Dear Editor,
I recently read a letter in The Advocate-Messenger from Doug Hampton, who feels that passing HB 98 says that people care more about animal welfare than human welfare. I don't know why HB 109 is stalled in the legislature, but it is a bill that needs passing.
Nursing homes are a business charged with the care and welfare of those elderly and/or disabled in ways either physical, mental or both. The key word is "business." Bottom line, a business is a for-profit institution. The very nature of the business says safeguards need to be in place to secure it functions well, i.e., there needs to be staff/ratio established. A good nursing home will welcome scrutiny, whereas one not so good might feel resentment. Lobbyists affect the passage of bills - they don't keep silent. Citizens need to speak out more and support what they believe in.
In our society, the chances are pretty good that you may one day end up in a nursing home. I hope you will call 1-800-392-7181 or 1-502-564-8100 and support HB 109. Leave your message "for all legislators." I called early.
