Pamela Leighton | Support HB1179

Im so sorry i checked off i oppose the bill in error. I support this bill 100%. My mother has been at St Vincent's for over 2 years now. There have been issues since she got there and they continue to get worse. She recently had a stroke and needs additional care which is impossible because there isn't enough staff. She certainly doesn't feel like this is her home instead she feels like she is bothering the staff because they are running around trying to take care off all the residents. Here are some of the issues we have run into: 1. She needs someone to feed her as swallowing is an issue and she could choke due to Parkinson's. 2. Medication has been missed or given much later than scheduled. 3. She rarely has anything to drink and needs to drink more. 4. She has fallen a few times and has had to stay on the floor as she is unable to scream loud enough for anyone to hear. 5. She needs help getting dressed and undressed. Most times, when I go visit at dinner time, she is still in her PJ's 6. She has gone 2 and 1/2 weeks without a bath. 7. She needs 2 staff members to help her go to the bathroom as she is unable to get out of bed herself. She has had to wait a very long time many times as there isn't enough staff. 8. The follow through on so many things just falls through the cracks. 9. The communication is terrible. The staff cant even keep up with recording things on behalf of the residents. I had received a phone call one morning because her blood pressure was high. When I got there at dinner time and asked how her BP had been all day they didn't know. 9. There is rarely anyone at the nurses stations as there just isn't enough staff. I can go on and on and give specifics if you woukd like. I would like to mention that members of the staff are doing all they can and have been reprimanded in the past and quite frankly I would image they are frustrated as they are running around doing all they can and still it isn't enough. I know things have changed in the past few years but the residents are not feeling like this is their home. They are left feeling like they are a burden. Shame on you for making them feel this way! Thay need to be pampered sometimes. Putting lotion on them, back rubs, helping with make up, curling their hair, painting their nails etc. Not every day but a couple times a week. Something for them to look forward to. Please, please I beg of you to increase the staff to show our loved ones tgat they matter. It shouldnt be this way for the remaining time they have left on earth. Please help our elderly in nursing homes as one day it could be you or your loved ones left to be treated this way. Thank you for listening. I can only hope that I touched your hearts. Sometimes it's not all about the money.