Time to take care of CNAs

During six years of caring for my elderly mother before her death, it was horrifying to find out how poorly the Certified Nursing Assistants are paid. I was even more horrified to find that, ironically, they received no health care benefits or sick time from employers. They are helping patients to eat, washing them, brushing their teeth, clothing them, diapering them, brushing hair, soothing their fears, helping them with the personal aspects of their lives.

Yet the CNAs, the backbone of every medical facility, have not been getting any better treatment as their burdens increased during the pandemic. We all need to take a hard look at the way our society handles end-of-life care, and these most responsible caregivers.

Margaret Fiore, North Granby