Health
SACRAMENTO – In January 2014, media reports of a massive 10,000 complaint backlog over allegations of abuse and neglect in California’s nursing homes prompted a Joint Oversight Hearing co-chaired with the Assembly Health Committee and Assemblymember Mariko Yamada, chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care.
Following departmental testimony admitting to this large number of uninvestigated cases, in March Yamada sought a review by the California state auditor.
Last week, in an extensive report delivered to the governor and the Legislature, the state auditor substantiated systemic and statewide deficiencies in the complaints investigation process for California’s long-term health care facilities, with multiple recommendations for reform.
“The California Department of Public Health (DPH) is responsible for licensing and monitoring 2,500 long-term health care facilities, serving 300,000 of California’s poorest and frailest citizens, two-thirds of whom are women,” said Assemblymember Yamada. “The facts in the California state auditor’s report show that resident well-being in our state’s long-term health care facilities continue to be at serious risk.”
Citing lack of resources to conduct timely investigations, the report found that DPH took no action – such as a staffing analysis – to justify additional funding.
In four DPH District Offices selected for review, including Sacramento, San Francisco, Bakersfield and Riverside, the audit found wide inconsistencies in tracking complaints.
With the backlogged cases now numbering 11,000, DPH continues to resist establishing statewide standards for completing investigations, evidenced by its Oct. 3, response to the state audit report.
“Ignoring both legislative and industry calls for reform compelled me to ask for this state audit,” said Yamada. “With this report by the well-respected California state auditor and pending lawsuits, I call upon the governor and the incoming Legislature to act quickly to provide redress to the most vulnerable elders in our care.”
Yamada represents the Fourth Assembly District and all or parts of the counties of Colusa, Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo. She has been chair of the Assembly Aging and Long Term Care Committee since 2010.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – It’s “flu” season and the Lake County Public Health Division has announced its initial 2014-15 influenza vaccination clinics.
Health officials said getting vaccinated is a great way to avoid getting the flu.
Anyone 6 months of age or older is encouraged to get a flu vaccine.
Being careful to use good hygiene is another way to protect yourself and those around you. If you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or the crook of your arm instead of your hands.
A virus can easily be passed from your hands to the things you touch. Wash your hands often and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.
Try not to touch your face with your hands. A virus can enter your system through the membranes of your eyes, nose and mouth. Protect yourself by avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick.
Choosing a healthful lifestyle can also help to keep you well. Getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of water and staying physically active can help to maintain a healthy immune system. Together, we can help to decrease the spread of influenza in our community.
The symptoms of the flu include a temperature of over 100 degrees F combined with a cough, sore throat, body aches, headache and a lack of energy. If you are ill, stay home to keep from infecting others.
Lake County Public Health will start the season by offering flu vaccinations on Tuesday mornings by appointment in our Lakeport office. Please call 707-263-1090 or 1-800-794-9291 to schedule an appointment.
Additionally, Public Health will be offering flu vaccinations on Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Senior Community Center, 3245 Bowers Road in Clearlake.
Seasonal flu vaccines are $2.
Flu vaccinations are also available in a variety of locations, such as your primary care provider and local pharmacies.
The Lake County Public Health Division wishes everyone a healthy and happy fall and winter season.
Please call 1-800-794-9291 or 263-1090 with questions or concerns.
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