To the editor:

For residents of Kansas long-term nursing facilities, understaffing too often endangers their health and well-being. I suspect that neither of our senators has ever had to go to bed without brushing their teeth, had their bath or shower rationed to several times weekly, or suffered a bedsore or a fall. My stays in several Missouri long-term acute care facilities over the last eight years were relatively safe only because I was a vocal advocate and, in one case, was able to file a federal complaint from my bed. In each stay, it was clear that my care was affected by limited staff.

For Sens. Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran to declare that the new regulations regarding staffing for nursing facilities are unnecessary appears to be a dereliction of their duty to represent some of their most vulnerable constituents. Kansas Advocates for Better Care cites federal data noting that over 25% of Kansas nursing facilities are designated as problem facilities.

Our elected representatives should heed evidence-based reports. Yes, understaffing is a problem and, yes, it will cost more to provide adequate coverage. I suggest that legislation to fund training for certified nursing assistants and increase their pay rates would create a viable career path for these needed health professionals and encourage more people to choose this vital work. This would help to alleviate the workforce shortage cited by LeadingAge Kansas.

Simple to accomplish? No. Possible? Absolutely. But we will need to value people over profit. That’s the catch.

Dot Nary,

Lawrence