State inspectors across the country  are cracking down on nursing home violations.

These violations can be serious enough for some nursing homes to lose their Medicare and Medicaid funding.  

Because they can not operate without the government’s money flowing into their coffers, many are being forced to close.

Exactly what are the types of violations that can shut down a nursing home?

Why now?  Are these nursing homes suddenly unsafe, or have these problems been going on unchecked for far too long?

Or, are some nursing home inspectors taking on the roles of Little Hitlers; zealously writing more citations  only because they have the power to do so?

We’re not sure what the answers are.

However, we believe nursing homes should come under the same scrutiny as day care centers. 

Since our elderly are just as vulnerable as small children, they must be protected. 

That often means they must be feed.  I personally know of situations where residents were not given aid  in eating.  The food, which wasn’t too appetizing to begin with, was left  untouched on their trays.  

So it makes sense that some of the allegations against the homes are for  not responding to calls for water, pain pills, or help. 

Then there are the problems of residents being restrained against their will.

On the other hand, there are other allegations of residents being able to escape from the homes.  One incident on record was of a man who managed to crawl away in freezing weather.

Still, situations such as surgical stables not being removed on time can be dangerous and should not be ignored.

But as one resident’s daughter stated, " You can’t expect a nursing home to be perfect.  As long as they work with you when problems come up."

That’s true, but doesn’t  it make sense for states to be closely watching how state funds are being spent?

Tomorrow we’ll cover the dilemma the nursing home closings are causing for families.  

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