I honestly couldn’t imagine having to live in the nursing home where I work. There are ongoing issues that I feel are unacceptable for the residents who depend on this facility for their care and well-being.

Food is frequently served cold or, at times, burnt. There are also ongoing pest problems, including mice, roaches, and flies throughout the building. I have personally found roaches in a resident’s bed, which is extremely concerning and unacceptable.

There are also times when there is not enough clean linen available to properly keep residents clean, dry, and comfortable. On top of that, the building has had unsafe temperatures due to air-conditioning units not working properly. This is especially concerning during the heatwaves we have been experiencing, as many residents are elderly, medically fragile, and unable to regulate their body temperature or advocate for themselves.

These are basic necessities—safe temperatures, clean linens, sanitary living conditions, and appropriate food. Residents deserve to live in an environment where their health, safety, dignity, and comfort are taken seriously.