Please solve this problem

[Vida May]

Humans, a very frail animal with a brain, survived because they can work together to solve problems. Until recently their ability to help each other was relatively limited because of a lack of technology. Today we have the technology to communicate around the world instantly. Our biggest communication problem now is it can be overwhelming with too much information. But let us remain positive and think of how we can make the world a better place in small ways.

Problem... Some people must have kidney dialysis 3 days a week to stay alive. Many of these people need transportation to and from dialysis treatments. In my community, that means these people are dropped off at the clinic and they are left outside for almost 1/2 hour with no place to sit and no protection from the elements. These are mostly frail older people but some younger ones may also need treatment.

I took a friend to the clinic this morning because the transportation system these people depend upon had only one driver and that one was sent to a city far out of town. Several people didn't show up because they had no ride. Those who did show up were left standing outside with no place to sit. Fortunately, it is a relatively warm morning. He told me it is very unpleasant to be out there waiting to get in the clinic when it is below freezing and the wind is blowing. One man waiting at the door was in a wheelchair. An elderly woman was standing with no place to sit and at least 3 regulars didn't show up.

I am horrified! Shouldn't these clinics be caring refuges where vulnerable people feel safe and cared for? If the clinic were my home, I would welcome everyone inside and offer a hot drink and something to eat. As a homemaker isn't it our duty to make others comfortable? Isn't that what makes a society good? Please, help me resolve this problem. What can be done to make things better for these people?

 

[VaughanJB]

Where are you located?

My father had to have dialysis. I'd go and sit with him while it was going on. It took a minimum of three hours, closer to four sometimes. Although the patient is simply laying there while a machine does the work, let me tell you, it was brutal. Conditions were good, the nurses were great, but there's just no way to make such a thing fun to do. So sad.

In your circumstance, I guess the place to start is the clinic. Why don't they have some kind of waiting room?

Transport? Does the family of these of these patients have no-one who would drive them? Taxi's? Or perhaps you could set up a facebook group to organize a local team to help with transportation?

Sadly today, people are far more interested in their own "rights" to worry about the rights of others.

 

[Vida May]

Where are you located?

My father had to have dialysis. I'd go and sit with him while it was going on. It took a minimum of three hours, closer to four sometimes. Although the patient is simply laying there while a machine does the work, let me tell you, it was brutal. Conditions were good, the nurses were great, but there's just no way to make such a thing fun to do. So sad.

In your circumstance, I guess the place to start is the clinic. Why don't they have some kind of waiting room?

Transport? Does the family of these of these patients have no-one who would drive them? Taxi's? Or perhaps you could set up a facebook group to organize a local team to help with transportation?

Sadly today, people are far more interested in their own "rights" to worry about the rights of others.

I don't know how to do Facebook. Maybe one of my granddaughters can help me. On holidays I could give people rides. I am not young so I need to limit this to dialysis patients.

The place has a policy of not opening the door until a nurse arrives and the nurse obviously can show up a half hour after the people are told to show up. Stab me in the heart with a knife. Would you want to have to trust these people for your health care? A policy that leaves vulnerable people suffering in the cold. Why, to avoid any risk of a lawsuit?

 

[Davey Do]

My hat goes off to you, Vida May, for your support and concern.

Many times, proactive community voices will be heard from, contacting the owners of the dialysis company, and local legislators. Should you really want grease for your wheel squeaking, Public Health, Joint Commision, and OSHA can act as bulldogs. There are websites to inform them and/or make complaints. If you so choose, the complaints can be filed anonymously.

in a sense, this discomforting situation could be interpreted as a form of abuse and inference to that fact would be ammunition for the cause.

Good luck, and the very, very best to you, Vida May.

 

[Pinky]

They should, at the very least, have benches outside the clinic. I hope there is a solution to this disturbing problem.

 

[Paco Dennis]

Problem... Some people must have kidney dialysis 3 days a week to stay alive. Many of these people need transportation to and from dialysis treatments. In my community, that means these people are dropped off at the clinic and they are left outside for almost 1/2 hour with no place to sit and no protection from the elements. These are mostly frail older people but some younger ones may also need treatment.

