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| WHERE TO GO-WHAT I THINK YOU WILL FIND! |
  UPDATESPLEASE PEOPLE FROM SD, IF YOU OBSERVE AN ACT OF PHYSICAL ABUSE IN A NURSING HOME IMMEDIATELY CALL THE POLICE, FILE A REPORT. DO THIS FIRST. SLAPPING OR HITTING AN ELDERLY PERSON IS NO DIFFERNT THAN AN AIDE IN SHCOOL HITTING A YOUNG STUDENT. IT IS ABUSE AND IT IS AGAINST THE LAW. THIS IS A LEGAL ISSUE AND SHOULD NOT BE HANDLED SOLELY BY THE NURSING HOME. THE POLICE SHOULD BE CALLED TO DO A PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATION. THAT WAY PEOPLE CAN GIVE REPORTS WITHOUT FEAR OF LOSING THEIR JOBS OR INTIMIDATION. LOCAL POLICE SHOULD SEEK PROFESSIONAL TRAINING ON HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS TYPE OF ABUSE. THIS IS A CRIMINAL ACT. IT NEEDS TO BE HANDLED NO DIFFERENTLY THAN ANY OTHER ACT OF VIOLENCE. IF A PERSON IS ILL-TREATED, ABUSED OR NEGLECTED IN A NUSING HOME, THE NURSING HOME RISKS THE CHANCE OF BEING SUED. IT SEEMS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST TO HAVE THEM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INVESTIGATION. THIS SEEMS A FLAGRANT CONFLICT OF INTEREST. FURTHER MORE, IF ANYONE TELLS YOU THAT THEY QUESTIONED THE ACCUSED ABUSER AND FEEL THEY ARE INNOCEDNT BECAUSE THEY DID NOT APPEAR TO HAVE A LUMP IN THEIR THROAT.... KNOW YOU ARE DEALING WITH WHAT APPEARS TO BE A REAL CON ARTIST. PLEASE STOP BEING AFRAID TO REPORT ABUSE IN THIS STATE. GRANTED IT TAKES A LOT OF COURAGE BUT IT IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE UNTIL SOMEONE STARTS DOING WHAT IT TAKES. REPORT IT TO THE POLICE...PLLLLLEEEEAAASE!  'Bed tax' divides nursing homes By Dave Ranney Wednesday, December 12, 2001 THE LAWRENCE JOURNAL WORLD(after a few days, you might have to access this article through their archives) "Opponents call it the "grandmother tax" because, they say, frail, elderly women are the ones who would pay it." (This isn't exactly SD information but if there is a way to exploit the elderly it seems some SD nursing homes will find it, of course, that is my opinion)  Federal edict seeks home care for many disabledWhite House orders states to comply with Supreme Court ruling FROM SPOKANE.NET Robert Pear - New York Times Baby Boomers -- An AlertAbout Medicaid and Your Parents! Senior Living Have I got a deal for you! America's elderly are No. 1 targets for swindlers and scam operations By Staff Writer Jeanne Sahadi February 14, 2000: 8:45 a.m. ET Bill would require more training for adult-caregiversCommittee chairwoman confident training measure will pass Do Existing Laws Adequately Protect The Estates of Infirmed Seniors vs Fraud, Duress & Undue Influence? Corruption in Probate CourtGino DiVito A FEW ADDRESSES AND INFORMATIONand A Few Personal "Opinions of a Dutiful Daughter" Remember that South Dakota ranks high in the nation for persons over 65 under the poverty level. ADMINISTRATION ON AGING1996 State Performance Reports Profile of State OAA Programs: South Dakota Persons 60+ Below Poverty 17,806(Number) 40(Rank) http://www.aoa.dhhs.gov/napis/1996/SPR-reports/Profiles/SD.htm Rememberthat the long-term care business is BIG business in South Dakota! WOMEN IN SOUTH DAKOTAINSTITUE FOR WOMEN'S POLICY RESEARCHRemember that the nursing home industry contributes heavily to political campaigns OPEN SECRETSSOUTH DAKOTATHE CENTER FOR PUBLIC INTEGRITY "South Dakota ranked 40th in the nation for making basic information on state legislators' private income, assets, and conflicts of interest available to the public." Remember that Nursing Homes know what to do to discredit THOSE OF US seeing problems. SEE ADVOCACY ALERTREAD THISReform of Nursing Home Care in the Commonwealth of Virginia~ A Call to Arms for NH Improved Care and Greater Accountability by Larry W. Bryant Remember that nursing homes are historically understaffed. Remember that others have tried to bring attention to the problems that exist and have had little or no success. Remember that there are few and/or inadequate laws to protect the elderly. SEE EXCELLENT ARTICLE PRIVATE PAY PERSONS CAN BE EXPLOITED In a state that is rated "HIGH" in elderly over 65 years under poverty level, how vulnerable to "harvesting of