An Illinois man is pleading for the improvement of nursing homes. The elderly man, who wanted to be kept anonymous, believes that the nursing home his wife stayed at is to blame for her death. He stated, “There were problems with medications, and an oxygen mask that didn’t fit and a general lack of concern for patient care.” The man did his best not to complain in the hopes that things would improve. He didn’t keep any records of mistreatment nor did he document anything.
Recently, however, the Illinois State Department of Aging announced the passage of a nursing home resident “Right to Know Bill” that is intended to provide potential consumers with beneficial information when searching for the right nursing home. If signed by Governor Rod Blagojevich, the bill would become law Jan. 1, 2009. The “Right to Know Bill” covers important topics, such as:
-Does a facility have a certified Alzheimer’s unit?
-Can residents choose a pharmacy?
-Does the facility have computers for a resident’s use?
-Does it provide 24-hour registered nurse coverage?
-Does it allow residents’ families to install a video camera in their room?
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