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Sun. April 1, 2007
1.Team works to aid victims of meth abuse
2.Leave schools for blind and deaf independent
3.Community colleges worth the investment
4.Part 1: Saigon and Mui Nei Beach, Vietnam
5.Keep trash from sullying state's natural beauty
6.Hispanic community leaders riled by fight title
To read these articles please click onto the link provided in the "Links" section of this blog.
There are two articles from this week’s news that I would like to comment about. First the article entitled “Americans want to see all illegal immigrants deported.” Obviously the person who wrote this editorial is not familiar with the services that are provided by many of these so called “illegal immigrants” here in the U.S. Not only is it logistically and economically next to impossible to achieve this goal it would create a major problem for many industrial and agricultural businesses. These undocumented workers provide cheap labor in the harvesting of crops and the garment industry to name just a few. This cheap labor, in turn directly reflects of the prices that we pay when we shop. If these people were deported we would see many necessary goods double or triple in cost virtually overnight. While I firmly believe that our boarders need to be protected from individuals crossing who seek to do us harm it should not be at the expense of hardworking immigrants who are only seeking a better way of life for themselves and their families. There needs to be a major immigration policy change that would enable migrant workers to provide these services and return to their country of origin without fear of reprisals. The second article entitled “Salem-based Sunwest faces suit by residents is also very troubling. The care that many of our elderly are receiving in some of these facilities is reprehensible at best. As the baby boomer generation nears retirement age there will be an unprecedented need for elderly care here in the U.S. I understand the need for profit by these businesses but to jeopardize the health and well being of this age cohort is unconscionable. I have worked in geriatrics in the past and the major reason for quitting my job was exactly what this article stated. I was responsible for the care of over 30 residents by myself and it is impossible for one person to provide to services required in an eight hour shift. I was expected to get these people ready for breakfast (bathed, shaved, dressed, etc.) in 45 minutes. Many were ambulatory and able to care for themselves, but the 10 or so that needed one on one care could not be properly attended to in the time frame allotted. Needless to say I did not last long at this facility. If these institutions cannot provide adequate staff now what will happen when the number of residents increases exponentially 20 years from now?
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2 comments:
Nice blogging, Mark. I enjoyed your comments on immigration. In addition, your comments on the elderly situation were very interesting. The issue of elderly abuse (or whatever you want to call it) is something that I am surprised we don't hear more of in the media. Undoubtedly, as the boomer generation ages, we will, however. Good work!
Julie, thank you for your comments.
The issue of elderly abuse and the protection of this cohort cannot be overstated. As one of the most overlooked segments of our society this issue will become even more prevalent as we "baby boomers" reach retirement age. One fact of which I was not aware of until recently is that 250 billion dollars a year is spent to keep the elderly alive in their last year of existence. This figure amounts to one quater of the Medicaid/Medicare budget. While no sane person would want to discontinue anyones life prematurely, there must be an accounting of where the limited funds should be spent. Personally, when I reach a stage in life where I can no longer function, someone should pull the plug! This opinion is subject to change! Sincerely, Mark.
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