resources" are the private pay nursing home resident?" DAILY PRESS.COM Del. Hamilton wants to raise Medicaid reimbursement rates By Amy Gardner Daily Press (JANUARY 1, 2000) Article will be on-line for two weeks then can be accessed for a cost. "The low nursing-home Medicaid reimbursement rates in Virginia are affecting the quality of care in Virginia's nursing homes. Besides quality of care, private-pay nursing home residents are forced to significantly subsidize the cost of nursing-home care in Virginia. Our senior citizens who reside in nursing homes deserve better. It is my belief and hope that the General Assembly and Gov. Gilmore will make a significant investment in the quality of care for these vulnerable Virginia residents." http://dailypress.com/news/stories/1691sy0.htm After two weeks access here for a fee: http://dailypress.com/index.htm Remember that there are many in different communities who are afraid to say anything for fear that their parents will be kicked out of the nursing home or the facility and because they reported concer\rns they will be unable to find a different care facility. ("Saving Grace" has also talked with family who fear that their elderly loved one will feel the effects of retaliation and others have reported that they felt a pattern of retaliation when they have reported issues of concern. If this is your experience, please contact "Saving Grace") E-Mail gracechild3@hotmail.com Remember that if you do make any complaints you may be discredited and minimized. Nursing homes are professionals at knowing how to do this. Remember that the very rural nature of the state CAN BE PART OF THE PROBLEM http://www.nrharural.org/pagefile/news.html#anchor192418 Remember that family has little empowerment and few avenues or recourse for input into the system. Some family members have described South Dakota as "anti-family". RESOURCES TO AID THE ELDERLYAND THEIR FAMILIES SEEM TO BE LIMITED  SOLUTIONSVIRTUAL VISITATION WITH GRANNY CAMS SEE APE ASSOCIATION FOR PROTECTION OF THE ELDERLYADVOCACY AND INFORMATION NETWORK FOR NURSING HOME RESIDENTS Great Article Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL), December 30, 1999, 1221 words, NURSING HOME LAWSUITS ON THE RISE; FLORIDA RATE TOPS FIGURES NATIONWIDE, STUDY FINDS "The billboard and newspaper ads from lawyers offering to sue Florida nursing homes must be working." (To Read This Article Scroll to "Archived Articles" Archived Articles Cost $1.95 to order. This article well-worth the expense) www.sun-sentinel.com/ Please contact "Saving Grace" if you are aware of resources that might be helpful to include on this page. gracechild3@hotmail.com ^0 Busy Office! Be Persistent! Document! Document! Document! We have had sevral reports saying that they found it very difficult to reach the ombudman and that they often did not har from the office for a very long time. Several reports indicated to us that they wee quite dishearte4ned with the ombudsman office...however...give it a try.... OMBUDSMANFor South Dakota: Jeff AskewState Long-Term Care Ombudsman OFFICE OF ADULT SVCS & AGING 700 Governors Drive Pierre, SD 57501-2291 (605) 773-3656 FAX: (605) 773-6834 SEE THE ASSOCIATION TO PROTECT THE ELDERLY SITE ON INFORMATION ON HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT APE COMPLAINT INFORMATIONo OTHER RESOURCESSouth Dakota State Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners 1-605-334-8343 Fax-615-532-0270 AOA SOUTH DAKOTAHealth Care and Medicinein South Dakota  June 7, 1999, Vol. 2, Issue 23 InSIDE PresidentsPAGE $151 Million in Medicare Cuts Are a Big DealHowever waste,fraud and abuse is rampant See and support and advocate this article's advocacy information. GOVERNMENT FRAUD, WASTE AND ABUSE\What Can We Do "Demand accountability in government. Demand real whistleblower protection. Encourage news media stings. Remind politicians who they work for. Support politicians who will fight to eliminate FW&A." THE ONLY REQUIREMENT FOR EVIL TO TRIUMPH IS FOR GOOD MEN AND WOMEN TO DO NOTHING WASHINGTON POST Medicaid Rates Hurt Va. Elderly, Audit Says By Craig Timberg Washington Post Staff Writer Tuesday, December 14, 1999; Page A19 