No wonder family members often experience fear and trepidation when their loved ones have a need for a nursing facility stay—the one or two negative stories from the media lead the thought process rather than the thousands of positive stories that could lead the way, but which are seldom reported in the media. Yes, we know sensationalism “sells” but we don’t have to like it and we don’t have to support it. In response to the most recent negative story on alleged abuse, we sent a letter to the editor to the Minneapolis newspaper in the hopes that there would be at least an acknowledgement of the bias. Here is an excerpt:

“Recently, there has been a lot of attention given on older adult abuse occurring in some Minnesota care centers. … However, the recent media focus on these incidents may have given some families and the public a skewed view of the expert and compassionate, even loving, care that is delivered daily by thousands of caregivers throughout our state. Every day, care centers serve the needs of approximately 32,000 Minnesota seniors. The dedicated caregivers in these settings provide assistance to your mom or dad, your husband or wife, your friend or neighbor.

 

These caregivers assist with your loved one’s grooming, walking, eating, and their medications. They take the time to hear about family members, find that favorite sweater, or listen attentively to a story that they’ve been told so many times before. These are the people who not only take your mom to get her hair done; they tell her how pretty she looks afterwards. They wheel your neighbor to physical therapy and nod knowingly when he/she grouses about the needed rehab. They punch out at the end of their shift and go back to your grandmother’s room to share a few minutes of quiet conversation that the hectic workday just didn’t allow. Their pay is not great; their benefits are basic, but they are there 24/7 to do the special work of caring for Minnesota’s elderly. They do a wonderful job. We encourage you to remember the thousands of caregivers in Minnesota who don’t make headlines – they deserve our thanks and recognition.’

Since sending in that article, I had the pleasure of participating in a few events that even further highlighted the fabulous caregivers in Minnesota: A special event at an assisted living facility celebrating National Assisted Living Week and one of the several memory walks held in support of the Alzheimers’ Association. Hundreds of caregivers raised money and walked in support of a cause they deal with most every work day, yet they took time when NOT working to continue to show their support for the older adults they care for and the dignity they deserve. It was heartwarming to experience—I just wish it could have been captured by the same media that appears to have a hard time balancing the picture of older adult service delivery.