The Villages still needs work to improve care for residents in nursing home

Editor:

The recent article in the Orleans Hub about The Villages may sound like everything is better at the nursing home in Albion. I do not think so.

I go to see my husband, who has been a resident for five years, at least 2-3 times a week – not the same days or the same times. I see that every day is different.

There are some wonderful nurses and aides that show they care for the residents and their families. Most aides are friendly.

But, to start, my complaints are about the new aides that are hired by an agency. Some have very little training. Most wear street clothes and have no name tags. I have questioned a few who they are when they come to help my husband.

If residents need help getting out of bed or to go to the bathroom, they ring for help and when an aide comes to the room the aide will say they will be right back, only after 15-20 minutes do they return.

There are only 5-6 lifts to help residents get in or out of bed in the whole building. Aides have to go looking for one in another wing. If there is a shortage of aides on weekends, some residents have to stay in bed all day. Lately residents have been told, once you are all in and the door is closed, do not ring the bell because you should have got your snacks or drinks before you went to bed. Also you should have used the toilet before you were put to bed. Most are put to bed after supper or earlier.

The dishwasher has been broken for several weeks and they are eating off paper plates with plastic forks and knives. Sometimes the food is cold.

These complaints are made every month when there is a resident complaint meeting. I have been there for most of them.

If people would come in and stay for 3-4 hours they could see and hear what I see. The state needs to inspect this home without any notice to the owners.

Christine Yaskulski-Sevor

Albion