They Still Need Watching

Since the Nursing Home Patients’ Protection Act took effect nearly a year ago, enforcement statistics have been startling and impressive. Fines have totaled more than $5 million, up 400%. Citations for nearly 2,000 violations are up 54 %. Nineteen licenses have been revoked, a 200% increase.

But the relatives and friends of elderly patients continue to report instances of neglect, retaliation, unsanitary conditions, theft and rough handling despite the higher fines and harsher punishments imposed by tougher state law.

An ombudsman who works on behalf of the elderly in Napa County testified recently before a Little Hoover Commission hearing, called as part of its effort to keep the pressure on enforcement of the law that reflects many of the commission’s recommendations. She fought back tears and admitted that she had lost sleep after hearing reports of patients who were improperly clothed and sleeping in their waste because of staff shortages at one home. Other witnesses represented senior citizens, state government and the nursing home industry. Everybody had their say. They covered it all, the good and the bad.

The 100,000 senior citizens who live in the state’s 1,200 nursing homes may be frail and unable to protect themselves, but they have persistent and vigilant friends. Among them are the commission, following through on 10 years of work to improve nursing home conditions, and Lt. Gov. Leo T. McCarthy, sharing the commission’s determination to push beyond the first blush of success.

The fight to expand the benefits of better nursing homes is one that must not stop. It is well that friends of the elderly understand that.