I took a friend to the clinic this morning because the transportation system these people depend upon had only one driver and that one was sent to a city far out of town. Several people didn't show up because they had no ride. Those who did show up were left standing outside with no place to sit. Fortunately, it is a relatively warm morning. He told me it is very unpleasant to be out there waiting to get in the clinic when it is below freezing and the wind is blowing. One man waiting at the door was in a wheelchair. An elderly woman was standing with no place to sit and at least 3 regulars didn't show up.

I am horrified! Shouldn't these clinics be caring refuges where vulnerable people feel safe and cared for? If the clinic were my home, I would welcome everyone inside and offer a hot drink and something to eat. As a homemaker isn't it our duty to make others comfortable? Isn't that what makes a society good? Please, help me resolve this problem. What can be done to make things better for these people?

I looked up some ways that might be very beneficial to getting something done to help these unfortunate people.

Claude.ai

You raise an extremely valid and concerning point about the lack of basic accommodations and dignity provided for vulnerable dialysis patients at this clinic. These are folks dealing with serious health issues who should be treated with utmost care and compassion. Here are some suggestions on how this situation could potentially be improved:

1. Contact the clinic administration The first step would be to respectfully bring this issue to the attention of the clinic's management or patient relations staff. Explain the specific concerns you've witnessed about patients having to wait outside with no seating, shelter or accommodations. Propose solutions like setting up a sheltered waiting area with chairs for those arriving early.
2. Suggest a patient/community advisory board Many healthcare facilities have patient and community advisory boards to get input on improving patient experiences. You could recommend establishing one if they don't have it, and volunteer to serve on it to represent the concerns of dialysis patients.
3. Reach out to local community/civic groups Organizations like the Lion's Club, Rotary Club, church groups, etc. sometimes take on projects to better assist vulnerable populations. They may be able to help by raising funds for a sheltered transit waiting area or providing volunteer greeters/escorts.
4. Contact your local government representatives County/city council members, state representatives, etc. often have resources to address accessibility and health equity issues affecting their constituents. You can advocate for them to ensure adequate funding and policies are in place.
5. Use media/social media to raise awareness Respectfully drawing public attention to this situation through local media outlets or social media can sometimes catalyze positive change at facilities motivated to protect their reputation.

The key is continuing to advocate compassionately but persistently for these vulnerable dialysis patients to receive the dignity, comfort and accommodations they deserve at this clinic. With coordinated efforts, improved solutions can likely be implemented.

 

[Jules]

Vida, is this a private clinic or part of the whole medical system? If part of the whole system, write and call to complain.

Start by writing a letter to the Editor of your newspaper. Make it brief, just to explain what is happening. Once the community knows something, they tend to respond.

I’ll stop writing, Paco’s AI gave a good summary.

 

[palides2021]

I looked up some ways that might be very beneficial to getting something done to help these unfortunate people.

Claude.ai

You raise an extremely valid and concerning point about the lack of basic accommodations and dignity provided for vulnerable dialysis patients at this clinic. These are folks dealing with serious health issues who should be treated with utmost care and compassion. Here are some suggestions on how this situation could potentially be improved:

1. Contact the clinic administration The first step would be to respectfully bring this issue to the attention of the clinic's management or patient relations staff. Explain the specific concerns you've witnessed about patients having to wait outside with no seating, shelter or accommodations. Propose solutions like setting up a sheltered waiting area with chairs for those arriving early.
2. Suggest a patient/community advisory board Many healthcare facilities have patient and community advisory boards to get input on improving patient experiences. You could recommend establishing one if they don't have it, and volunteer to serve on it to represent the concerns of dialysis patients.
3. Reach out to local community/civic groups Organizations like the Lion's Club, Rotary Club, church groups, etc. sometimes take on projects to better assist vulnerable populations. They may be able to help by raising funds for a sheltered transit waiting area or providing volunteer greeters/escorts.
4. Contact your local government representatives County/city council members, state representatives, etc. often have resources to address accessibility and health equity issues affecting their constituents. You can advocate for them to ensure adequate funding and policies are in place.
5. Use media/social media to raise awareness Respectfully drawing public attention to this situation through local media outlets or social media can sometimes catalyze positive change at facilities motivated to protect their reputation.

The key is continuing to advocate compassionately but persistently for these vulnerable dialysis patients to receive the dignity, comfort and accommodations they deserve at this clinic. With coordinated efforts, improved solutions can likely be implemented.

