How in the world could there have been a 6 hour gap of when she left??? That is INSANE. I want to run right out and put one of my family members in that facility. NOT!!

I’m sure there are some facilities that have great care takers… BUT then there are those that have employees that are there for the paycheck, not the patient/client. Regardless, UNACCEPTABLE!

I work in a group home, and some clients are not known for these types of behaviors… people always change, and things like this can happen as the clients age. It is by no means, at this point, the PCA’s fault. However, if the staff did not have sleep-hours and were supposed to be awake during this time to monitor this type of behavior, then it would be the fault of the PCA. Although there are some people who are there for just the paycheck, we can’t make assumptions based on the facts given. If you would work in a group home, you’d realize a lot more about them than what you can make assumptions on. Best of luck to the family and to the group home, and I will continue to hope for Ginger to have a safe return home.

Did they check the bingo halls and casinos?

Jenny, you seem to understand this better than anyone. We cared for my father and mother in law for a year at home before it became unsafe to do so. We had caregivers to help us as well. My father in law had stroke related dementia and every day was a different day. What was “safe” one day, was not safe the next. One night, he was able to get out of the house (something he had NEVER done) and in the month of November, he was out in the car at 2 am in the morning. Had it not been that this particular caregiver was a light sleeper (or the month of January), it could have ended tragically. You cannot make assumptions is correct, Jenny. As for me, I am going to pray for the safe return of Ginger and that the caregivers do not guilt themselves either. It is a very tough job (rewarding, but tough).

I’m her family member, and, Jeanne & Jenny, you are spot on. It is a wonderful small group home, with caring & attentive staff.

Given the choice between that & a larger institution where she would be secure but essentially hospitalized, we are grateful to have her there.