Don’t drop a “That’s my buddy!” or “Sending prayers” on this post unless you’re actually planning to do something. Comments don’t change laws. Politicians don’t count likes. And God helps those who help themselves — so help by taking action. These people need more than sympathy and Facebook prayers. They need people who will actually do something.
The story below is fictional, but every detail reflects real risks faced by Virginians every day under our current long-term care laws.
Imagine your parent, grandparent, or spouse—someone you love—recovering from surgery, vulnerable but hopeful, admitted to a Virginia long-term care facility that promises safety and rehabilitation.
That was James Carter—a 79-year-old with early-stage dementia and limited mobility after a hip replacement. His daughter trusted he’d be safe. But under Virginia’s current system, that trust is too often betrayed.
James was admitted to Riverview Hills Nursing & Rehabilitation, a fictional for-profit facility modeled on real ones operating today. Like many, it accepted more residents than it could safely care for—because Virginia law doesn’t require minimum staffing ratios. Just two CNAs covered 30 residents on James’s unit. His repeated calls for help went unanswered.
Desperate, he tried to get to the bathroom alone. He fell.
He soon showed signs of a urinary tract infection—a serious risk for elderly patients. But the facility had no full-time nurse practitioner. His symptoms were missed. His care plan wasn’t updated.
Three weeks after admission, James was hospitalized with sepsis, dehydration, and a deep, infected bedsore. His daughter—still unaware of how far his condition had deteriorated—was left in shock.
This story may be fictional, but the danger is very real.
Virginia has no mandated staffing ratios, allows profit-driven over-admission, and lacks effective oversight. Real people are being harmed. Real families are being shattered.
It’s time to act.
Contact Governor Glenn Youngkin and your state legislators today. Demand they:
• Pass the Virginia Long-Term Care Staffing Standards Act
• Limit unsafe, profit-driven admissions practices
• Enforce accountability with real penalties for neglect
Call the Governor’s Office: (804) 786-2211
Email Governor Youngkin: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/constituent-services/
Find and contact your legislators: https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov
Every day we delay, more lives are put at risk.
Be a voice for James—and for every real person suffering in silence right now.