The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.



Letters To The Editor:

DEAR EDITOR,

I wonder why people that don't have dogs, don't want dogs, and can't stand dogs have to listen to barking dogs 24-7.

I have 4 dogs right outside my back door that bark day and night. They barked most of the day Saturday and most of the day Sunday. I woke up to barking dogs at 6:00 a.m. Monday morning, it is now 9:00 a.m. and they are still barking.

I can't sit on my patio, be in my backyard or even sit at my kitchen table without listening to this continuous noise.

I would like to see bigger fines for this annoying nuisance, like $50 for the first complaint, $100 for the second and the third time the dogs be taken to the pound.

All it takes is no bark collars, but they refuse to use them.

If there is any one else in La Harpe with this problem call 659-7571 and leave your name and phone number. Let's get something done.

It's time for a change.

CLINTON SEARS

LA HARPE


DEAR EDITOR,

I would like to compliment Oak Lane Nursing and Rehab in Stronghurst for the excellent care given to my mom during her stay there. I don't know if the community realizes what a dedicated staff Oak Lane has and how under-appreciated they are.

The staff at Oak Lane goes out of their way to make sure each resident under their care has someone to talk to each and every day. For many Oak Lane residents, the only people they see daily are the staff. Due to this fact, the staff does their best to make the residents feel at home and cared for by allowing their rooms to be decorated, encouraging them to bring treasured mementos with them, and providing them with dignity and respect. I can attest to this caring because I watched it on a daily basis.

The nurses approach each resident with a smile and explanation about what is happening to them when passing out their medications. If the resident wants to talk, they stop what they are doing and take time to listen to them and answer any questions they may have. The nurses also consider the resident's families to be under their care and will stop what they are doing to talk to them. This is all done without a hint that this may not be an opportune time for the conversation.

The CNAs do their job efficiently, quickly, and with compassion. The dignity they do their best to provide to the residents is wonderful. Considering the CNA is the grease that keeps the wheel turning, it is amazing how well they respond to each resident's needs; especially when it seems everyone wants them at the same time.

Another area I would like to mention is housekeeping. Oak Lane is one of the few homes I have ever been in that does not smell like urine or a hospital. When the visitor enters the facility, all they smell and see is clean. I find this to be an amazing testament to the ability of the staff.

Not to be forgotten are the maintenance and dietary staff. Not once did the maintenance staff refuse to help when we wanted to move something. If it could not be done immediately, it was done within 24 hours without a complaint.

The dietary staff produces amazing meals for the residents. If what they are serving is not to someone's liking, they will do their best to fix something else for them to eat. The meatloaf they serve is almost as good as the one I make. And, I cannot say enough about how friendly the staff is. Each resident is treated like a customer in a five-star restaurant.

Last, but not least is management. I understand change is uncomfortable. Personally, change is one of the most difficult things I have ever had to accept. With change, comes fear of the unknown. What I have seen at Oak Lane, are changes that have made the facility more inviting. The biggest and the most noticeable change was by the nurse's station. The removal of the recliners opened the area and allowed the residents to have a place to conduct activities.

What many of us don't realize is many of the changes we see are mandated changes in how Oak Lane is run. Oak Lane is like a school. Both the state and federal government tell them what to do based on court cases, along with different â"experts" in the various areas. The biggest change in both areas has to do with the amount of money each organization receives in today's world. Each entity must do more with less. This hurts both entities when they are doing their best to serve the community and the people who depend on them.

If you have concerns, talk to management. I have and found that Angie is willing to sit down and discuss what is happening, why it is happening, and let you know what some of her long-term goals for the facility are.

In closing I would like to again compliment the staff of Oak Lane for the care you gave my mom while she lived there. I would also like to remind the residents of Henderson County that we have one of the best nursing homes in the area which provides a homey atmosphere for our loved ones in a local community.

Sincerely,

LYNN ANDERSON

CARMAN