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPlate/1999-12/14/055l-121499-idx.html However so does Medicare fraud by nursing homes who rob the people of America by improperly billing Medicare. Note Ila Swan's article on white collar corporate crime n America (Submitted by Candi Botner) ALSO See Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL), December 30, 1999, 1221 words, NURSING HOME LAWSUITS ON THE RISE; FLORIDA RATE TOPS FIGURES NATIONWIDE, STUDY FINDS (To Read This Article Scroll to "Archived Articles" Archived Articles Cost $1.95 to order. This article well-worth the expense) www.sun-sentinel.com/ This article also notes that "the trend of expensive nursing home mergers that load companies with debt" are as much to blame as "cuts in federal payments." In addition this article states that: "Lawyers and residents' advocates say the number of suits is up because the industry let quality drop by shrinking staff and cutting costs to boost sagging profit margins. Lax regulation also is partly to blame, they say." (THUS, CUTS IN FEDERAL PAYMENTS ONLY A PART OF THE PROBLEM OR PERHAPS AN EXCUSE! uSD BAR ASSOCIATIONAmerican Bar AssociationCommission on the Legal Problems of the Elderly BIFOCAL Fall 1998 Right To Counsel in Guardianship Proceedings: Where Do We Stand? Elizabeth R. Calhoun AMERICAN LAW SOURCES ON-LINESOUTH DAKOTA LEGAL ISSUES ALZwell Legal Articles, Documents & LinksFor Caregivers and anyone who's aging , DUPAGE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATIONLEGAL POINTS DuPage County Illinois List of questions/answers intended to help the public understand basic issues in Elder Law UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORKAT BUFFALO Ethics Committee Core Curriculum Guidelines for Performing Ethics Consultations (Search archives for "Guidelines for Performing Ethics Consultation") Site includes a wealth of information on surrogate decision-making(New York-specific but worth reading) SITES FOR RESEARCHGAURDIANSHIP IN SOUTH DAKOTAhttp://www.spokane.net/news-story.asp?date=040600&ID=s788515&cat=section.senior_citizens GUIDESTARTHE DONOR'S GUIDE TO THE CHARITABLE UNIVERSE SEARCH GUIDESTAR FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS(For example-SOUTH DAKOTA GUARDIANSHIP PROGRAM) PROFESSIONAL GUARDIANS SHOULD BEREQUIRED TO POST A BOND AND MAKE ANNUAL REPORTS. THE ESTATES OF THE ELDERLY IN THEIR CARE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR ENFORCING THIS REQUIREMENT. IF PROFESSIONAL GUARDIANS DO NOT MEET THEIR LEGAL REQUIREMENTS THEY SHOULD LOSE THEIR BOND. THIS WOULD PROTECT THE "WARDS" FROM HAVING TO FINANCE THE MISTAKES AND ABUSES OF THESE GUARDIANSHIP PROGRAMS. CLEAR BILLING STATEMENTS SHOULD BE REQUIRED NOT GENERALIZED BILLING STATEMENTS WHEN "WARDS" MUST PAY TRAVEL TIME TO AND FROM THE 'WARDS' LIVING ENVIRONMENT AT SIXTY DOLLARS AN HOUR, WHICH COULD MEAN THAT EACH VISIT TO A WARD COSTS THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS OR MORE, THAT "WARD", THE FAMILY AND THE ESTATE DESERVE SPECIFIC AND DETAILED BILLING TO SEPARATE COSTS OF ACTUAL TIME WITH THE "WARD" FROM OTHER COSTS. WITHOUT SUCH DETAILED BILLING THE ESTATES OF THE ELDERLY AWARD ARE IN A SERIOUSLY FRAGILE POSITION OF BEING OVERBILLED, DOUBLE-BILLED, AND ABUSIVELY-BILLED. THIS POSSIBLE FRAUD TO THE ELDERLY SEEMS TO BE OF LITTLE CONSIDERATION IN THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA. BILLING PRACTICES THAT ARE CONSIDERED HIGHLY INAPPROPRIATE ELSEWHERE ARE ACCEPTED WITH NO QUESTIONS WHATSOEVER IN THIS STATE. NO ELDERLY PERSON NO MATTER WHAT THEIR WORTH SHOULD HAVE TO PAY THREE HUNDRED TO FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR REGULAR GUARDIANSHIP VISITS AND FOR TRIPS TO THE DOCTOR......... PLUS HAVING TO PAY HIGHER PRICES EVERYWHERE ELSE AS THEY MUST COVER FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT PAY. FOR EXAMPLE AT THE NURSING HOME. OF COURSE, IN ADDITION TO THIS COST IS THE SOARING COSTS OF MEDICAL CARE AND MEDICATIONS. The great "American Work Ethic" to work hard and save your money for your elderly years really SEEMS TO MEAN "not only save for yourself but save for all those who didn't." This is an area of exploitation to the financial resources of our elderly that needs much growth