Lack of humanity reflects poorly on city

Published 8:39 am Thursday, January 8, 2009

Imagine my horror and shame while watching the national news and I witness a news report on elder abuse at a nursing home in Albert Lea. This is my hometown — a place I cherish and love. My mother was a resident at that nursing home while she recovered from an injury accident. I cannot believe what I have read and seen about the abuse these poor patients suffered by the individuals charged with this crime.

It would be a crime to let these alleged perpetrators off with probation for these offenses. They deserve jail if found guilty. These residents were the most vulnerable people and had no one protecting them against this abuse. I am appalled at this nursing home for allowing such abuse to continue. I hope that my hometown will stand up and say enough is enough.

Stand up and protect those who cannot protect themselves. Make this nursing home accountable for this crime. Make those charged and convicted of this crime accountable. I want to see on the national news a story of how my hometown does not tolerate this type of elder abuse by anyone or any institution. I will let them have my pride back. However, for now I remain in shock and disbelief of the lack of humanity that this story reflects on my hometown.

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Judee Sola-Henry

Edmonds, Wash.