Kimberly

This Nursing Home Had Zero Security!



Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2008

by
http://kimberlyinChance.blogspot.com

In November of 2007 an acquaintance of mine named Gloria decided she wanted to volunteer for the elderly. She joined Volunteer Match and was directed to a nursing home center. Before she made her appointment to be interviewed she decided to take a trip to the facility to check it out. The drive was further then what she thought, plus she didn't feel comfortable in the area. She never walked in the door.

The next month without any rhyme or reason, Gloria hopped in her car and drove to another convalescent center approximately one mile from her home. She entered the facility and asked their receptionist if they had a Friendly Visitors program? The young lady didn't know anything about a visitors program and stated, "Maybe some of the nurses would know"! Gloria thanked her and then proceeded down the hall. She was greeted with smiles from the friendly residents who were seated in their wheelchairs throughout the halls. She met a women named Eleanor who matter of factly stated, "She didn't want visitors"! Gloria met Josie who offered her pretzels and some pleasant conversation. She left the facility about an hour later without ever being questioned on who she was or who she was there to see?

The next week she drove back to the Convalescent Center. A gentlemen was seated at the desk. Gloria scurried right past the sign in sheet and headed to Eleanor and Josie's rooms. Mind you, Eleanor had already stated, "She didn't want visitors!" Gloria brought Josie an Al Martino Blue Spanish Eyes CD. Josie showed her all the CD's in her collection and was thrilled to get a new one. Eleanor was a little more hospitable this time and explained she had just had cataract surgery when they first met and she was a little cranky. She explained how her collection of books were just sitting on her shelves because she couldn't read the small print. Again, Gloria managed to walk past nurses and aides without ever being questioned on who she was or why she was there.

Now it is February. She has befriended Eleanor and keeps her in a constant supply of large print books. She continually buys Josie the latest Country CD's and enjoys looking at Josie's endless supply of photographs.

But, what if it wasn't a kind soul like Gloria who had decided to enter this facility? What if it was someone with ill intent? These care stations house our most vulnerable citizens. I never thought about nursing home security. My Grandmother lived in a nursing home for years and I just assumed that she was safe. Gloria's story has opened my eyes to the fact that maybe my Grandmother wasn't safe at all.

Maybe, I'm reading too much into this, but I don't think I am. A day doesn't go by that we don't hear about random acts of violence in our communities. What about theft protection for the residents? They may not house much in their small rooms, but their personal property should be protected. The time may come when some of us may have to choose a care center for someone close to us. When discussing with the Directors your cares and concerns about your loved one, please make sure that knowing their security policy is on the top of your list.

Kimberly enjoys studying numerology, astrology, love compatibility charts and experimenting with herbal remedies. She is an advocate for more funding from the NCI for pancreatic cancer research and she has operated her own canine stylist business for the past 12 years. Her interests also include studying little known "plant foods" that induce natural weight loss and also studying a little known herb that naturally curbs the cravings for alcohol .   

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