Jasper, Ala. (WIAT)
In a world where sexual predators are dominating headlines and remain in the back of the minds of parents... the elderly are not immune to similar fears of what horrible acts could come to them.
The Silver Haired Legislature (SHL) is made up of one-hundred-and five seniors through-out the state.
They are asking State Legislators to pass a law requiring nursing homes to alert residents and their family members if a convicted sex offender is admitted into their facility.
The group is also asking the state to require more employs on staff between the hours of 10PM and 6AM.
One member of the SHL whose relative is in a nursing home tells CBS42 there are only two orderlies available to assist the entire facility overnight.
These are just a few fears facing families and residents inside Alabama nursing homes.
Many people who reside in nursing homes are there because they can no longer live alone, and their family members may not be willing or equipped to care for their special needs.
But they fear once they are checked into their new homes they will be alone without visitors or anyone to check on them.
Joann Elmer operates a nursing home in Jasper. Elmer says she has seen first hand how real those fears can be. She says too often once seniors enter nursing homes the responsibility to check on them falls on one son or daughter.
Elmer says the only way to avoid abuse and neglect is constant visitation by family and friends.
"It would be very easy to say now I'm going to focus on my own immediate family but you can't do that you've got to remember to go and see them do a check and let them know you haven't forsaken them."
Because so many seniors are checked in and abandoned by their loved ones elmer has become a friend and confidant to many of the seniors in her care.
For her, the challenge is maximizing the life these men and women have left by keeping them happy, healthy and engaged.
"They're losing their independence and that's the reason I stress until their times comes benefit everyone get out and enjoy activities with places like the senior center "
You can learn more about the quality of care of the nursing homes in your area by clicking here.
Abridged
SOURCE: CBS42
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