Letters to the editor: Elderly do not get the care they need
It is so sad that our elderly do not get the care they need
To the editor:
To the recent article written by Pete Waters, I could not agree more.
In June of last summer, we had to move my mother to a local nursing home. Without mentioning the cost (which was outrageous, as are all nursing homes), we were happy and still are happy with our choice. My mother was loved by the staff and they all did the best that they could to take care of her.
However, with the shortage of staff, there were many times my mother would have to wait for her needs to be taken care of. Trust me, I am not blaming the staff. Like I said, they were wonderful and my mother loved all of them.
Unfortunately, due to lack of staff, all her needs were not met when they needed to be. She was very fortunate because her family visited her every day to help ensure her happiness and care. But there are so many in the homes, like Pete said, that lay in bed all day alone, with no one to check on them.
With the price of nursing home care, it is so sad that our elderly do not get the care they need and that the workers in nursing homes are too overworked and underpaid. We need to support our nursing homes and the staff that work there.
Kathy Strine
Maugansville
Trump, here is your chance to tell your truth under oath
To the editor:
Whether Trump sees ultimate judicial accountability remains to be seen, but despite any jury verdict or appeal, America is seeing once again the true character of this man. Stormy Daniels testified for seven hours under oath, telling her truth in a court of law. E. Jean Carroll told her truth under oath in a court of law.
Trump, here is your chance to tell your truth under oath in a court of law — not sitting in your residence-club typing and posting online. You have the perfect podium from which to prove your case.
No gag order to prevent you from testifying under oath. Have at it ya big mouth blowhard. Hop on the stand and clear up this misunderstanding.
I’m not a lawyer, but why would Trump have Stormy Daniels sign a NDA and pay her $130,000 if “nothing happened?” Make America Gag Again. That’s what Trump's campaign would have been reduced to had we heard from Stormy Daniels in 2016.
He should be held accountable by voters — totally unfit.
Patricia Taylor
Williamsport
Older individuals are integral, active members of our community
To the editor:
Saturday, June 15, 2024, marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, prompting communities worldwide to host events to raise awareness about the issue of elder abuse. From June 10 to June 13, 2024, the Washington County Commission on Aging will host a table at the Senior Center between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to offer information to anyone concerned about elder abuse and support on how to address it. In collaboration with a local elder law attorney, valuable insights and assistance regarding estate planning, advanced directives and special needs planning will be provided.
As citizens of America, we hold dear the principle of justice for all. However, we fall short of fulfilling this pledge when we permit the abuse or neglect of older Americans in our society.
Older individuals are integral, active members of our community, and any mistreatment they endure diminishes us all. Just as we've confronted and tackled other social issues, we can similarly work towards solutions to combat elder abuse, safeguarding the wellbeing of our community.
Current policies and practices often pose challenges for older individuals to maintain engagement and social connection as they age, making them more vulnerable to social isolation. This isolation heightens the risk of encountering abuse and neglect.
By implementing stronger societal support systems, we can ensure that our elderly population remains connected and protect them from abuse — be it financial, emotional, physical or sexual. We can reduce the likelihood of neglect occurring by addressing fundamental issues like social isolation. Older adults who maintain social connections and are safeguarded from harm experience lower rates of hospitalization, are less inclined to enter nursing homes and have reduced mortality rates.
Together, we can create healthier and safer living environments for older adults, encompassing their homes, nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Get more information about how to make a difference by visiting the National Center on Elder Abuse https://ncea.acl.gov or by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to explore local community services and support.
Katelin Via, Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Shawn Perry, Elder Abuse Victim Advocate
Susan Hurd, Guardianship Care Manager
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Letters to the editor for Sunday, May 26
