[StBernard] Does Bobby Have Any Shame? but please allow himacallfor a ride home???

[Westley Annis]

John,

You're right, you should have a backup plan, but, I'm sorry to say, it may
become a personal cost-benefit decision.

Perfect scenario here:  Mother-in-law has an old family friend that is in a
nursing home down the street.  The friend's daughter lives out of state.
Because of the long standing relationship, my mother-in-law gets the first
call whenever something major happens.  She's the one that goes to the
hospital with the friend if needed.

If there was a need to evacuate, my mother-in-law does not have the capacity
to evacuate with the friend.  The daughter probably could not catch a plane
here quick enough to grab her mother and evacuate.  They have to rely on the
nursing home.

There are no simple answers, but I do think when you willingly take on the
responsibility of someone's day-to-day care, that doesn't mean in fair
weather also.

Westley

-----Original Message-----
Westley,

Since you mentioned the St. Rita incident, let me say I feel the same way
about that in regards to the family members of patients there.  I understand
how if you call and they tell you "don't' worry, we have everything under
control and we'll evacuate your mother if the hurricance comes" that might
make you feel complacent about evacuating your mother yourself.  But, even
then I would not ultimately depend on the nursing home to take the
appropriate action, because after all that's "my mother" and I would feel I
am most responsible for getting her out.  I realize some people might not
have the medical necessities to evacuate their loved one, but if Katrina
taught us anything it's don't depend on the nursing home to save your loved
one.  You have to have your own back up plan.