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Find out what really goes on behind the scenes of long-term care facilities in Be Aware of That Nursing Home.Drawing from Richard Danford’s unparalleled, hands-on experience and insight into the long-term care system and its impact on consumers and families, this resource serves as an essential guide for those navigating the complexities of choosing nursing home care, emphasizing the importance of dignity, rights, and quality of life. Not only a testament to Richard’s lifelong commitment to advocacy, it’s also a call to action for systemic change.
At a time when nursing home conditions are once again in the media,
Be Aware of That Nursing Home offers a valuable perspective not commonly available to potential nursing home consumers and family members. What is available is slick, often misleading marketing created by an industry reaping massive profits off taxpayer dollars. Information attempting to influence policymakers is mostly provided by well-meaning academics, data experts, or attorneys who are one step removed from personally witnessing the everyday realities of nursing home environments. Those efforts are repeatedly squelched by the well-financed, powerful lobbyists of the long-term care industry. Otherwise, the tragic, unacceptable conditions in far too many nursing homes would never have happened.
Be Aware That Nursing Home informs consumers and families as to how today’s nursing homes came about, what tragedies occur daily, and what consumers need to know to protect themselves when choosing a facility. Not only is this information crucial for consumers and families, but it’s also important for the underappreciated, underpaid professionals attempting to serve in dysfunctional and often life-threatening environments.
About the author
With over four decades of leadership experience,
Richard Danford is a distinguished advocate for the aging and disabled populations. Currently serving as the Eastern Washington Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman, he has dedicated his career to protecting the dignity and rights of patients in long-term care. Richard began his advocacy career at the University of San Diego School of Law, where he quickly rose to become one of the youngest program directors in California. He cofounded the California Association of Mental Health Patients’ Rights Advocates (CAMHPRA) and played a pivotal role in creating the Psychiatric Emergency Response Teams (PERT) in San Diego. His extensive work includes directing mental health programs, establishing advocacy centers, and leading initiatives to improve long-term care and patient rights. Richard’s dedication has been recognized by the mental health community, the City of San Diego, and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, reflecting his lifelong commitment to empowering vulnerable populations.