in awareness and some serious protections in place by the law-makers and the public. If this practice continues, then to be less discriminatory to just the elderly who have greater funds, then I would propose that those in our society, such as lawyers, doctors, corporate Chairpersons of nursing homes who make more money per hour than the rest of us should also pay greater fees for medical care, child care, college tuition for their children, food, insurance, movies, beer.........! Because of these practices, the elderly are expected to pay more for services to finance others then running our of personal funds themselves and dying in poverty. Something is seriously wrong with this picture. Please see the recommendations of the Michigan Task Force Guardianship Task Force ReportWAKE UP SOUTH DAKOTA!!!!!!! COMMON CAUSESTATE LEGISLATIVE LOOK-UP(From Common Cause) Let the elected officials in your state hear from you! Search for your State Representative or State Senators by State, Name or Zip Code. You will find addresses, phone numbers and fax numbers as well as e-mail links for those officials who have e-mail addresses. TEN THINGS YOU CAN DO THE CENTER FOR PUBLIC INTEGRITYNURSING HOME INDUSTRY"BIG BUSINESS" SENIOR CARE RESOURCESNursing Home Reporter Medical Care Lawby Edward P. Richards, J.D., M.P.H., and Katharine C. Rathbun, M.D., M.P.H., Aspen Publishers, Inc., 1999. RESTRAINTSPolicy & Procedure--Restraint-Free Environment In the Nursing Home Courtesy of Schofield Residence, Kenmore, NY (Posted 6/16/96) Robert S. Stall, M.D., Medical Director http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~drstall/restrain.html NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH ASSOCIATIONKELN EXCELLENT!ABUSE IN AN INSTITUTIONAL SETTING LONG TERM HEALTH CARE CONCERNS This site was created to inform those concerned about long-term healthcare policy at the state and national level. Included you will find information regarding one state bill that has been passed, but not enacted, and one federal bill that needs your support to pass. Also, there are links to related sites on the Web that might be of interest. World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Policy and Communications in Cancer Care "The purpose of this website is to facilitate public access to information about pain relief and public policy, including material published by the PPSG, its WHO Collaborating Center, and other authoritative sources. For example, you can access information about assisted suicide (includes links to the 1997 Supreme Court decisions), state chronic pain treatment laws, state medical board policy, Model Guidelines for Use of Controlled Substances for the Treatment of Pain, and international policy, with consumption trends of opioids, including morphine." FALLSNURSING HOMES MAY BE LIABLE FOR FALLSBefore the Fall New research shows that many nursing-home accidents could be prevented By Randy Stearns ABCNEWS.com NUTRITION HCFA Nutrition Care Of the Older AdultMALNUTRITION In The NewsPAIN MANAGEMENTOne Quarter Of Elderly With Cancer Given No Pain Medication "Daily pain among elderly nursing home residents with cancer is widespread and often untreated, especially among older and minority patients, according to a new five-state study." RESTRAINTSMake the Right Choice" Division Brochures (Colorado) TUBE FEEDINGSALZHEIMER.COMTube Feedings Do Not Benefit Dementia Patients Geriatric Nursing OnlineMarch/April 1999 • Volume 20 • Number 2 Dysphagia Among Nursing Home Residents Jeanie Kayser-Jones, RN, PhD, FAAN Kathryn Pengilly, MA Exposing Family Law CorruptionDedicated to Exposing Illegal a nd Immoral Practices in The Courts CITIZENS AGAINST LAWSUIT ABUSEIT’S TIME FOR CITIZEN ACTION! "75 to 90 percent of American trial lawyers are incompetent, dishonest - or both." the late Warren Burger, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (Quoted by the Constitution Society: E-Mail - dcg3@ix.netcom.com) The United Citizens For Legal Reform~http://www.atps.com/uclr/uclr50.htm, THE LEGAL FUND FOR JUDCIAL |
| A DAUGHTER'S OPINION |
