CNN / YouTube Debate - Nursing Homes & Private Equity Firms

[wizkriz]

I have worked in nursing homes for 15 years. You have a valid concern, but, this is more than a government issue. The problems with nursing homes will never be corrected until resident's families take constructive ownership. Not just complaining, but, making an investment in the home with their time,concern, and sincere effort to ensure the quality care of our elderly.

[rizzo1000]

That is weird. Guess they like your face! Yeah a woman named Marie (last name escapes me at the moment, called me.  Shira went back to school and is no longer with them. I've been keeping in contact with her though, she's very nice.

[rizzo1000]

The Fed funds Medicaid too, but thats pretty much as far as they get in oversight of it. After that its up to the states. So an important question should actually be, will the fed cut funding to programs that don't meet state requirements.

[chukmaty]

I think you are correct, but I wonder from both a constitutional perspective and a service side, how a centralized standard does those who need care service. Also, I think the federal over site really only kicks in if the states fall short of benchmarks. Anyways, I hardly have the details on this subject so it is great you asked the question. You have asked many substantive questions and it is kind of too bad they can only use one.

[rizzo1000]

Grats to your Aunt, but what federal oversight is being skirted. What federal regulations are they avoiding/breaking etc.?

[barnabaspark]

You are very articulate and sharp. I really appreciate your question and concern. I am sure Mike Huckabee- if he had a chance to listen to your question - would appreciate your concern. Thanks

[SouthernDancer23]

Maybe we should quit looking to government to solve everything. Not that long ago, families took care of their own elderly and infirm.  Of course, for the most part now, the younger ones don't want to be bothered by taking care of mom, dad or grandma and expect government to do it for them. Shame on the American people!

[Chitenza]

Sorry I'm one of those young ones that doesnt agree......I already have an autistic brother..my life schedule tends to revolve around him, my school, my military duties, my job duties, my social development all seem to hinder because of him...so I think facilities that offer care are kinda benificial in todays society.

[SouthernDancer23]

That's fine with me but, guess what?....while you have my sympathy, others shouldn't have to pay for your brother's care so you can do what you want with your own life no more than others should have to pay to care for my mother who is incapable of caring for herself anymore. Hospitals and certain institutions used to be run by private charities and churches and the government has NO Constitutional authority to take this over.

[Chitenza]

Oh, yea I can agree very limited-ly to what you last comment stated.

Though the former I assumed you were talking about complete riddance of any type of elderly homes,special needs etc... which is what I wouldnt agree with at all.

[rizzo1000]

Doing good. Finished Chemo and getting strong. But back to your question. Congress has lots of hearings about lots of things. Often just to bring to light an issue. That doesn't mean they have jurisdiction to do anything. You're talking about private businesses taking over other private businesses, and following or not following state regulations. Its the states that need to tighten regulations to stop this.

[chukmaty]

State Government should step up... Federal Government really has little place in the arena of treatment.

Very good question sir, five stars.

[Zea107]

I don't know man, this question is addressing a very specific public policy - which means that probably none of the candidates would (want to) have an answer prepared for you... not even the let-the-market-take-care-of-it­-all ones.

Of course, I hope I'm wrong.

[kenrg]

If this question is chosen for the Republican debate, I'm sure most of them will give the same answer as the previous viewers: It's a private business, leave it alone. But you're absolutely correct that it's part of the whole health care crisis, as well as they are indirectly federally funded through medicare payments on behalf of their "guests."

[darkgatherer]

Hey Zennie, very good question. I would defiantly like to hear, my nemesis, Ron Paul's answer to this question. I'm sure it would involve him proclaiming that the free market will solve all of our social ills.

[darkgatherer]

Ohh and Zennie, I have some upcoming videos arguing against many of the positions Ron Paul has taken and they involve many of the concerns you have as well...I think you'll enjoy them.

[rizzo1000]

Z,

I kind of think you're off the mark on this one. Not that it isn't a problem, but its not a presidential problem. This, IMO, is more of a state issue.

Kim

[TheFeasterBunny]

I undertand. I may not be too far from that situation (hopefully the rents don't see this).

What I'm saying is that if I wasn't satisfied with the conditions, I wouldn't have my loved ones stay there. Instead I would look for a facility with adiquate care.

Again, market forces vs. government responsibilities, yada yada, don't want to talk in circles.

I think we understand eachother.

BTW, I enjoy your vids. Keep up the great work.

[TheFeasterBunny]

Gotcha. I guess my point relatied to cases where the law hasn't been violated. But I see you are saying neglect results in such a violation.

But then, wouldn't the nursing homes certification be revoked in such a case?

Perhaps what you are looking for is stricter enforcement of certification retention, yes?

[TheFeasterBunny]

Just my personal opinion. Aren't nursing homes privately run?

Like any service, if the quality isn't acceptable, it shouldn't be patronized. The market will make the correction because people will not pay for the service.

I don't see how the government has the right to be involved in the practices of a private buisiness if it isn't violating any law.

Am I missing something?