Dave, my deal is, I am on the board of a group called Kentuckians for Nursing Home Reform, which lobbies for changes in legislation that impact the quality of care...things like background checks for ALL employees, required reporting of deaths to the coroners office, minimum staffing set as a function of the population, required training and other issues. We are resisted every step of the way by the nursing home owners and those who lobby for the for-profit nursing home sector. They are powerful and ruthless.

Thing is, while I see the enjoyment some residents have with entertainment, I feel that my time working on the web site, producing educational videos for the group, writing editorials for the cause and other efforts does more good than if I played at the homes. The educational videos I produce contain original music beds and I play one $350-500.00 job a week and donate the proceeds.

I was a primary caregiver for my father-in-law and his wife, who spent a miserable 14 years in nursing homes (11 years for her). I was there everyday, and got to really despise most of the people in nursing home management. As far as the workers go, 1/2 were there for the paycheck and the other half were there because they really cared for the residents.

Sadly, no amount of money can really secure adequate care.
That's why, I have dedicated the rest of my life to working for what we call "the Forgotten Kentuckians".

And, the Nursing Home Lobby is so rich and powerful, making a difference is very challenging. But, if it's doable, I'm going to do it, along with Bernie Vaunderheide, the founder and others.

Nursing Home Residents deserve a better end of life.


Russ

PS: Didn't mean to side-track myself. There are former Kentucky Governors I won't play for either....or major housing developers,,,,or the president of a small local girls college (what a jerk)....or....or....

How about you?


Russ(give 'em hell)Lay