Long-Term Care Facility

Re “Pair Files Wrongful Death Suit in Alleged Neglect of Mother, 85,” Jan. 11.

While we are sympathetic to the understandable distress of family members who have recently lost a loved one, this article requires a response.

* Comments of Pam Schuman, executive director of Ventura County’s Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, indicating the superior quality of long-term health care in Ventura County--including that offered by our Shoreline facility--need to be emphasized. Our primary obligation and our primary concern are always residents’ needs, and maintaining practices that ensure those needs will be met at the highest possible level.

* No Covenant Care facility has or ever will subordinate resident welfare to profitability. Any suggestion to the contrary is inherently preposterous. We cannot succeed and grow in our commitment to serving those who need our care unless we first provide superior services.

* The reputation of Shoreline is such that there is a lengthy waiting list of individuals wanting to establish residence here.

* Since the appearance of this article, we have received numerous indications of support from current residents and their families, all emphasizing the superior level of care provided at Shoreline.

* Comments by the California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform are misleading. Shoreline is among the largest long-term health care facilities in Ventura County. We believe that taking size into account would respond to any concerns regarding excessive complaints.

Finally, we are confident that the current litigation will ultimately be resolved in favor of Shoreline and Covenant Care.

MAGGIE PARRENO, R.N., Executive Director, Shoreline Care Center, Oxnard

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My sister has resided in the Shoreline Care Center for the past 11 months. I have visited her on a regular basis, perhaps two or three times per week. Therefore, I feel I can give an accurate account of the care and love Shoreline gives to its residents.

I have nothing but positive things to say concerning Shoreline and the attention its staff has given my sister. I have always been impressed with the cleanliness and atmosphere. The nurses, doctors and other staff members have provided her with the utmost care. They have also taken the time to inform me personally about any changes in her condition.

I greatly appreciate SHoreline for allowing me to have peace of mind in knowing that my sister is in a facility that is truly concerned with her well-being, a facility that is willing to give her the special attention and medical treatment she needs. Shoreline Care Center has met and even exceeded my expectations.

STELLA FOLGER, Oxnard