Skilled care operators now find themselves on the bad business end of many a pointed finger.
The reasons for this unfortunate situation range from convenient scapegoats for the ravages of aging to, in some cases, the well-deserved scrutiny of those who’ve strayed from the righteous path.
At the American Health Care Association’s recent convention, many attendees commiserated about the unfavorable relationship this sector often seems to have with the outside world.
Critics on the other side of the fence aren’t just grumbling, either. They are compiling quite a list of changes they’d like to see. Items include staffing requirements, stricter oversight, higher care benchmarks and more obvious corporate structures. And those are just the greatest hits.
Look, I’m not going to deny that scoundrels running facilities exist. And as far as I’m concerned, those who dance on the edge of the rulebook deserve every bit of trouble they get themselves into. These charlatans don’t tarnish just their own reputations; they cast a long shadow over the whole field.
But here’s the kicker: Despite its challenges and rapscallions, the long-term care sector has been a godsend for those who need it. Each and every day, operators provide care and services to the oldest and sickest among us. If it were not for long-term care operators, how many of those in need would be left to fend for themselves?
The notion that operators are bad and not held accountable is, well, laughable. From the government’s Care Compare website to rigorous state inspections and a slew of other websites dissecting every facility, customers have plenty of ways to separate the wheat from the chaff.
Most in this sector could probably make more money elsewhere. They could certainly find positions that offer better hours and fewer headaches. My experience has been that one of the driving forces in this field is the natural instinct to make a positive difference.
As the negativity keeps raining down, let’s not lose sight of the big picture. The heart of this field beats with compassion, dedication and commitment to making lives better. That’s a story worth remembering.
From the November 2023 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