| A DAUGHTER'S OPINION! I was born in South Dakota, God help me that I never have to be amongst the "old-old" or die there. After entering the system almost three years ago to help my elderly and rapidly weakening parents, I have painfully and grieviously come to realize that South Dakota is not the wonderful "Home" of all good things that I had once believed. How I once loved and was loyal to the land of my birth. These words I write are only my opinion based on my personal experience and thousands of hours of research and lots of introspective contemplating. Others, I am sure have had different experiences but for me, this state has become, TRULY, the "Twilight Zone." The following is MY story. This Website and my involvement in other efforts of "Saving Grace" are a result of my experience in South Dakota and my sincere desire to help others so that they will never have to go through what my parents or my family and myself have went through. My experience has made me a firm advocate for the rights of the elderly and my mother"s as well as my own experience with the Dorsett Home in Spearfish, South Dakota, has motivated me to work with national advocates on issues of nursing homes, Alzheimer's, and elderly abuse and neglect. Not to mention supporting advocates for reform in guardianship laws and models of guardianship, be they public or private. Not to say, there has not been some excellent experiences. June Rude, now in Martin South Dakota was wonderful to my parents as was the owners and staff at Serenity Corners in Spearfish, South Dakota. Good Care and Good People! South Dakota does have some of the most excellent care anyone could find ANYWHERE but that is not across the board I would say, from my experience, AND IN MY OPINION. Sadly, families have little empowerment. In fact, the mere fact of having concerns serves only to involve you in a "Twilight Zone" experience whereby, one only has to show up to visit and the "script " of how you "acted" has already been written. It is a feeble, transparent but effective technique to keep family with concerns quiet, or so it seems. By the time, SOME these facilities are finished with you, they will have the entire state feeling sorry for them because family complained about their abuse and neglect. "They work so hard", you know. (This of course is my opinion, but many others have stated that they have felt the same.) What is more important is not the maintainance of family relationships but the maintainance that South Dakota has "excellent" care, OR SO IT SEEMS, and there is no challenging that assumption even in the obvious cases. I have been appalled at what I have seen here! Some Nursing Homes still tell you to "Turn your parent over to the professionals," Which translated seems to mean, "Don't you dare question?" When asked to produce the studies to show that families should do this, they of course, cannot. Wherever, you go on nursing home sites on the Internet you as a family are encouraged to take an active part in your elderly loved one's life You are admonished to not simply drop your loved one off at the nursing home door and never worry again. Yet that is what one can be asked to do in some cases in SD. Some doctors still resent their patients and families questioning them. Some doctors spend little time talking and answering questions of family. Egotistical and dogmatic, they remain cloaked in some illusion of ancient, archaic hierarchial class structure that prohibits physicians from normal healthy discussions with their patients and their families. Yet, many truly great physicians, nurses and medical personnel reside also in South Dakota. These individuals are caring, diligent,and take the time necessary to talk with family and patients. A recent tragedy in our family whereby the medical community responded heroically and quickly has made our family more than grateful for the many miracles that the people and the professional community in South Dakota CAN be a part. Still there remains some "MAJOR GLITCHES"! Sometimes, it feels like another world, sometimes it seems like one goes back to the pre-1960's attitude of medical paternalism and ignorance, or so it has seemed so many times. Some so-called "professionals" basque in their laurels, it seems and reading is a lost art. Gossip seems to be more prevalent than grounded