Nursing Home Discrimination Charged

Up to 80% of federally certified nursing homes use illegal admission practices that discriminate against the poor and disabled, it was found in a hearing of a Senate special committee on aging. Sen. John Heinz (R-Pa.) says that the homes are in “flagrant violation of the law, and their victims are elderly Americans on Medicaid.”

The committee found that many nursing homes require cash payments as a condition for admission, while others demand that a potential Medicaid resident or the family sign a private contract pledging to pay the home its full fee for a fixed period before the resident goes on Medicaid. There were reports of some homes evicting residents whose savings had run out and were forced to enroll in Medicaid.

Because of the shortage of nursing home beds and high occupancy rates in most parts of the country, some nursing homes feel they can pick and choose residents who will be most profitable without regard for existing law. Legislation exists that allows states to decertify a home that violates regulations and/or restrict new admissions until the facility resolves its legal problems.

Because of a combination of bed shortages, family guilt and fright, many enter into private pay agreements to get care for loved ones. We pay for our guilt, even though the nursing home may be the best alternative.

If you have entered into such an agreement or have information about homes that operate on this basis, write the Senate Committee on Aging, Dirksen G-37, Washington, D.C. 20510. To ensure equal access and protection for all, the committee needs to know the magnitude of the problem.

Question: I am 73 years old and have very dry skin. I live in Ohio and the problem is worse in cold weather. The itchiness is driving me crazy. Any suggestions?

Answer: Though your problem affects people of all ages, mild to severe itching from dry skin is one of the most common and uncomfortable characteristics of aging skin.

Your dryness persists year-round, although it is heightened during the winter. The increase in discomfort is probably related to dry air in overheated rooms. If you don’t have one, consider buying a humidifier, which circulates moisture in the air.

Other causes of dry skin include exposure to soaps and irritating cleaning products, such as disinfectants and cleansers. Some fabric softeners can also cause skin irritation and itching.

Skin becomes more fragile with age, wounds more easily and is more prone to infection. It is important to use lotions to prevent severe itching because scratching can lead to infection or long-term skin irritation. Moisturizers range from heavy creams to light, non-greasy lotions, and vary greatly in price. The most expensive product is not necessarily the best. Many dermatologists recommend moisturizers that contain petrolatum or lanolin. Highly perfumed products should be avoided.

Care must be taken to prevent injury; do not use water that is too hot, wear gloves when cleaning and avoid the use of harsh products, even if no reaction appears on the skin immediately.

Dry skin may be due to hypothyroidism. Also, the sudden onset of generalized itching can be a sign of certain diseases. If it persists after taking preventive measures to avoid dry skin, check with your physician.