Nursing Home Protections

Re “A Green Light for Elder Abuse,” by Ellen Goodman, Commentary, Oct. 26:

It’s interesting how Goodman is so upset that the Republicans complain Democrats are using scare tactics, and then writes an entire article to scare people into thinking that the only thing stopping nursing homes from abusing the elderly is federal regulation! My, how fortunate we are to have the Democratic Party (and, of course, Goodman) saving us all from the evil nursing home capitalists!

This all might seem plausible if you accept her (and their) premise that the federal government (read: you and I the taxpayers) is responsible to provide money for the unfortunate circumstances of every person. There is not one mention of the need for the families of these people to foot the bill for their own family members, be it home care or institution. Why must I, who after taxes, bills and food am left with $100 per month, be forced to pay for the medical bills of a stranger? Where is the fairness and compassion that I am compelled to lavish on strangers for my plight?

No doubt I will be considered heartless and cruel, but the reality in my life is that I will become one of the penniless who will need the support of government because I didn’t have the income to save for retirement, because of paying the bill for others! Forgive me, but I don’t see the logic.

DAVID REBER

Whittier

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* To justify the repeal of federal nursing home protections, congressional Republicans claim that state law will safeguard residents’ interests. Their claim is wholly disingenuous, for history shows that state law never has required any more than bare minimums. Under California law, for example, a nursing home can ignore a resident’s potential for improvement. Any type of therapy is considered an “optional service.”

Federal protections simply have required nursing homes to treat residents as human beings with individual needs. It would be tragic if these protections were tossed aside in favor of a callous and discredited warehouse mentality.

ERIC M. CARLSON, Director

Nursing Home Advocacy Project

Bet Tzedek Legal Services

Los Angeles