scientific investigation in some circles. Surely, these "pockets" of problems exist in other communities and other states. However, I have never experienced what we have experienced in South Dakota elsewhere. I have not been happy with the elder care community. I have not been happy with the laws that are in effect. I never want to be one of the "old-old" in this system. Thus, it remains difficult to find criteria that are positive as we continue the quest engage for our mother the kind of care she deserves. This quest has been far from easy! The challenge comes with a very high price of hard work and much pain and frustration. My advice to all South Dakotans, is to get your "ducks in a row" as to Advance Directives. Make them complete and specific. Leave NOTHING to interpretation. Research for yourself what needs to be done. Ask tough questions of anyone you go for advice. Choose a family or family members to handle your affairs when and/if you become cognitively-impaired. Discuss this with your family and take into consideration their input and concerns. Far too many people leave these very important aspects to chance or put these issues "on the back burner" to deal with at another time. That time never comes or it is too late! If there is a possiblity that your family may not agree, find a trusted extended family member or old friend to serve as your chosen decision-maker. One article suggest that one should find a lawyer a generation younger so he/she is still around when the time comes. Talk in depth with that person as to your wishes. Be careful not to use your will to manipulate or control your family after your death. Forgive past hurts and treat all family fairly. This will aid in avoiding family fights. Family fights can only end up hurting you as well as your loved ones. If one family member stands out as somone you would find comfort with being under their wing of protection, then make sure that there is no way anyone can take that from you, for any reason. Talk to your lawyer in depth about your fears and demand that he does what is necessary to protect you and your family. If you have substantial savings be aware of the information from the news article in Virginia and the possibility of "harvesting your resources" by others than your family. Take measures to protect yourself as long as you and your spouse are living and to protect your family, loved ones and heirs. Erik Erikson, the pyschologist describes generativity as the stage where the aging are at the point that they want to pass on their wisdom and the fruit of life's hard work. For many, especially fathers, it is important to provide for their family financially and many take great pride in giving their children some inheritance. Although, newspapers are replete with many accounts of exploitation and abuse, the studies show that most family members truly want their elderly to get the best of care and are more than willing and expect that the elderly's resources are used by the elderly as much as possible for good care. America, after all, raises some pretty good kids despite the stereotypes. Scams abound as the elderly are vulnerable and easily manipulated. Newspapers are also replete with stories of "Sweetheart scams" or stories of newly found "best friends" in caretakers who stay around long enough to push the family from the elderly's life and manipulate and influence the elderly into misguided trust. The elderly wake one day to find that their life savings have been pilfered by these so-called "best friends". Be aware that this happens more often than our society chooses to accept. PROTECT YOURSELF, YOUR SPOUSE AND YOUR FAMILY! At any time, if a caretaker or a newly found friend attempts to distant you from your family or removes them from visiting freely..... raise a RED FLAG and be careful! NEVER GIVE THEM ACCESS TO YOUR FINANCES OR CHANGE YOUR WILL WITHOUT SERIOUS DISCUSSION WITH "TRIED AND TRUE" FRIENDS AND FAMILY OR A FAMILY LAWYER. EVERYONE SHOULD ESTABLISH A LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP WITH AN ATTORNEY OR FINANCIAL ADVISOR. In addition, if you do not want to be in some sort of distant public or private guardianship who have many clients