3 critical measures to assess facilities

By Kathleen Heren



With the never-ending developments of new assisted living residences, a consumer really faces many challenges when trying to select the appropriate facility for a family member. Frequently, the decision becomes a matter of necessity rather than choice. A parent that is hospitalized two or three times in a short time span could prompt a hospital discharge planner to recommend that while the person is not ready for a nursing facility, the senior would do well in an assisted living residence. The family member now has two distinct challenges -- finding the right residence and convincing the parent to go
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Volunteer advocates give elders a voice

By Kathleen Heren



More than 20,000 Rhode Islanders live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.  Some have physical disabilities, others suffer from Alzheimer’s or other mental disorders, still others have become too frail to take care of themselves as a natural consequence of aging. Many of them do not have family or friends that can watch over them to ensure they receive timely, appropriate and humane care. Who speaks for those who cannot speak for themselves?
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Closing of facility crushes advocates

By Kathleen Heren



I want to share with you the sadness of a nursing home closure. Pawtuxet Village, located at 270 Post Road, Warwick, is closing its doors. The facility has been an icon in the Warwick community for many years. Pawtuxet is conveniently located on a bus line and is also within walking distance for many family members who live in the vicinity of the home but do not drive.  Pawtuxet Village was built by the Buonaiuto family in 1969, and along with its sister home, Greenwood Care, delivered impeccable care under Gus Buonaiuto.
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Biased coverage damages facilities

By Kathleen Heren



There has been so much negative press in the past month on nursing homes in our state. It is important to separate the hype from the facts. Newspapers have published articles based on information reporters have confirmed, but I cannot say the same about television coverage. The sole purpose of the coverage by one television news reporter was to create sensationalism. That resulted in frightening families with loved ones in nursing homes and most unfortunately the residents of long-term care facilities.
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Sebelius should end observation status

By Kathleen Heren



On Feb. 13, WPRI Channel 12 News broke a story on Rhode Island Hospital having to reimburse Medicare, Medicaid and the federal government $5.3 million for medically unnecessary overnight stays for ap-proximately 260 patients who underwent stereotactic radiosurgery, otherwise known as Gamma Knife treatment. According to government officials, investigators found that the stays were ordered from Jan. 1, 2004 to Dec. 31, 2009.
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