State responds to Vets Home complaints

LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) - The transition from union to private health care workers at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans has created a good deal of conversation this week from Lansing to Grand Rapids.

Thursday, the board of managers met for their regular meeting and at one point their attention turned to the replacement of some union health care workers at the home that occurred last week.

One member of the board said he had been hearing reports that concerned him. He called them "horror stories." Among the complaints are lack of staffing and residents hot getting fed on time -- or at all. The home director admitted there had been bumps in the road.

But the state's point man for Veterans Homes Jim Dunn asked a series of questions seemingly designed to point out there were similar complaints in the past -- even before the change.

Complaints from former staff, current workers and residents remain. One resident told 24 Hour News 8 Thursday that "We need our workers back."

The state contends that the care will not suffer for the residents, but questions remain.

==Watch 24 Hour News 8 Political Reporter Rick Albin's full report above: Hear some of the complaints and response to complaints regarding the home. Additionally, Comment from the company contracted by the state to supply the workers to the home.==