Today, I was banned from entering the facility where I used to work because of having publicly spoken about the site's elder abuse record. I stand by telling the truth about this facility, and my conscious is clear. But it still hurts unbelievably to be immediately removed from the site whilst setting things up for their Christmas Eve mass. I'm so thankful that I have amazing people in my life who will stand up for me and understand why I spoke out. I have been incredibly blessed.
After I got home and stopped crying, I read through today's and yesterday's Hadith of the Day, which spoke about "speaking good or remain silent". It made me think about how part of speaking good is to right the injustices of this world. Speaking good is not always a compliment. It is also a way to guide our behaviour and that of others so that we are also DOING good. Remaining silent keeps us from being mean, speaking ill of others unfounded, telling lies. Remaining silent is NOT about keeping your mouth shut when you see something wrong just because the truth may not be kind.
I stand so firmly in my beliefs that elder-abuse should not exist. I stand with my residents, and I will fight to the end to see that they receive the best care imaginable. It is our duty to fight for those who do not have a voice, and whether you are Muslim, Christian, athiest, etc., it is still your duty as a human being to care for others.
I hope that those of you watching will be mindful of abuse. Be mindful of your state laws and regulations concerning staffing, inspection deficiencies, training, and employee wages. Be mindful of the particular problems within large care corporations where frequent deficiencies and low-staffing are more common.
Thank you again for all of the lovely words of encouragement and love from all of you. May Allah bless you all.
Much love,
Missi