Nursing A Grudge About Elder Care
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She is not wearing one of the 19 wigs or sunglasses she uses to conceal her identity. No need, this time Ila Swan has not come to the Vacaville Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center on another reconnaissance mission in her work to expose what she says is widespread neglect and abuse in nursing homes. Swan is just here to visit Frances Jehle, her mother’s former roommate. Maybe they would read a large print copy of Reader’s Digest and share a smoke on the patio. But, as she flings open the double doors and makes a sharp left at the potted plant, she cannot help herself. Swan, arguably the nation’s most outspoken and influential advocate for nursing-home reform, already has segued into full activist mode. She notices a call light on above the door jamb to Room 8. State health service codes state that patients “show evidence of good personal hygiene” and that staff must respond as soon as possible after being summoned. She notes the time, 1:02 p.m. In front of Room 42, she suddenly stops and pokes her head inside. “Smell that?” she asks. “It’s overpowering. This man must be sitting in his own waste.” Swan bends to the man’s wheelchair, takes both of his hands in hers to inspect his nails for cleanliness (dried food is caked on his cuticles), removes his slippers to check for bedsores (none). His head remains lowered. She questions him about himself, his family, then asks how he likes living at the facility. Slowly, the man raised his head to meet her eyes. More : sfgate.com |