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Show Friday. July 26, 1996 194 Standard-Examiner Who knows best about elderly patients, the doctors or the state? SACRAMENTO,Calif. - Kathi Smith leans over her mother in the six-bed residential-care facility the elder woman has called home for the past DIANA s GRIEGO ERWIN McClatchy News Service four years. “How are you doing today, Mom?” Smith asks mother. “Are you comfortable? Did you have a nice breakfast?” Sitting in an armchair, Kathleen Lorraine Riley, 77, is but a wisp ofherformer self at 72 pounds. She's had Parkinson's disease for more than a de- neurologist, home-health care nurse and social worker all say she is best where she is. In fact, some attribute her longer-than-expected of time. One of them sometimes sings with Riley, who once sang for radio in her native Brooklyn. Another holds her hand on Riley's off days. “Having both just doesn’t seem fair,” her daughter says. “As if one isn’t hard enough.” Riley’s clenched eyes relax, then open, as the younger of her two daughters speaks to her to soft, cooing tones. The Parkinson’s forces her face muscles into what appears to be an anguished scowl. Her eyes, however, look pleadingly into those of her daughter,trying, it seems, to bridge the communication gap she can no longer cross. Around them, five other residents, four of them Alzheimer’s patients, listen and watch. They, too, live in this facility, licensed by the state. But they would never call this a “facility” or Riley a “resident.”Riley is part of a family ofelderly persons coping in varying degrees with the ravages This would not be so compelling except that the state has ordered Riley's move to a facility with skilled nursing care. “It’s not that we're going in there to be the bad guys. It’s a matter of law,” said Gary LevensonPalmer, who manages the Community Care Licensing Division program overseeing residential-care homes, which provide nonmedical care and supervi- sion. But what happens when the mandates ofstate law clash with what doctors and other health-care providers say is best for the residents of such facilities? In Riley’s case, for instance, the state has ordered her moved, but her primary-care physician, survival to her environment. “I emphasized to the family on her most recent visit that the quality of care she has received has undoubtedly accounted for her survival, and would strongly endorse her remaining in the (facility's) care ...,” Dr. David F. Dozier, Riley's neurologist, wrote in a July 19 letter sent to the state licensing division. Riley's primary-care physician, Dr. Merlin Mauk, recommended much the same on state form dated July 1. The form asks if, in the doctor's Opinion, the patient requires skilled nursing care. Mauk checked “No,” adding that Riley “is doing well in present facility.” “I would move her in a moment if I thought it would be best for her,” said Smith, whovisits her mother almost daily. “But all her health-care professionals say there is no reason she should be moved. In fact, they all worry because so manyof these older people with problems like Mom’s dete- riorate very rapidly in a movelike this. This is her home.I think she should be allowed to die here.” The owners of the home support Smith in her fight to keep her motherthere. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Levenson-Palmer said in cases where “transfer trauma™ is a concern, an assessment team can rec: ommend the person not be moved when a family appeals the state-ordered relocation. This possibility is not widely publicized to families. The case mirrors others emerging up and down the state as a whole population of older people live longer, but not necessarily more healthy, lives. “There needs to be a new category created for this increasing number of people with dementia-related illnesses ...,” said Terry Donnelly, a senior ombudsman in Chico where two similar cases have been fought in the past two years. “Something that is more intimate, more peaceful than the skillednursing facilities, but where health needs are managed, too.” The eldercare system lacks that now, he said, sticking licensing with enforcing laws that fail this population. “You kind of want to say (to the state), “You might be right to move this person bythe letter of the law, but what about the human factor?’ There's something to be said about dying with dignity; about dying in your own home. “And to these people, this is their home.” Diana Griego Erwin writes for the Sacramento Bee in California. THE COMMUNITY SAYS THANKS Politicians condemned for attacking teachers Many work hard to put together Street Festival Protzman’s help was appreciated at Lincoin If politicians want to trash each other, that’s fine with me. But when theystart attacking the teachers who have proven them- This is in response to a letter published July 19, from Wendy Empey of Ogden. Some months ago I wrote a letter to the editor complaining about the size of my son's class at Lincoln Elementary. At that time I urged all of the parents concerned to contact Grant Protzman to do something about