PeopleFirst......

......is a slogan on a poster at a rehab center where my dear friend Barb had "landed" now.  But unfortunately for her and others it seems it's really profits first , people by the wayside most of the time.   We could do SO much better at these rehab centers if some public money were sunk into them as part of an overall single payer health care system made a priority by our government.  However, most are run for profit by private companies with little emphasis actually on the patient care and comfort.  Sad.

I found out that my elderly friend of many years--Barb who I've often had in a blip, had contracted the flu and pneumonia at home....finally taken to the ER by her (very neglectful) son, and passed out in the ER and thought to be dying.  She bounced back and was recently released to a rehab center.  I just finally found this out and went over for a visit.  I was amazed at her good spirits and her seemingly improved health.  She was so happy to see me --I told her had I known I'd been over much sooner.  

She needed to get help to go to the bathroom and had pushed the button but no one came...she said this was common.  So I went to the nurses station and  asked them to help her--I could see her room light was on and it was posted right in front of them.  They starred at me.  Eventually they cam and they also brought her long awaited lunch meal.  Made me so upset at the lack of concern or care....nothing new at these places.

She was struggling with eating and she said her dentures needed cleaning so I did that as best I could.  It was hard to see the things like this that could improve her stay there being so neglected.  When I got home I texted her son and told him he needed to get her some denture cleaning supplies NOW.  ugh.  I will see her soon again.  Took her cookies and grapes as requested by her today!  

Thank you for all the lovely comments and stars and hearts on the recent heron and the symphony of branches yesterday.  I do very much appreciate them even if I haven't responded individually.!