on their caseload, be sure that you write specifically that in your will. These models of guardianship are on the rise. Some are excellent. However, there seems to be no standards in this field and many instances of abuse, neglect, and exploitation are being reported throughout the country. Without a doubt, they are hardly ever better than a loving family member as your trusted decison-maker. Until there are more standards and research available, as well as stringent laws to govern these organizations, it would be wise to protect yourself by specifically writing in your will a hierarchy of guardians of family, extended family. LEAVE NOTHING TO CHANCE PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY!!! |
| DEDICATION TO MY PARENTS |
This Website is Dedicated to my parents, Grace Blare and my father, Doc Blare, who passed away, at the age of 89 years, on Easter in 1998. I promised my father on his death bed that I would take care of my mother and not let anyone hurt her. That is what I have tried to do and intend to keep on doing, despite the politics that get in the way. And the real difficulty that, it seems South Dakota puts in your path. My personal experience with the state of South Dakota has been deeply painful. How my mother would describe her experience here if she could, is beyond words. I know she is terribly unhappy and it is not all simply the "normal". There are real problems here. REAL PROBLEMS! Despite so many set-back s some of us still work to bring attention to help my mother and others. The "Grace" in the campaign sloganfor the Gray Ribbon Campaign, "Graying With Grace, A Ribbon Runs Through It" honors my mother and all the others who have not, or families have felt, have not had the treatment they deserved in their elderly years. AFTER ALL..... LOVE IS A VERY STRONG BOND! Linda Blare THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF EXCELLENT SITES FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO RESEARCH ISSUES FURTHER Ethics Bibliography Revised 15 September 1999 AGING AND ETHICAL ISSUES http://www.uvm.edu/~scutler/ethics.html#hctt |
| COLOR THIS WORLD |
| COLORS The colors I have chosen for this web page on the site of "Saving Grace" were chosen for a reason. The black for the despair, the hopelessness, the defeat I have felt in trying to help my parents, especially my mother, get the quality of care I feel she deserves in the state of South Dakota. The gray is for the Ribbon of Goodness that runs through the bleakness of what I have seen happen to my mother. The gray stands for the love she has for us, her family, and the hope and strength that her love gives me. The "gray" also symbolizes for me, my mother's tears and sadness at her situation. The "gray" provides the motivation to continue despite the negations and the "ignoring" that exists it seems everywhere one goes for help. The "gray" also represents the hope and support I have gotten from my family, the few good people around South Dakota, and the many throughout the world, especially my long-time friends and new friends I have met on the Internet, in my quest to get the kind of care I so want my mother to have and that she deserves. Please see the Thank You Web Page that is in progress to thank those who have chosen to be kind and supportive and helpful not only to my mother but to my sisters, myself and our families. There are all too few quality people like this in this world. The slash will go when things change and hopefully the colors w ill change to reflect "the rainbow" that all our elderly should live and not in the neglect, the abuse and the exploitation that many do, even in good old South Dakota! The page is gloomy. The situation and prognosis for care in the near future of the aging in America is gloomy. (Please see the Nursing Home 2000 Page...the stories are simply too numerous and paint a nonetheless heartless, dark and gloomy situation. Our elderly deserve more. The purpose of this website is to provide as much information, education, support and advocacy as it can to change the outlook for our Nation and World's elderly citizens. Of all things, WE MUST HONOR OUR ELDERLY! |
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