it. Well, I was quick to write the letter ‘and get him involved, but I’ve been remiss in extending my gratitude to him. selves to be selfless and caring, I have to object. They aren't attacking “faceless bureaucrats.” They are attacking Ms. Jones who wipes ourchildren’s runny noses. They're attacking Mr. Smith who makes sure they put on their coats when they go out for recess. And Mr. Johnson who stays after school on his own'time to help the dramaclub practice, then goes home to grade papers until midnight. These people give of themselves every day to help prepare our children to lead this nation into the 21st century. Theyrepresent the vast majority of Utah teachers. They deserve better than to be used bypoliticians for political cannon fodder. I recently read that Jim Lorenz, chair of the Utah Freeloaders Party (also known as the Libertarian Party), criticized one of our Utah teachers for using a poster designed by one of her students at an NEA convention. It was a campaign poster. His assertion is that because she is a “government employee,” this amounts to using government property for her own benefit. What rot! First of all, the stu- dent who designed the posteris not a government employee. I believe he/she has the same right as any other citizen to design a poster for anyone. Second, I suspect the teacher in question has given far more of her time and money than this one poster is worth, Senator Dole also attacked teachers and the American system of public education recently. If there are problems with our school system, most can be laid at the feet of politicians like Dole. His plan to plunder the public schools to give money to religious schools is nothing more than an attemptto bribe religious voters to vote for him. To talk about cutting money that is being spent supporting our children’s education is not only unfair, it’s stupid and dangerous. Weare in a struggle with every other nation on Earth. If we cut our public education, who will lead us in this fight? The pampered children of the rich? The intolerant products of religious indoctrination? Public education has made us one of the richest nations on Earth. I, for one, am not ready to see it sacrificed for political gain. Floyd Newsom Clinton Clinton-bashing a common Republicantrait I remember in one of Bob Dole’s Republican campaign speeches where he was bragging or boasting in a naive sort of way, if that is at all possible, that the first time he ran for office as that many Republicans seem to be gifted with. Elizabeth Dole has spent her entire career there in Washington and while serving in her many a Republican he didn’t even positions there, I understand that know what a Republican represented. The only reason he ran as she has been able to makeinvestments of a few dollars and has made returns on such investments in the hundreds of thousands. I can't help but wonder howshe wasable to do this. a Republican was that he felt his chance of winning the election was greater because he knew that the majority of the people in and around Russell, Kansas, were Republicans. Is this an indication of a man with real convictions and principles? I can’t help but wonder if he has changed much over the years. I find it humorousin a cynical sort of way when he says that Elizabeth won't be around the White House meddling with a health care plan, baking cookies or getting too involved with the duties of the first lady; that she will be president of the American Red Cross making an annual salary of $150,000 plus. Correction: he didn’t say anything about the huge salary. I guess he was trying to say that she is too career-ori- ented to be just an ordinaryfirst lady, and that he would be taking charge of everything at the Oval Office and the White House. Actually, folks, it’s his cynical way of bashing the current first lady and our president. A typical trait If we could get past the idea that Bob Dole is a war hero and the all-American boy from Russell, Kan. (that he is constantly telling us about), and if we had the ethical Sen. D'Amato do an honest investigation of Dole’s nearly 40 years in politics and Elizabeth's long government career - and took over a year and spent over $10 million or more just what do you think would be revealed? Could prove to be very interesting. I personally would like to see the political career of Sen. D'Amato investigated. That, I believe, could be more than justinteresting. It could turn out to be such a sad state of affairs that we the people would lose all faith in our government leaders. So let's not investigate D'Amato. Dennis —— I have been to 20 street festivals and I have worked the last five of them. I am onthe Street Festival Committee for Ogden City as well as the 25th Street Association. I am also an owner of a downtown business, so I feel that I am qualified to say a few things concerning this matter. The Street Festival was originally started with clothing mer- chants putting their off-season items on the street to sell them. By doing this they reduced their inventories and the public saved money because of the greatly reduced