On April 17, 2008 during his testimony on Elder Justice Act (HR 1783) in front of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, now Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel stated, "I would like to briefly share with you one story of a former constituent of mine that I met in 2003. Her name is Rosemary Pulice and her father was abused and neglected in a nursing home. Before Alzheimer’s stripped him of his strength and clarity, her father was a strong and independent man: a World War II veteran who fought for his country, a loving husband and a caring father who meant the world to his family. His illnesses robbed him of both his physical and mental abilities – he could neither fend for himself physically nor sort through mentally what was happening. During his time at a nursing home, Rosemary started to notice bruises, cuts and contusions and when she asked staff about them, they claimed “Nothing happened on our watch.” No one was concerned about the injuries – no one attended to his pain. When Rosemary tried to address the abuse and neglect with aides, administrators, and finally with the police, she was treated as though she were crazy. The situation was treated as a “family problem” -- much like domestic violence was 20 years ago."
A Story Shared by Rahm Emanuel, Obama's Chief of Staff
By Kelly Matheson on Apr 29 09
On April 17, 2008 during his testimony on Elder Justice Act (HR 1783) in front of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, now Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel stated, "I would like to briefly share with you one story of a former constituent of mine that I met in 2003. Her name is Rosemary Pulice and her father was abused and neglected in a nursing home. Before Alzheimer’s stripped him of his strength and clarity, her father was a strong and independent man: a World War II veteran who fought for his country, a loving husband and a caring father who meant the world to his family. His illnesses robbed him of both his physical and mental abilities – he could neither fend for himself physically nor sort through mentally what was happening. During his time at a nursing home, Rosemary started to notice bruises, cuts and contusions and when she asked staff about them, they claimed “Nothing happened on our watch.” No one was concerned about the injuries – no one attended to his pain. When Rosemary tried to address the abuse and neglect with aides, administrators, and finally with the police, she was treated as though she were crazy. The situation was treated as a “family problem” -- much like domestic violence was 20 years ago."
To view Mr. Emanuel's full testimony please go to: judiciary.house.gov/hearings/pdf/Emanuel080417.pdf
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