Everyone here knows I won't play nursing homes or assisted living facilities...EVER!

But that does not mean that I think the players who do are less talented or that the jobs are any less than legitimate.

I enjoyed reading the above. Keep it up.

My objections are focused on the management of "for profits" and the terrible record they have in caring for residents. Believe me, this is not a regional problem, it it a national one.

They fight ANY and ALL efforts at setting standards. For instance, next time you're in a facility to play, check out teeth. Yes, I said teeth. Oral care is virtually non-existent. Over a few years, the residents with teeth gradually lose them; usually in a drawn out-painful process, due to neglect. Oral infections lead to all kinds of other serious issues.

The residents need you guys to bring a little light into their worlds. I'm glad you do what you do.

Just do me a favor. When you're out there, take a look at staffing numbers, training, the use of sedatives, especially on week-ends to calm down the residents and use fewer employees. Ask about back-ground checks for residents. Check the last state inspection.


Believe me, you probably won't like what you see.

Their lobby is strong and well-funded. To the really bad ones, I am proud of my reputation as "the enemy".

In this state, I'm embarrassed about the way the 23,000 "forgotten Kentuckians" (residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities) are neglected.

And I hope my legacy is that I will be remembered as having done something about the problem.


R.

PS. Google Kentuckian For Nursing Home Reform to see what I'm up to, regarding this serious matter. And check out the video interview of the founder, Bernie Vanderheide (who produced that film and music, anyway)?