prices. They needed some- one to supply food and drink because the many shoppers do get hungry, so they allowed some vendors to set up stands. The city joined with selling beer, soft drinks and provided entertainment such as a chili cook-off with free samples and miniature golf in the park. There have been stages for family events such as cloggers and children singing, and forfirst-class bands that play jazz, country western and rock. There was a maze for the children and face painting. There are all kinds of events for adults and children to see and do. Yes, most of these activities cost money. I can't remember an event that I have attended in mylife that hasn't. Over the years our festival has gotten bigger and better. I'm sure that the majority of people who attended it agree with me and they look forward to it every year just like I do. I have a son, too, and, yes, he goes’ to this activity - but with moneyin his pocket. He buys a lot of school clothes for next-tonothing prices. Yes, some people walk around half clad. They sure aren't breaking the law by wearing cutoffs and halter tops. As far as their obscenities, you cannot control what comes out of people's mouths. Thank you, Mayor Mecham, Ogden City, Lorin Miller with special events, Ogden Police Department, the street department and all the many vendors, businesses and people involved in putting this great event together. I know how many monthsoffree time and hard work are involved in this. And a special thanks to the street department for cleaning upall our clutter. All of you are the greatest! Every year the newspaper puts in a map of ourfestival. This map clearly marksall events and restroom facilities. In the future, Ms., Empey, you might want to invest in a newspaper so you can get a copyof this map. This way you can take your children to only the free events at our great Street Festival. Cindy Martin Riverdale Visit to Roy Historical Museum real treat The Roy Historical Museum has been open in their new location a little more than a year now. The numbers ofvisitors are impressive and compliments exciting. Moving adjacent to the Hill Aerospace Museum was the perfect solution, and now with the Thompson Heritage Park open, the view surrounding the museum is spectacular. There is a wa- terfall, a pond with a bridge over it, gorgeous flowers, rock formations, trees, bowery, benches for picnicking and much more. The Air Force generously cut a gate through the fence between the two museums, giving everyone easy access to both. Everyone has a treat in store and should make it a point to visit. Faye Field Roy Nice article about the para- ect had been approved at a medics service in Ogden Valley. It was a long time coming, and it really needed to be there. higher level but was being sat on It’s kind of a shame, though, I just think, though, that the role of citizens’ advocates Chuck Protzman took the timetolisten to our concerns. I’m not sure what he did after that, but in January a newteacher was in place. by some local politicians until the citizens’ advocates got involved. A lot of sweat was required to get the project moving and keep it alive; and while it wasn't single handed, Chuck and Art played major roles in an idea that wasn't always popular. Eddy and Art Murray in getting this project off dead center Maybe after the election you could mentionit. Dean R. Stauffer shouldn't be ignored. This proj- Ogden between three teachers, which made a world of difference in the classrooms. I want Mr. Protzman to know how much weappreciate whathe did for our children. Perhaps I’m premature in worrying about the new school year but all of the second graders from last year will be in the third grade this year. Will we have the same problem? Perhaps not because of the extra funding this year. Also, Ogden City has a new superintendent who, hopefully, will monitor the elementary schools more closely. But that remains to be seen. If the problem does exist, I will not hesitate to call on Grant Protzman again. I knowhe'll be there ready to help. Rita L. Cutts Ogden Paramedics worked hard to save life On June 22 at about 10:30 p.m., mysister, DonnaBills Jensen, had a severe asthmaattack. She passed out after gasping for air for about 10 minutes. We pulled off at the old Riverdale Fire Department building, and my wife called 911 while I tried to administer CPR. It only took about four minutes for the paramedics to arrive on the scene. She was not breathing when they arrived. The paramedics did everything possible to try and save her life. They continued to work on her all the way to the hospital even though her heart stopped several times. These guys did not give up on her. When the ambulance arrived at the hospital, I asked if she was breathing. They said no. I really expected the paramedics to just Give credit where credit is due that the Standard-Examiner'’s political bias seems to have kept it from giving credit where credit is due. But this being an election year, I guess it was inevitable. Protzman did get involved. He spent a lot of time and effort in acquiring a half-day teacher