Well, we better find out who these elderly people are going to vote for before we decide if they deserve our help.......silly isn't it? but, that is exactly the atmosphere of our state right now. we care more about this stupid election than people. shameful.

Right-on, "Cherry". One other thing, however, and that is that when my dear mother was to the point of absolutely requiring hospital care back in October 1988 (she passed-on in November 1988 at EMMC), we took care of her at home. I left my position in California to go back to Maine at that time to care for her, as she would not leave Maine. It has always been the family's duty, of "old Irish" families and Filipino families (I'am Irish and my wife is native Filipina) to care for their elderly at home as long as they can, not because of financial issues, it is just because of love and the fact our parents don't really want to go to nursing homes or medical facilities. Just prior to my mother requiring acute hospital attention, I had to take management control of the situation, and placed her in the Medical Center in Bangor, under the loving attention of Dr. Hartz. We took care of "Mom" at home; fed her, gave her drinks, clothed her, bathed her, gave her attention, joked with her, got her anything she desired, and when it was time for professional care, she had to go to the hospital for her final days. "Mainelyme" also told me (without his permission to say this) that he, also, took loving care of his own mother in her final years of life. We do this naturally, as our mothers and fathers gave us life, and then, so much, much more out of their lives. We owe them...and we owe them much more in return. It's our duty. Although some families put their parent in a nursing home for obvious reasons due to employment and care/attention issues, I can see the reasons become valid. However, it is too bad that with all these facilities in Maine, someone did not scream so loud that that scream could be heard in Augusta, Maine, to bring attention, before it became this problematic as the article stated, that now an emergency crisis is here. Did not their relatives come to see them on a frequent basis to see how they ar doing? They could have been the ones to see these problems for themselves. Who in hell is running the State of Maine, anyway?

If you had a family member in any of these nursing homes you should be ashamed of your self not noticing their weight loss.How sad you selfish people

are!!!!!

Some people may be selfish but some may not have the ability to care for a loved one. If you have a mother and father who are unable to care for themselves, it would take a superhuman to give care 24 x 7. My folks were placed in a nursing home for their own safety because my sister couldn't care for them 24 hours a day. However, she did visit them every day to see that they were well taken care of. Please don't judge others too harshly. If you haven't walked in their shoes, you have no idea.

Hmmmmm, in light of this action by our government leaders, I wonder which direction this state is heading in?

so·cial·ism

1. a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of

the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole.

2. procedure or practice in accordance with this theory.

3. (in Marxist theory) the stage following capitalism in the transition of a society to communism,

characterized by the imperfect implementation of collectivist principles.

Source: Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)

com·mu·nism

1. a theory or system of social organization based on the holding of all property in common, actual

ownership being ascribed to the community as a whole or to the state.

2. (often initial capital letter) a system of social organization in which all economic and social

activity is controlled by a totalitarian state dominated by a single and self-perpetuating political

party.

3. (initial capital letter) the principles and practices of the Communist party.

4. communalism.

Source: Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)

cap·i·tal·ism

an economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and

exchange of wealth is made and maintained chiefly by private individuals or corporations, esp. as

contrasted to cooperatively or state-owned means of wealth.

Source: Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)

Any thoughts from this readership? It's time for people to stop drinking that funky kool-aid which is floating around.

Big surprise here; just another fly by night LLC free from the concerns of liability.

johninphilippines:Dr Eric Hartz is indeed a wonderful physician, caring, compassinate, a great oncologist. I work with him and his fellow physicians in the practice. I may have met you and your Mom as I have worked there a very long time. Dr Hartz is currently working only part-time in clinical practice as he is also medical executive of CPOE, a computerized physician order entry program thoughout the EMH systems.

