My Father’s experience in the skilled nursing facility was truly disheartening and left a lasting impact on me. He had been living there for a while, and I had always hoped that he would receive the care and dignity he deserved. Sadly, that hope was shattered one afternoon when I arrived for my visit.

As I walked into his room, I immediately sensed that something was wrong. I could see my Father sitting in an uncomfortable position, clearly distressed. He was confused and visibly embarrassed, sitting uncomfortably in his own mess. He had tried to call for help when he needed to use the bathroom, but no one came to assist him.

Desperate and needing to relieve himself, my Father had attempted to get up on his own. Unfortunately, he lost his footing and slipped, ending up on the floor. The contents of his diaper were now smeared across the floor, an unacceptable sight that revealed it had been there for some time. I felt a wave of anger and disappointment wash over me. How could the staff allow this to happen? How could they not check on vulnerable residents who were clearly in need of assistance?

I asked my Father what had happened, but he could only manage a confused look.  I felt helpless and heartbroken as I tried to clean him up, my heart aching for the dignity that had been stripped away from him in that moment. It’s difficult to think how staff members from a so-called “Skilled Nursing Facility” could overlook their responsibilities, especially knowing that my Father, like many others in that facility, relied on them daily for even the most basic needs. The lack of proper supervision and care was unacceptable, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something has to change. My Father deserved better, as do the other residents.