Nursing home tragedy demands revolution in long-term care
BOLD Justice, an interfaith group of 20 congregations, has been hearing tragic stories of abuse and neglect in long-term care facilities for years. We write representing those congregations and the work we are doing to actively fight for a new type of skilled nursing care in Broward County.
The eight tragic deaths at the Hollywood Hills skilled nursing facility, followed by three subsequent deaths, must serve as an urgent wake-up call.
If it hasn’t been obvious to anyone who ever visited a “traditional” nursing care home, we need change. We know there is a criminal investigation into the causes of this tragedy. No matter what that investigation shows, let’s be clear — this was a systemwide failure. It would be naive to believe that this problem and the solution to it are isolated to one nursing home.
BOLD Justice has researched and found a philosophy of person-centered care being practiced around the country. One example is the Green House Model, which features pleasant home-style environments and resident-directed care. Most impressive to us were the scientific studies showing improved health and well-being of elders in Green Houses, as well as higher rates of satisfaction among staff and families.
At John Knox Village retirement community in Pompano Beach a few years ago, residents did their own research and chose the Green House Model for their future skilled nursing needs. John Knox Village opened a Green House in May 2016. Now, infection and hospitalization rates are significantly lower than traditional nursing homes while satisfaction numbers are much higher. The results are truly remarkable at all Green House homes.
At our 2017 Nehemiah Action event, we got a commitment from Broward County Property Appraiser Marty Kiar to lead a group of community leaders to identify ways to develop more Green House skilled nursing facilities in Broward County accessible to people of all income levels. Because other communities have successfully done this, we believe we can, too.
The tragedy at Hollywood Hills demands that Green Houses become a reality in Broward. As we at BOLD Justice say, “Seniors count, and they can count on us!” But this crisis demands a community-wide response and a revolution in care. Can seniors count on our community and its leaders?
The Rev. Michael Anderson serves as pastor of New Jerusalem Baptist in Hollywood, and the Rev. Kennedy McGowan is pastor of First Presbyterian of Hollywood, which had three members in the Hollywood Hills nursing home.