I have worked at Penobscot Nursing Home back when Mr Dennison owned it...I have two sister that work there now....And believe me when tell you if it was'nt for the staff... this place would be so much worse off....but you see that there's a problem on the other side....the state of Maine hasn't been paying their bill of reimbersment...Nursing home and hospitals all over the state are having this problem....In this case the state is the root of the problem all the way around....I don't think Eagle Landing is the true villian in this....and Think if you dig deeper you'll find I'm right

I am not sure if the status of Penobscot Nursing home has changed since I woked there some years ago, but at the time it was a "for profit" institution. As with most other health care providers in this country, for profit means for greed. I would be willing to bet that the CEO and board of the facilities did not miss any paychecks. When I worked there, the facility was little more than a warehouse for the forgotten and as stated here previously, if not for the caring staff, it would have been much worse.

During my time in Maine I also had the chance to work at a "not for profit" facility and the difference between the two was like night and day, almost literally. While Penobscot was either dim or lit by harsh flouescents, the other was full of natural light and decorated with flowers and had pets in residence. One was fully staffed while the other steadily increased the patient to care giver ratio to cut back on costs. And on one occasion when I had made a notation in my daily report to reflect this situation I was reprimanded and told to change my report.

Families must be vigilent. Go tho the facilities unannounced. Visit with residents other than your own loved one. Talk to the staff, not management, but those in the trenches. And look for information on the facility that you may have to choose should the time come that you are overwhelmed. A good place to start is:

http://www.memberofthefamily.net/il.htm

I hope that at some point, we as families will be able to receive the financial support we need to care for our Seniors thoughtfully and lovingly at home. Until that day, we must be vigilant and strong enough to stand up to those who would put profit ahead of tender, loving care.

Eagle Landing couldn't provide the care these folks needed for $141.21 per day!? Do you support these people or their families could have paid for the long term services and supports they needed in their own homes for over $51, 000 per year?

A recent study by AARP found that Medicaid dollars can support nearly three older people and adults with physical disabilities in home and community-based services (HCBS) for every person in a nursing home, yet 75% of Medicaid long term care spending goes to institutions.

The Community Choice Act or CCA (HR 1621 & S 799) would require states to give folks on Medicaid a choice of getting HCBS or living in an institution like those operated by Eagle Landing. So far, Rep. Thomas Allen is the only member of the Maine Congressional delegation to sign on as a co-sponsor of CCA.

If you think folks should have the choice to get the long term care they need in their own homes at 1/3 the cost of institutional care tell Senators Snowe and Collins and your US Congressperson to support CCA by contacting them at: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/officials/.

They State of maine needs to file charges against this copmany and take over completly these places and make sure that the people are feed and kept warm!!!

Thanks Govt2Big for comparing apples and oranges; typical of uneducated conservatives which I am sure will embrace your comment. You do a fine job at comparing systems of government with a system of economics. Where is your definition of democracy? If you remember correctly, that is our system of government where we all get to vote on how things are run in our government. Capitalism is the economic system we use. And the two or not mutually inclusive or exclusive. Remember this on your next trip to Wal-Mart when you need some cheap Chinese crap that China is a communist government which uses a capitalist economy. Or France which is a socialist government which also uses a capitalist economy.

So these nursing homes are in financial difficulty, at least in part, because the state of Maine owes them money and now the state is going to take them over? Something isn't wrong with this picture?

Many years ago, I worked at a Nursing home in Ellsworth. I got an education on Nursing Homes that frighten me to this day. The facility was understaffed and the nurses and aids could only do their very best. It was so upsetting. I complained to the head nurse about patients being left unattended to. Laying in wet beds,covered in human waste. Food would be brought to the patients, only to sit there cold. Not enough staff to see to all the patients. She told me to " Shut up about it." I then complained to her again and told her something had to be done. She said "OH, don't worry I'll do something about it" The next day I went in for work and she told me to leave. They no longer wanted my services. I called and complained to the State and they told me, this is a private business and they had no authority ! So from then on I told as many people as I could to keep their loved ones out of that facility.

