Sloppy—and dangerous—Care is What Our Seniors are Getting. In recent years, the federal government has been ramping up the standards for nursing homes, but inspectors remain frustrated by the prevalence of sloppy or nonexistent handwashing. 4 in 10 nursing homes have been cited for an infection-control lapse. And these are at the ‘5 Star’ places. Workers are not washing their hands as they moved to the next patient, or failing to don masks, gloves and gowns when in the rooms of contagious patients in isolation. Why? Many of the nursing homes are privately owned or backed by for-profit owners who cut staff and pay low wages. So it’s hard to get well trained, dedicated staff. In my opinion nothing is more ugly than a country that abandons their responsibility for it’s aging citizenry. Ensuring patients are safely cared for in a dignified manner is all of our responsibility. As family members visiting nursing homes you should ask the aides if they’ve washed their hands prior to touching your loved one. Hand washing is the Number One best activity to prevent the spread of Infection so ask about it every single time anyone walks into a room. I’m dead serious. …see more