My mother lived with dementia, and during her final years she resided in several facilities. I trusted they could manage all aspects of her care. After she fell out of her wheelchair, I was told she was fine, only to witness her in tears because of abdominal pain. After many days and a false X-ray report, a trip to the emergency room revealed she’d fractured two vertebrae that control the abdominal muscles.
My mother was hospitalized for severe dehydration, a condition that damaged her kidneys. A few months later, she was hospitalized again for dehydration. No daughter wants to hear the words, “Please don’t make me go back there,” from a parent. But I did, and it was heartbreaking.
The current system is in total disarray. Regulations need to be all-inclusive for facilities that offer memory care services. The Delaware Division of Health Care Quality must be staffed and trained to provide appropriate oversight. Unannounced inspections should be a matter of recourse to monitor the environment of care and patient treatment to ensure the safety of all residents.
The Alzheimer’s Association, Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos and advocates like myself strive to move forward Senate Bill 150. This legislation addresses long-term care facility operations by stating any facility offering memory care services must adhere to specific training requirements and staffing guidelines. I’m asking legislators to vote yes on SB 150 for the protection of all of Delaware’s most vulnerable residents.
-
A letter to the editor expresses a reader's opinion and, as such, is not reflective of the editorial opinions of this newspaper.
To submit a letter to the editor for publishing, send an email to viewpoints@capegazette.com. All letters are considered at the discretion of the newsroom and published as space allows. Due to the large volume of submissions, we cannot acknowledge receipt of each submission. Letters must include a phone number and address for verification. Keep letters to 400 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit for content or length. Letters should be responsive to issues addressed in the Cape Gazette rather than content from other publications or media. Letters should focus on local issues, not national topics or personalities. Only one letter per author will be published every 30 days regarding a particular topic. Authors may submit a second letter within that time period if it pertains to a different issue. Letters may not be critical of personalities or specific businesses. Criticism of public figures is permissible. Endorsement letters for political candidates are no longer accepted. Letters must be the author’s original work, and may not be generated by artificial intelligence tools. Templates, form letters and letters containing language similar to other submissions will not be published.
