David Goud of Louisville, Kentucky knows personally what goes on in nursing homes since he has worked in the industry. During last year’s battle to pass legislation that would mande minimum staffing in Kentucky’s nursing homes (a battle that was sadly lost to the well-financed nursing home lobby), he wrote a powerful letter to THE COURIER-JOURNAL, the daily newspaper in Louisville. David Groud wrote:
I applaud Bernie Vonderheide for his advocacy for the residents held hostage in most nursing homes. I have had the misfortune to witness first hand the neglect and abuse that the elderly of our city endure on a daily basis.
Having worked in two nursing homes in Louisville, I can say that not only is there not enough nursing staff available to meet basic needs, but the quality of care given to residents would be comparable to an animal shelter.
It is also difficult to police nursing homes, because state inspections and investigations are rarely unexpected. Nursing homes know when they are to be audited and call in more staff than usual to give a better show of quality.
A civilized society should give better care to its elderly. At present, one can expect better quality care at a fast-food counter than at a nursing home.
My sincere thanks to David Goud for being an articulate, outspoken advocate on behalf of nursing home residents, in Kentucky and elsewhere!