In later years an dear old friend of mine was placed in this same facility and seemed to be well cared for. I believe one of the reasons for this was, three of us showed up every day. Sometimes late in the evening. None of us went at the same time every time we went. Sometimes we went early in the morning, later in the day and at night. They never knew when we would show up. I think that helps and that way they always have to be on their toes. If we had concerns we went right away and asked questions. If you have a loved one in a care facility you have to show up. Every day and find others to do the same. We ultimately are the ones to keep our loved ones safe and cared for.

My mother has had Alzheimer's Disease for 10+ years and for her safety, I had to place her in a nursing home four years ago. It was the hardest decision of my life. I cannot believe family member's of the patient's in the nursing homes listed in the article did not do anything to bring this horrific situation to light sooner. You MUST absolutely be an advocate for your loved one when they are in a nursing home. I visit my mom multiple times a week and call her at least 2-3 times a week. Even though s he does not always remember, her joys are her joys and she loves the company. I am my mom's medical advocate as well as her well-being. If I notice anything I do not think is being handled correctly with my mom's care, I contact the Director and make my concerns known. I get a swift resolution to the issue and the staff knows me well. I see so many patients in my mom's unit who seldom get visitors if at all. They are forgotten and confined to a system which, unfortunately, does not always look after their well being. If you take anything from this article, please go visit your mom, your dad, uncle, aunt, cousin, friend, etc. Be an advocate for your loved one's care. You will be surprised how good it feels. I may not have liked the choice I had to make for my mom, but I make sure she is well cared for, visited and all of her needs are met. Shame on anyone who does not do the same. There is no room for selfishness.

I too have worked for a non-profit nursing home .....trouble with the home care question is not all have family that can or will take care of them....3 of my 4 grandparents were resident at Penobscot...both my grammie's loved it because they could always find someone to talk to....not all is evil with nursing homes....and in this case the state has not been paying their 's this company couldn't pay their bills because of it

Iv'e been in at least one of these facilities several years ago and I was appalled at the condition. It should be closed down.

Whoops! I guess I need to retract my previous comment, as it appears, after reading the article more carefully, that Eagle Landing owes the state because of MaineCare overpayment. Sorry. Still sounds like our MaineCare accounting system needs some attention, though.

MurielM I don't need that walk in their shoes crap.I have worked in nursing homes and almost everyone has an excuse.People just are not that caring compassionate or concerned.I myself have no problem sleeping at night.I know right from wrong. I need no excuses, I get involved try it.

My mother in law was in an Ellsworth facility and I was consistently appauled with the lack of care which was given there. These nursing homes are receiving many thousands of dollars per month to care for one individual who can no longer care for themselves. Loss of jewelry, clothing, and regular neglect were constant experiences we had while my mother in law was there. We searched for other homes, but found and heard many of the same things were happening in those places as well. Out of frustration, we gave up on placing her in another home, and the toll it placed upon us emotionally and physically was enormous. We witnessed not only my mother in law, but many other elderly people walking around or laying in their own urine and feces for literally hours at a time, something I found completely unacceptable.

I always knew when they were having an inspection, because things were much more organized and there was more staff on hand to help out. I learned that they were given notice of upcoming inspections and prepared for them accordingly. The laws should be changed, and these nursing homes should be inspected regularly and without notice to insure that things are being taken care of at all times.

Yes, the state has a severe problem with their multi-million dollar computer system that has never worked which did put a lot of doctors, hospitals and nursing homes in a bind and it did eventually overpay many of them. However, that has not stopped the people who own these facilities from going on lavish vacations and cruises nor has it prevented them from having several homes to go to during the various seasons, and I'm sure they never go without heat or food!!

Another state/government problem that needs serious attention. We the people who elect our officials need to DEMAND changes, otherwise all we will get is more of the same. This state, this country, is hurting because we have inept people running it... taking our money and doing with it as they please, and we continue to allow them to do it.

Complaining doesn't help the situation, doing something about it, does!!

I must say that these comments are interesting. I worked as a traveler in long term care for many years and I also worked full time in a couple of different facilities. I think the undereducated on this subject should know that this is an epidemic of pandemic proportions.

