Advocate for nursing home reform

Long-term care Residents deserve honor, respect, happiness, and the most comfortable, healthy life possible. Sadly, many are not experiencing this. Some changes are badly needed. You can make a difference by advocating for new regulations.

Currently, there is not enough well trained staff. The ratio of staff to residents must be increased; residents with extreme needs require more hours of staff time. Those residents who cannot stand or walk, or feed themselves, and have other serious problems, need care that matches their extreme needs. Currently, some families hire additional help from Home Care Agencies to help meet unmet needs.

The staff who gives the most direct care (CNAs) need more training to provide for the diverse and growing needs of residents. Nurses and CNA's deserve higher pay and need to be given greater respect for the very important work they are doing. This is a complicated problem that has been looking for a solution for too long.

Soon it will be time to mark your ballot for people who can influence care of your friends and loved ones. Nursing home reform discussion is happening at both the state and national levels. Call or email the candidates running for state legislative and federal congressional seats, and also the Governor's office. Ask for increased staff to serve all long-term care residents, and additional staff to care for those residents with extreme needs. Ask for increased staff wages, and more CNA training.

Verna Boland

Cedar Rapids