Date: 2/8/2023
My inner rage against the machine is the only way to describe it. The helplessness, frustration, sadness, knowing the machine hasn’t changed in quite some time. To make it understand compassion and sensitivity that’s lacking. The ‘Machine’ I speak of is longterm care (LTC).
Don’t get me wrong ... there are good LTC facilities. The one I speak of had good staff, then there were those who, well you know ... this is what I’m writing about here. This particular facility had fewer complaints then others. Perfect choice. But our hopes soon turned to frustration. The first day was met with insensitivity, bad attitude and intentional roughness. Over time: Open wounds and many bruises on legs/arms/hands from ill-fitting/broken/wrong size equipment. Weeks without showers. Urine soaked from head to toe — it’s your fault for going to bingo ... what do you expect?
I witnessed malnutrition/dehydration take its toll through significant weightloss. I brought meals for lack of quality warm food. Liquids too thick. When poured, it puddled, goop. Mashed potato’s tasted like antique cardboard sitting in an old attic for years. These were served two times a day. Everyday. Sandwichbread hard as a crouton. Not toasted. Pizza slice 3 inches by 4 inches. Them: smaller portions due to sundowners (no diagnosis of sundowners, I said). A staff tasting food off a resident’s plate, putting the spoon back on the tray before delivery. During covid no less.
Trying to make them understand their abusive ways went on deaf ears; there was no dignity/respect, no rights, neglect, physical and verbal/emotional abuses. The cooperate office, nurse manager, head nurse and administrator were informed of concerns. Administrator and nursing response; don’t like it here, go somewhere else. These professionals were the problem by not addressing the issues. A complaint was filed with the MA state licensing board for administrators. I spoke to The Department of Public Health (DPH) while they were doing the annual survey.
Weeks later, I witnessed staff entering COVID-19 positive rooms with no gowns/gloves and then entering negative rooms to provide care. I filed complaints about the disregard for not wearing personal protective equipment to DPH over a two week span. I received a response; this ltc has already been sited/fined for infection control. I wrote back to DPH. No response. Wasn’t DPH the agency to help? The Department of Defense lists COVID-19 as a biological weapon. Yet its freely spread in this facility.
My loved one eventually tested positive for COVID-19 and died that same day. 104 temperature. The last year of a long enjoyed life ... filled with abuse/neglect. It’s heartbreaking and sad. My inner rage is valid. The machine needs a major tune-up. Residents are just bodies, providing a pay check. One leaves another arrives. The cycle continues with no recourse. Treat those who rely on LTC as if you (staff/policy makers) were the one’s receiving care. I hope this particular facility reads this and strives to do better...much better.
In hope of a better future for LTC,
Linda Morse
Hampden
