CNN / YouTube Debate - Nursing Homes & Private Equity Firms

http://zennie2005.blogspot.com - There's a disturbing trend in the nursing home industry today, and forms the basis for my CNN / YouTube question submitted at 10:45 PM PST, 11-25-07.




The question is are you as a presidential candidate concerned that private equity firms are buying nursing homes, laying off staff, and pocketing the difference, resulting in poor service? If you are concerned, what will you do about it?

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• cnn
• you
• tube
• debates
• republican
• ron
• paul
• rudy
• giuliani
• fred
• thompson
• john
• mccain
• mike
• huckabee
• mitt
• romney
• valsartdiary

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.?

[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.

[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!