Protestors Organize Outside Stanton Health Center
After his mother was quarantined as a precautionary measure, Troy Hahlbeck organized the demonstration in just 3 days.
By News Channel NebraskaSTANTON -- Outside of Stanton’s nursing home on Wednesday, a dozen people gathered for a demonstration.
“We’re not here saying anything is wrong with the nursing home,” Troy Hahlbeck said. “We’re here trying to get the rules changed that govern the nursing home.”
Hahlbeck said he organized the protest after his mother, Karen, had to be isolated due to the home’s protocol.
“She has to be put in quarantine for 14 days because she left the nursing home,” he said.
Hahlbeck says his mother had to leave for a visit with a doctor. He says his mother hasn’t eaten anything in nearly a week.
“We’re running into the problem where our loved ones are depressed,” he said.
“And that depression is killing them.”
The distance has been hard for Troy, his dad Jerry, and Karen. Even when sitting at opposite ends of a table or behind a screen, Karen’s hearing problems make connections nearly impossible.
“He’s never been apart from his wife for more than a few days, and now has been apart from his wife for more than six months,” he said.
“I was doing okay until all this,” Jerry Hahbleck said.
The Stanton Health Center follows guidelines set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, a federal agency.
Hahlbeck and the other demonstrators want to highlight the struggles of those both inside and outside the homes, in the hopes that something might change.
“Help us change the rules. Help us get into the home,” Troy said.
“Whoever can help, we’ll take their help. We need your assistance.”