I think that elderly neglect in nursing homes is a relatively hot topic in this country. Due to under staffing, there are thousands of elderly people who are suffering from malnutrition, and do not have the common decency shown to them as we show our animals. Up until 2 years ago I cared for my elderly Grandmother who recently had 3 strokes. I currently reside in Guelph Ontario, and have made the
trip out here to understand my Mothers point of view on this matter.
...What I have found is making my stomach sick, and my heart ache. Now, I don't know if I am reaching the right people to tell her story, but I hope that the person receiving this will know what to do. First we have a woman who has slaved her entire life away to do good for her family. She has been a single mother, a loyal wife, and a humanitarian. She has never shied at the opportunity to help a person in need, including myself. I hope to do well by her in getting her story heard. Eight months ago this woman was placed in a Forest Lawn Nursing Home, where staffing issues are always a problem. I have sat with her every day at one or even two meals since arriving, and what I've seen makes me very sad. Beside her sits a woman who will not eat as fast as they like, and when they decide that they do not have anymore time to sit with her they ship her back to her room to wait for the next meal. In my Grandmothers case when they put her back in her room she does not have the means to give herself water, and if she is thirsty she just has to wait till the next meal when they will finally come back to her. Her health has disintegrated very fast since entering this facility, and remains to get worse every day. One day when my Mother came in to the room, she was close to falling out of her wheelchair. No seat belt on, and no tray to put a drink on. When my Mom told my Grandmother to tell the nurse to use the tray she did. The next day she told the nurse to put the tray on, and was told, "Shut up! I don't take orders from you." This nurse is still on staff, but is no longer allowed to care for my Grandmother. My Grandmother gave up, and did not speak up in the future, and soon lost the ability to speak up at all. There are other concerns I'd love to type out here, but fear that I may take up too much of your time. Please please reach in to your heart, and help this woman fight to have her human rights returned to her!! Sincerely, Shantell.
