Here in the city in the last few years there has been alot of complaints,arrests, and a home closing for abuse,etc..

Approx. 9 years ago a good friend of mine was ill and ended up in a home. It was a trying expierence for him, as well as me.He was well into his 90's.Each day for 2 years I spent at least half hour daily with him,taking him snacks, a meal, etc.. It gave him joy.

While doing this over time, I got to know the staff and other patients. Quite often I heard patients screaming out, crying. They were very lonely people. And I thought that even though he had a shoe string of relatives, they would have spent more time. We all were busy,etc., but I made time.

Anyways, 1 day while going into the home, I noticed an extreme amount of men and women with radios all over the home. I was stopped and asked who I was. I identified myself and moved on. They were state officials investigating. And shortly after that the home was shutdown, and still is.(Patient abuse) I had noticed things that I didnt think were appropriate amongst the employees and did complain to my friends family as well as the employees there.

From there he was moved to another home, and then a final one. In the second to the last home, I again noticed things, conduct of employees, and mentioned it to his family and the managment.

He was in the homes for a few years and I looked out for him. A well known religious leader in our city said near the end,, your the one that keeps him alive. That touched me. Other people could have spent a little more time with him I thought. But I kept my mouth shut.

If anyone has a friend or relative confined, give them a bit of your time, it gives them hope.

My friend is gone now, he's safe. :) The little bit of time I gave each day,snacks, etc., I feel gave him a whole new day each time I was with him. And I would do it again...