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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (May 25, 2017)
“Best Little Smoke Shop in Eugene — North of Beltline!” Locally made glass-blown pipes Papers, rolls & wraps Quality vape selection 2664 River Rd., Suite B Eugene, OR (Off River Rd. behind Don Juan’s Restaurant) SantaClaraSmokeShop.com 541-654-5772 Our family was surprised that, de- spite the steep cost of care for our elderly mom in several Oregon facilities over the years, we still had to work hands-on to get her basic needs met. State law is to blame, with regulations that protect those profiting from the fail- ing health of people more than the people themselves. Does anyone really believe two caregivers can manage 40 residents on meds and in diapers? Oregon does! And many states mandate that nurses administer meds. In Oregon, an 18-year-old worker with no medical background can give drugs in assisted living facilities — in- cluding insulin and barbiturates. The Long-Term Care Bill of Rights as- sures residents are safe to complain without fear of retaliation, but one learns it is wiser to keep quiet. Your only recourse is the om- budsman, who in reality is more a mediator than an advocate. As for substantiated complaints: We know of injury-by-neglect cases that should have been substantiated but were not. One case was closed before all the parties were even interviewed. Does DHS give facilities a pass because investigators themselves are overworked or undertrained? We all face the possibility of life in a long-term care facility — one accident can put you there. So please question your legis- lators, particularly about Oregon’s caregiv- er-to-resident ratios. It is tragic that many of the hardy old folks who survived the Depression and WWII may die of neglect in Oregon’s long-term care facilities. Cheryl P. Morris Eugene EMPTY NESTS The Eugene Weekly’s recent Outdoors Issue described Oregon as a “birding para- dise.” It’s a claim that’s hard to argue with. From Fern Ridge here in Eugene to Yaquina Head on the coast to any of the state’s many National Wildlife refuges, there is a feeling of abundance. Even a short walk through these spaces brings an irrepressible smile to my face. An encoun- ter with an interesting bird can feel like a gift that one has received. But we should not be so myopic as to forget that such spaces are mere remnants of what has been and continues to be destroyed. Habitat continues to be systematically elimi- nated and life itself is being extinguished. Our #GoodLifeGoal: consolidate our lives Thank You for practicing & promoting mental wellness during MIND YOUR MIND MONTH Join us in making mental wellness a priority by minding your mind all year round! www.mindyourmindproject.org because mental wellness matters Now that we’re a family, it’s important our fi nances are also under one roof. SELCO makes it possible with a full range of services – from everyday banking and loans to insurance and investing. It’s our trusted fi nancial home. selco.org • 800-445-4483 • Branches throughout Eugene and Springfi eld Banking | Mortgages | Insurance | Investments | Business Lending Membership requirements apply. See SELCO for details. NMLS#402847 eugeneweekly.com • May 25, 2017 5
