This page has quotes from the 2024 Dignity Digest issues, beginning in January, ordered by newest first.
For previous quotes, visit:
July 15, 2024
“I can’t wait to get out of here.”
Leonard Wright, 52 year old man who has been a resident at Highview of Northampton for two and a half years, ‘A dog pound would be better.’ Inside one of the most-fined nursing homes in Mass., *Mass Live, July 14, 2024
Government inspections [of Highview of Northampton nursing home] over the last three years flagged 76 deficiencies, failures to meet federal standards. Since June 1, 2021, surveyors found 15 instances of failing to keep residents free from abuse, neglect or exploitation. Officials cited other issues including failing to give patients appropriate treatments, failing to meet kitchen sanitation standards, and having a medication error rate of more than 5%.
Highview is one of the most fined facilities in Massachusetts by the federal government in the past three years. It has not met state standards for registered nurse hours and has well above the national average of health citations. It ranks in the bottom 2% of facilities based on performance data kept by the state Executive Office of Health and Human Services. It has a one-star rating (out of five) from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
‘A dog pound would be better.’ Inside one of the most-fined nursing homes in Mass., *Mass Live, July 14, 2024
The facility is “notorious.” “Unfortunately, Highview has a long-established reputation of poor-quality care. They should have been shut down a long time ago.”
Paul Lanzikos, former state secretary of elder affairs and coordinator and co-founder of Dignity Alliance Massachusetts, ‘A dog pound would be better.’ Inside one of the most-fined nursing homes in Mass., *Mass Live, July 14, 2024
“Our veterans, who served our nation bravely and give back to our communities daily, deserve nothing less than a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.”
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $6.7 Million in Federal Funds to Combat Veteran Homelessness, Office of Governor Maura Healey and Ly. Governor Kim Driscoll, July 11, 2024
“Need assistance. Not enough staff. Laying in urine all day,” reads a complaint filed in late 2021 with the city health department. “Tired of being overlooked, hasn’t had a decent bath since she’s been there,” another complaint, from December 2023, reads.
“When she calls for help they do not come so she calls the local health department,” reads an adult protective services intake form the city health department filed.
Inside understaffing problem at Mass. nursing homes, *Mass Live, July 14, 2024
“I worked all night last night and there are many nurses who are running on ‘empty. We’re not able to provide adequate wound care, we have no supplies. We’re having residents go into smaller briefs than appropriate.”
Hailey Minichiello, staff member at Blackstone Valley Health & Rehabilitation in Northbridge, MA, Nurses at Northbridge rehab hospital picket over no pay, lack of resources (*Worcester Telegram & Gazette, July 12, 2024)
“It’s shameful that they provide us with these conditions when all we try to do is uphold the patients’ dignity. It’s absolutely disappointing.”
Apryl Doire, nursing assistant at Blackstone Valley Health & Rehabilitation in Northbridge, MA, Nurses at Northbridge rehab hospital picket over no pay, lack of resources (*Worcester Telegram & Gazette, July 12, 2024)
“I’m very upset for my residents. I miss my residents. I treated them like my own family members so it’s a very difficult thing for me to quit. I was on the same floor since I was a CNA (certified nurse aide) — that should tell them (Bluepoint) something. I’ve lost trust and I’ve lost respect for them.”
Nichole Rondeau who recently resigned as a nurse at Blackstone Valley Health & Rehabilitation in Northbridge, MA, Nurses at Northbridge rehab hospital picket over no pay, lack of resources (*Worcester Telegram & Gazette, July 12, 2024)