This is good, @Paco Dennis! People that can do something about it need to be informed. Also, I was thinking the patients can contact their insurance company and complain. I don't know if that will help, but I used to work as a medical claims approver, and when patients contacted us, we paid attention.

 

[VaughanJB]

Vida, is this a private clinic or part of the whole medical system? If part of the whole system, write and call to complain.

Start by writing a letter to the Editor of your newspaper. Make it brief, just to explain what is happening. Once the community knows something, they tend to respond.

I’ll stop writing, Paco’s AI gave a good summary.

I like this post.

Hold the clinic responsible. Understand what they're doing, what they're aiming to achieve, and whom they're accountable to. Follow the money to find influence.

 

[davey]

yea shaming is the way to go!@!

 

[TennVet]

I started volunteering at the V A for similar reasons. Last week when I arrived I noticed a man sitting in his vehicle with his door open and holding his crutches. I stopped by and asked if he need assistance. He had called the number to request a shuttle, but that was 45 minutes before. I went and got one of the wheel chairs at the entrance so I could take him to his appointment. After getting him situated I found out the operator had told him to stand by his vehicle so the shuttle driver delayed because he had to go pickup a walkie-talkie could see him.

The temperature was already a humid 86 degrees, he was unable to stand more than a couple minutes. We went together to get his blood draw and labs done, then moved on to his primary care provider, and finally to a meeting with a social worker. This man was a Marine Vietnam veteran who was stationed at Camp LeJeune. He is currently getting weekly treatments for cancer that he has been undergoing for over six months.

Don't get me wrong the folks at this VA provide some very good care and in most cases in a very caring manner. My point is, like the persons standing outside a dialysis clinic this veteran was falling through the cracks. I'm not able to be at that VA center each day, but I've learned very quickly to look for situations that warrant some extra effort. Anyone going into or out of these facilities can lend a hand. I brought this matter to the attention of those that should be helping. Some of them were the ones that gave me the excuses, stand by your vehicle, he had to get his walkie-talkie. It's not enough to explain why it isn't done we each need to put out a hand and help.

 

[davey]

ya spot on there TennVet - like ya style man - carpe diem

 

[VintageBetter]

Humans, a very frail animal with a brain, survived because they can work together to solve problems. Until recently their ability to help each other was relatively limited because of a lack of technology. Today we have the technology to communicate around the world instantly. Our biggest communication problem now is it can be overwhelming with too much information. But let us remain positive and think of how we can make the world a better place in small ways.

Problem... Some people must have kidney dialysis 3 days a week to stay alive. Many of these people need transportation to and from dialysis treatments. In my community, that means these people are dropped off at the clinic and they are left outside for almost 1/2 hour with no place to sit and no protection from the elements. These are mostly frail older people but some younger ones may also need treatment.

I took a friend to the clinic this morning because the transportation system these people depend upon had only one driver and that one was sent to a city far out of town. Several people didn't show up because they had no ride. Those who did show up were left standing outside with no place to sit. Fortunately, it is a relatively warm morning. He told me it is very unpleasant to be out there waiting to get in the clinic when it is below freezing and the wind is blowing. One man waiting at the door was in a wheelchair. An elderly woman was standing with no place to sit and at least 3 regulars didn't show up.

I am horrified! Shouldn't these clinics be caring refuges where vulnerable people feel safe and cared for? If the clinic were my home, I would welcome everyone inside and offer a hot drink and something to eat. As a homemaker isn't it our duty to make others comfortable? Isn't that what makes a society good? Please, help me resolve this problem. What can be done to make things better for these people?

If you're not worried about the chairs getting stolen, could you buy some folding chairs and put them in your trunk? Offer one to those who have to wait. Write very clearly in black permanent marker all over the seat and seat back, "Property of XYZ Dialysis" or your own first initial and last name, or the address of the clinic. Just mark them up real good so if people steal them they might feel a bit of shame.

I'm not suggesting you're rich or it's not the clinic's job to give a fart about the patients. I'm just saying that sometimes the quickest way to show people how they should be giving a fart is to give a fart yourself (not literally pass gas, of course. Fart is used as a substitute for the other f-word.)

The cheapest ones at Target are $14 each. At Ikea they are $12. You could also ask people you know for donations? Many people have old ones they are willing to part with. Or make a GoFundMe plea to donate folding chairs to you, or look on Craigslist for them for cheap.

