Day 5

This entry will have to be brief, as I just got up from a 3 hour nap that was well needed.

I spent the entire day at a Nursing Home Abuse and neglect workshop which included local Ombudsmen from the surrounding area, numerous elder law attorneys, other advocates for the industry, people from Office of Inspector General (who freaked me out at first because I saw their guns since they were sitting in front of me, but couldn't see their badges...that's a whole nother story though!), and then there were even some family members and residents from nursing homes there. It was very interesting, but sad to hear what the families were saying about resident care that was happening in the area. The images we saw and cases we reviewed were horrific as well and most defintly provided an eye-opening experience for me. You hear about "situations" that occur, but when you take a look at actual incidences of abuse and neglect that has happened in long term care in just one area in the past few months it hits you more.

The seminar was over around 3:45pm and Lori (my supervisor and director of the long term care ombudsmen resource center) told me to call it a day since by the time we would get back to the office it would be nearly 5pm and close to quitting time. So I headed towards home. Stopped in Georgetown and took the bus up a few blocks to Safeway for some groceries and then took the bus home finaly. And that brings me to now, after my nap. I think I am going to go back to my bed though and sleep for the night- another long day ahead tomorrow!!

Stephanie