Guest Editorial, by Out for Answers
On August 26, 2013, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Director Jeff
Barnes announced that the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans has earned
full certification from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA)
for meeting VA standards of care for state veterans’ homes. The VA was
able to grant full certification to the Home after the MVAA finalized
its contract with an outside agency to provide comprehensive on-site
mental health services at the Home.
Sara Dunne went so far as to say that this outside agency would be a
great addition to the team and will enhance our ability to provide
high-quality care to our residents. She also stated that the GRHV can
IMMEDIATELY begin offering comprehensive on-site mental health services
to our residents, bringing us into full compliance with VA standards of
care.
This provisional certification by the USDVA was contingent on the Home
securing needed psychiatric care for its residents. The Director of
the Battle Creek VA Medical Center, Dr. Mary Beth Skupien, called this
a major accomplishment to be able to provide psychiatric services so
expeditiously. Dr. Skupien indicated that this was just another
example where all parties involved are focused on providing the highest
quality services needed to our nation’s heroes.
All of the above is fine and dandy, BUT, where is the psychiatrist? He
isn't on board at the Home. The veterans there are still being forced
to take drugs to modify their behavior. Many of the veterans are
unable to coherently put two words together. Some are too tired to get
out of bed. All that I have talked with that are drugged say to me,
"Can you please get me the hell out of here?" Many with tears in their
eyes. If the veterans weren't mentally ill before being drugged, they
are becoming that way now. Is this the achieved goal?
What does this lead us to believe? In my opinion, it is simple. Over
drug the patients means less work for the care givers. Over drug the
patients means that they can forever, keep them there too. Families
will eventually get exhausted in dealing with somebody who has turned
into a zombie. Little children won't want to go and see grandpa
because grandpa doesn't make any sense. I have heard one child say
that grandpa talks funny. Isn't it amazing what these drugs are doing
to our precious veterans.
The home likes to give mental competency tests to the veterans. How
many of the veterans can pass these tests when they are drugged to the
extent that they are? When they fail these tests, they are then made
wards of the court and are given court appointed guardians and
conservators. WOW! What a great way to steal not only their dignity,
but every penny they own too.
By the looks of it, the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans along with the
Michigan Department of Veterans Affairs has many people fooled. They
have the United States Department of Veterans Affairs believing that
all is well. Even the Director of the Battle Creek VA Medical Center
is fooled. I'm not fooled. The Veterans aren't fooled either. They
are dying inside every time they are unable to adequately voice their
opinion and concerns. When a veteran begs of you, with tears in their
eyes, to help and you can't, a part of you dies too. Now that you know
about it, is a part of you dying too?
Will this horror story ever end? This over drugging needs to stop. NOW
END.
Ed note: Got this one today from a first time contact. It is as they sent it, minus their real names. They chose the pen name, and I chose the headline.
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