If you do decide to join Facebook, PLEASE walk through all the privacy settings carefully and make your page non-public. You don't want the scams seeking you.

I also believe in karma. Give chairs away and I think it will come back to you one way or another - but, that's just me. I know many others say that's a bunch of hooey and everything in the world is all MINE, MINE, MINE! Brah-Hahahahahaha!

Of course, if you are completely poor, you'll have to beg for donations on Craigslist and other places.

You can tell I'm pretty fed up with bad, stupid systems. I just say, "Fix it yourself, Vida." Like the Little Red Hen:

"Who will help me plant the wheat?"
"Not I," said the cow.
"Not I," said the pig.
"Not I," said the cat.
"Then I will do it myself," said the Little Red Hen. And she did.

Bonus points: You might make the Dialysis place feel a bit ashamed if you hand out folding chairs. That might work better than numerous letters.

 

[Vida May]

If you're not worried about the chairs getting stolen, could you buy some folding chairs and put them in your trunk? Offer one to those who have to wait. Write very clearly in black permanent marker all over the seat and seat back, "Property of XYZ Dialysis" or your own first initial and last name, or the address of the clinic. Just mark them up real good so if people steal them they might feel a bit of shame.

I'm not suggesting you're rich or it's not the clinic's job to give a fart about the patients. I'm just saying that sometimes the quickest way to show people how they should be giving a fart is to give a fart yourself (not literally pass gas, of course. Fart is used as a substitute for the other f-word.)

The cheapest ones at Target are $14 each. At Ikea they are $12. You could also ask people you know for donations? Many people have old ones they are willing to part with. Or make a GoFundMe plea to donate folding chairs to you, or look on Craigslist for them for cheap.

If you do decide to join Facebook, PLEASE walk through all the privacy settings carefully and make your page non-public. You don't want the scams seeking you.

I also believe in karma. Give chairs away and I think it will come back to you one way or another - but, that's just me. I know many others say that's a bunch of hooey and everything in the world is all MINE, MINE, MINE! Brah-Hahahahahaha!

Of course, if you are completely poor, you'll have to beg for donations on Craigslist and other places.

You can tell I'm pretty fed up with bad, stupid systems. I just say, "Fix it yourself, Vida." Like the Little Red Hen:

"Who will help me plant the wheat?"
"Not I," said the cow.
"Not I," said the pig.
"Not I," said the cat.
"Then I will do it myself," said the Little Red Hen. And she did.

Bonus points: You might make the Dialysis place feel a bit ashamed if you hand out folding chairs. That might work better than numerous letters.

Thank you so much for the suggestion. I have been busy and let this problem slip my mind. With your prompting, I have contacted the local Elks lodge and I can submit a request for a bench that can not be easily hauled off. For $160 I can join the lodge but until I get a car repair, I don't want to spend that money. Besides I don't think I would ever be an active member. I have no interest in socializing with people who like to sit around and drink alcoholic beverages. Joining them is as attractive as joining a church in hopes of getting something done. Bad attitude I know.

I found out the problem is created by CMS

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is a federal agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services that administers the Medicare program and works in partnership with ... Wikipedia

They are the ones who make the policy that leaves people standing outside for a long time, even in freezing cold weather and no place to sit.

The people who drive the patient to the location are supposed to sit with the patient in their warm cars, and that absolutely is not being done. Nor can it be done because these are often paid drivers who have to get on to the next ride. The next ride can be another dialysis person who needs to be there at the same time as the person who is just dropped off.

See the picture? The people who make the policy have nothing to do with our local community and with good intentions they have created a very bad situation. The people who run the clinic and provide the rides are doing their best and they have no power to deal with the policy makers.

Take deep breath and relaaaax. I feel like an ant climbing up the leg of an elephant with the intention of rape.

It would be nice if this were the only thing that needs to be fixed. My friend had back surgery and is in rehab.. He is afraid to go home and attempt to live alone. His apartment may be too small for a wheelchair. It is certainly too cluttered and oversized furniture needs to be removed. We are talking about someone who has a hard time learning how to play solitaire. He feels scared and overwhelm and I don't know how this will work out if I don't resolve all the problems. I don't want his problems!

