Oregon lawmakers look at improving long-term facilities

Oregon lawmakers have been considering a bill which would establish staffing ratios in long-term care facilities based on patient needs. Sen. Sara Gelser,  Senate Bill 714′s cosponsor, says residents of these facilities have a right to have dignified lives, to be safe and comfortable. Gelser said with the pandemic limiting family members’ access to care homes, staffing issues have become more apparent as often family would normally help out with care. She added staff need more training, support and pay. Another bill would require the state to adopt quality metrics for care facilities.