Letter to Editor
To the Editor:
I have never written a public letter before, but when people are treated poorly I have to speak up. I heard a rumor that Marion Manor was "cleaning house" and when I learned it was true, it made me very sad.
On Sunday I read in the Wichita Eagle that there was an opening for Ann Carr's social work position. I soon discovered that three long-time employees had been released: Ann Carr, Lisa Donahue, and Paula Berg. Janet Bryant, of course, followed her daughter out the door.
My parents were residents of Marion Manor from 1998 through 2001 (the year of their deaths). When you tend to your parents almost on a daily basis, the nursing home staff become like family. In short, I know these staff members well. Ann Carr is the best patient-family advocate I have ever known. I could fill a book with all the extras she did for Mom and Dad.
A couple of years ago I was asked to write a letter of support as the staff nominated Ann as Beverly Corporation's social worker of the year. They wanted to surprise her. They did. She won. Her picture was in the Marion County Record and posted at Marion Manor with a letter of congratulations from the corporation. What has changed in so short a time?
I hear that she came back from Wichita where she had been tending to her dying father and received the "your services are no longer needed" message on her answering machine. This is my idea of being treated very poorly.
When my father couldn't raise his arms above his head, Ann had her grandmother open his sweatshirts in the back and put in a Velcro fastener — no charge, just love. Thank you, Ann.
When my mother was chair bound, Lisa and Ann bundled her up and took her with other residents to see Christmas lights. I don't know how they got her into the van but I love them for it. Thank you Lisa and Ann.
When I needed tough questions answered, the nurses gave me honest, direct answers. To my neighbor and fellow RN, Paula Berg, thank you.
To Janet, who spent countless hours with the residents, thank you. She just has such a genuine love of our elderly. Folks like her are hard to find.
I am sorry these four dedicated women were treated so poorly after so many years of service. They deserved better.
Cathy Henderson