For those that don’t totally understand, let me enlighten you for a moment. In most of these facilities the administration is in full control of the care of these individuals. On average there may be one CNA/LNA caring for an entire wing of residents on their own at night with the assistance of a RN or LPN. There may be the chance that the aid will get help during the day depending on whether the facility feels that it is financially feasible. That means, that one person may be caring for 2 or 20 people on their own. There are no CNA/LNA to patient ratios in this state. So with this in mind, how long does it take you on your own to get up in the morning? How long do you think it should take for a person to get ready for bed? To eat? To go to the bathroom? To get dressed? I would like for you to stop and think about how long it should take to go into a residents room, help them with bathing, getting dressed, or eating. Do you think it takes 5 minutes, maybe ten, or even 15 minutes per resident? Maybe you think it should take a lot longer than that. I certainly do. If I was given an assignment of 6 people in the morning, I would have to literally run in order to make sure that they were given enough assistance during what little time I was given. I want you to think about that number 6 because that is the magic number in my mind of what staffing should be like. If my day started at 7am , I wouldn’t be done with my morning care until 8:30 if I gave each the amount of time that I wanted. That would only be 15 min a piece. Then the aid would have to start in on setting up breakfast and assisting with feeding these people. Do you think that this is enough time? If you are unsure, spend a moment looking at your own routine. By the way on average a CNA will have an assignment of 10-12 people in the lang term care facilities in the state of Maine. This is due to administration’s financially responsible activities of staffing. Just keep in mind also that it is the responsibility of that caretaker to report any wrong doing.

Now I want you to think about the RN in charge of the CNA’s and residents. When that person goes through school and then passes their boards, they are very well aware of the lines drawn by the government on right and wrong. The RN, in short, is responsible for the activities that transpire in the facility. They are the ones responsible for advocating for that person in their time of need. If these people were neglected to the point of starvation and neglected in any way, why didn’t the RN say something. They may say that they did and nothing changed, or that they were afraid of losing their job, but that is a cowards excuse in this field of care. If they received no response from management, then they should have reported these facilities to the state on their own. The RN is what I consider the keeper of knowledge and the patient advocate all in one. If they knew then they should speak. They should say something loud enough so that the state and family become involved to stop this kind of grotesque consequence. If the RN doesn’t then we go back to management doing their job of terminating that person and finding an individual who will do the job properly.

Again I am back to administration and management. I see them as being responsible for everything that happens to these people. They are ultimately responsible for all care that is given and how it is given. If a facility has 50 residents (some more some less but lets use a general number) and each resident pays, lets say, 145.00 a day, then that is $7250.00 a day the facility takes in. That comes to $50,750.00 a week. When the average nursing home administrator has a pay check of 80-100 thousand a year , I think there is money in that facility.Ok, so you can do the math. A facility that is not corrupted by mismanagement or greed runs very well. I know, I’ve seen them. On the other hand, when those in charge are never there, or they are there and don’t know how to run this type of business, then you see the consequences in the care of our elderly society.

Do I think that the state should step in? Absolutely. Do I think that this is enough? Defiantly not! I would like to see all of the long term care facilities evaluated in this state. The state should also take a long hard look at staffing ratios, reporting procedures and most importantly response time to complaints when they are made. Then maybe we will de a decline in this kind of abuse.

For those of you that think this is a socialist or political attempt for votes, all I have to say is go work in one of these facilities for 7 days, then come back and talk when you know what you are talking about. For the CNA that thinks that family members must be there in order to care, don’t forget that you are getting paid to care for those people yourself and stop placing blame.

My heart goes out to all of the residents and family members that had to tolerate this type of neglect. I for one make my voice heard when I see a wrong, I just hope that others will follow.

To everyone that reads this article, just remember that sometimes all it takes is one person to start a change, but they need the help of others to make it happen.

I work for one of these facilities and the residents have never gone without food or heat or telephone also elderly people tend to lose weight that does not mean they are not being fed.

The state needs to pay their bills also