The dialysis policy involves many people so I have more motivation. But correcting the problems with his living situation is pushing things too far.

 

[VintageBetter]

Thank you so much for the suggestion. I have been busy and let this problem slip my mind. With your prompting, I have contacted the local Elks lodge and I can submit a request for a bench that can not be easily hauled off. For $160 I can join the lodge but until I get a car repair, I don't want to spend that money. Besides I don't think I would ever be an active member. I have no interest in socializing with people who like to sit around and drink alcoholic beverages. Joining them is as attractive as joining a church in hopes of getting something done. Bad attitude I know.

I found out the problem is created by CMS

They are the ones who make the policy that leaves people standing outside for a long time, even in freezing cold weather and no place to sit.

The people who drive the patient to the location are supposed to sit with the patient in their warm cars, and that absolutely is not being done. Nor can it be done because these are often paid drivers who have to get on to the next ride. The next ride can be another dialysis person who needs to be there at the same time as the person who is just dropped off.

See the picture? The people who make the policy have nothing to do with our local community and with good intentions they have created a very bad situation. The people who run the clinic and provide the rides are doing their best and they have no power to deal with the policy makers.

Take deep breath and relaaaax. I feel like an ant climbing up the leg of an elephant with the intention of rape.

It would be nice if this were the only thing that needs to be fixed. My friend had back surgery and is in rehab.. He is afraid to go home and attempt to live alone. His apartment may be too small for a wheelchair. It is certainly too cluttered and oversized furniture needs to be removed. We are talking about someone who has a hard time learning how to play solitaire. He feels scared and overwhelm and I don't know how this will work out if I don't resolve all the problems. I don't want his problems!

The dialysis policy involves many people so I have more motivation. But correcting the problems with his living situation is pushing things too far.

Personally, I am not crazy about my local Congressional Rep. But this is a perfect opportunity to call your Congressperson's office and talk to an aid about all the Failures to Coordinate on the part of this system.

IF you have a good rep, they may take it seriously because Medicare has money. They really can afford to install some benches.

Example: I just looked up this Congresswoman from Vermont and on her page, as is true with just about all of them, it has a part that says Help with a Federal Agency: Constituent Services Request | U.S. Representative Becca Balint

If you don't want to call them right now, this is where you can contact your rep's office and they will call you back. They will always call me back. I will give them high marks for that. They don't always take my concerns seriously, I can usually tell at my age when I am being patronized, but when you bring up an issue there is a record of it and if other people call in with the same complaint, things might get done.

Even better, send them some pictures. Sometimes people have to SEE to believe. Take some photos of the patients standing, waiting, especially if the weather is bad. All for want of some benches.

But when a law gets passed that you or I don't like, this is how it happens. A group pf people were bugging, nagging the members of Congress until they made the law. They respond better to groups than to individuals, so if the Elks want to lobby with you, that might be a good reason to join.

 

[Vida May]

We had a congressman who had a team that was very responsive to our request for help and replying to our letters of concern. He was elected again and again because I think many of us were owing to him.

Now all communications with government are less than satisfying but I called the Dialysis place and they said a federal agency makes the policy requiring the door to remain closed until a nurse is present. I called the agency and a very nice man said that was a lie! He told me to call QIO, which is Quality Improvement Organization. I called QIO and left a message. I got a call when I was driving and by the time I parked, it was too late. I am waiting for a day when I have nothing to do but wait for a return phone call. If anyone thinks something needs to be improved here is the phone number 888-305-6759.

I know how things get changed because I joined Grandparents for Family Justice and we got the Children's Services Department completely changed. Not only was policy completely changed but we got a law protecting grandparent rights. At that time a new governor wanted to make changes and that is an important piece to success. Having many of us work on the problem from all over the state, was important and because we were fighting for our grandchildren, we were committed. It took a lot of time and money to get this organized but what won't we do for our families?

Communication is key! You obviously have experience. Should we start a thread about what citizens can do to change things? I am not sure civilization is going to survive the flood of technology that has taken over our lives and also the problems of a greatly increased population that means our representatives, just can not respond to us as they once did. There are too many of us.

I wrote to Biden and got a letter that did not address my concern but promoted Biden as a great president. That was the wrong way to reply to my concern. I did not expect Biden himself to reply, but I did expect a reply about my concern, not a campaign message.