Elderly Complaints Falling on Deaf Ears

The number of complaints from residents of Minnesota’s nursing homes and assisted-living facilities is skyrocketing, yet they’re falling on deaf ears at the Minnesota Department of Health. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported there have been over twenty-five thousand uninvestigated complaints of sexual and physical abuse, theft and neglect of the state’s elderly. Only a tiny percentage is even pursued. This means one of their most vulnerable segments of society has a target painted on their backs. Governor Mark Dayton’s response was not to act; he instead asked for a task force. The elderly and vulnerable of Minnesota need protection, not government bureaucracy. It adds to a disturbing trend in America that those considered less-productive are often neglected when in need.