for the second grade at Lincoln. He set up a meeting at Lincoln with Principal Felt, concerned parents and teachers and Kathy Ortega from the school board (who, by the way, didn’t attend). The morning classes were split turn her over to the emergency room staff and leave, but this did not happen. The paramedics con- tinued to stay with her and tryto save her life. I personally have never seen a medical team work on one patient as long and as consistently as these people did. Despite the fact that she did pass away, I knowthey did everything in their power, and then some, to save my sister's life. I do not know your names, but I am sure you will remember that late Saturday night in the parking lot of the Riverdale Fire Department. Even though your attempt was unsuccessful, | want you to know we knowin our hearts that you gave it your best shot. On behalf of Donna's parents and family, I would like to thank you for doing such a great job. You are very dedicated and a credit to your profession. Roger Kent Bills Layton Clearfield firefighters thanked for efforts The Fourth of July fireworks display in Clearfield was once again a spectacular display. I watched in dismay as rain began to come down, wondering if the evening would allowus to salute our nation a highly trained fire chief with tremendous foresight and leader- Lighting the fireworks is in- pry a car open with the jaws of life, to light up the skies with credibly dangerous to someone untrained, but knowing Chief Roger Bodily I knewthathis priority would not only be for the display, but for those who were responsible for it. As it began, promptly at 10 p.m., I was thrilled to watch the panorama ofcolors as they washed across the sky. ship. If you ever wait precious seconds or minutes for a fire truck to put out a fire, to save life, to gratitude, or to come in any and all kinds of distress, you, as I do, will wish to thank Chief Bodily and all those firemen/emergency medical technicians who drop ev- erything at the sound of a beep, and surge ahead instantly to save property or life. We have a wonderful fire department in Clearfield. We have lla Pay Clearfield Tax NBA (National Billionaires Association) to pay for teachers and $38.5 million over the next seven years to Dale Davis and Antonio Davis, respectively. This past Thursday professional basketball star Shaquille “Can't Hit a Free Throw” O'Neal signed a seven-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers worth a total of $120 million. Others also have Dikembe Mutombo will get $50 million from the Atlanta Hawks over the next five years. these guys their wealth, their obvious inferiority to players of the past notwithstanding. The moneyis generated byticket sales and advertising revenue. I've heard people say it’s a shame professional Hakeem Olajuwon, who at least has two NBA championships and an MVP award, will get $55 million from the Houston Rockets over the next done handsomely. When was the last time you stopped by your neigh- borhood school and plopped down 50 bucks to watch an algebra teacher help a class master the fin- Juwan Howard, formerly of the hapless and luckless Washington Bullets, jumped to the Miami Oscar Robaruan got $56 million and $24 mil- lion, respectively, from the New York Knicks. The Seattle Supersonics bestowed a seven-year, _ $85 million contract on Gary Payton The Indiana Pacers will hand out $80.5 million . ai estpol vetted —oF ae pornely to make the names ond _ The mostgalling part of the NBA money binge is that everyone knows these athletes haven't a clue about what to do with all that loot “What's the difference between $80 million and $90 million?” Bembry reported Payton as asking. “You can't spend it all anyway.” It seems that the Miami Heat offered Payton more than the $85 million Seattle eventually agreed to pay him. Thank gamillions and education: the trend over the past years of basketball players leaving school jump to the professional ranks. In the past God at least one player had enough conscience to put a limit on his greed. iGame than 20 players were underclassy were fresh out of high school — mere woods, their breath still recking of That Payton guyis actually on to something. There may yet be a way to sausfy those who feel g i lion, E z ; 2 Seay, the Miamifranchise is only worth $97 mil- fervor sams than tach of Glin, Oe ink the z Mourning to a seven-year deal worth $105 million. According to Baltimore Sun sports writer Jerry But there is a disturbing connection about the NBA's willingness to dole out salaries in the me- sa Heat, whose owner will fork over $98 million over seven years. The Heat also re-signed Alonzo and basketball themselves became big business. That was before the big-bucks deluge engulfed professional sports. A ge was a time when the NBA only drafted lassmen who claimed financial hardship. odean Ghere wes sill the Mullan Get cat. athletes were actually getting the benefits of education. That was before college football oh te Reniienanie Put a special education tax those NBA players making those 2 tobe designated specifically for teachers’ |
