We recently put a close family friend into a nursing home. He fell twice in the first week. Apparently they were not allowed to restrain a resident in their wheelchair. I guess the rule is that if the patient themselves is not able to get themselves out of the chair in less than 30 seconds then the restraint, even if it is to help the person sit up, is not allowable. I can understand this restriction but in Uncle's case he has severe alzheimers and is unable to walk but able enough to get himself out of the chair. He doesn't even realize that he can't walk so is constantly trying to stand and walk. It practically takes a person hovering over him constantly to avoid falls and injuries. His care facility seems to be quite good compared to others I have seen.

SIL worked at a facility and has not nursing liscence or other training other than that given by her employer. She was apparently allowed to administer medication to residents on a daily basis. She was irresponsible and left medication out and was promptly fired. We did not choose that facility for Uncle's care because they allowed an unqualified individual to administer medications.

[Demeter]

A personal directive is like a living will. You sit down now & decide what you want done & when. You may also appoint someone as power of attorney to make decisions for you if you are ever incapacitated, temporarily or permanently. It gives you some control over what happens to you as you age, and who will speak for you. This sure beats some doctor, judge or disgruntled family member deciding for you.
We all remember how the Terri Shiavo story went, this leaves firm demands left by you for people to follow.