Walking along the home’s shaded paths, it’s easy to see why residents wish to remain here.
Lies and Damned Lies
The line between what is true and what is a lie is often blurred. What used to be the truth is now couched in terms like "plausible deniability," or "white lies and half truths," or "political spin."
Sometimes a lie is soft and expected, especially when fishing for compliments. Other times, a lie can be as jarring and cold as picking up the phone and finding a Sarah Palin robo-call at the other end of the line.
There are lies, and there are damned lies.
At the end of the day, however, a lie is what it is: a lie.
We who are fighting against the closure of the Motion Picture & Television Fund's long-term care center have been dealing with lies, half-truths and spin for a long time. We knew it -- we just wanted you to know it.
Our conjecture -- that the reasons for closing the much beloved MPTF Home hospital and long-term care center were based on mistruths and misstatements -- is well-known.
As much as we whined and opined about what appeared to be double-speak at best from the mouths of the MPTF spokesholes, we were hesitant to actually condemn them and give them a royal time-out to stand facing the corner for being liars as their pants blazed.
"Liar" is a powerful accusation, and not a term you would want to hang on caregivers and those who pay those caregivers, especially when they are caring for your own.
Or, for OUR own.
I bring this up because it seems we have caught them in a lie. A big lie. I'd single out Ken Scherer as being the mastermind that controlled the mouth that regurgitated and misspoke, but that would be giving him too much credit. Ken is merely a puppet who puts a friendly face on the MPTF. Cherubic, smiling, polished -- looking at him, he's hard not to like.
But then again, so was Chucky, the scruffy doll from those cheesy horror movies that would lie (or is that lay) innocently, soundlessly in his box until reanimated by forces from a netherworld that enabled his diabolic mischief. Just like these guys who get their strings pulled by the hapless and oft-derided MPTF PR machine.
Scherer claimed that the MPTF wanted to work with each family to look for "a beautiful bed" for each of the residents. What kind of crap is that? They are in a beautiful bed. The beds that I've personally seen of some of the facilities on your short list are anything but beautiful. They reek. They are piled four to a small room.
Come on, Ken, check these places out before you buy the bullshit that the MPTF is selling. Those who
fall victim to transfer trauma are not dying in beautiful beds. These aren't California queens with 1,000-count Egyptian cotton sheets and duvets. These are death beds, Ken.
Lies.
That's why we had a feeling of vindication when it was revealed by Steven Mikulan of TheWrap that Ken Scherer did lie when [pull string] "Scherer denied that MPTF had ever set a timetable in motion to satisfy a specific deadline."
According to Mikulan, within hours TheWrap received evidence that there indeed was a date set of October 2009 to close down the facility. At least, that's what Seth Ellis communicated by letter to Eric Stone, who is a supervisor for the Department of Health Services.
I spoke personally to Mr. Stone after the DHS granted the MPTF their closing. According to Mr. Stone, the MPTF was deficient in the notice that it gave the families. Mr. Stone was at a loss to explain why the MPTF did not provide information on how to protest the closing.
Lies by omission.
If these are the first lies uncovered, believe me, they won't be the last.
What has been revealed is probably the tip of the iceberg, one that silently waits for the good ship Motion Picture and Television Healthcare to sideswipe it, creating a hull breach that sinks the promise of We Take Care of Our Own.
Attorneys for the residents have yet to show their hand. In Bob Beitcher's blog of Oct. 27, he reveals: "The attorneys for many of the members of Saving the Lives of Our Own are in possession of MPTF¹s audited financial statements and countless other financial documents that were provided by MPTF¹s attorneys. They have not disputed or challenged our numbers."
Well, my guess is that just because you haven't heard them dispute them yet, doesn't mean you won't in the future. Also, Mr. Beitcher, another error on your part: The attorneys represent the residents, not Saving the Lives of Our Own, although we do share a common counselor and premise (the truth).
My question is, when do lies become fraud?
If we find that any of the reasons given to close the long-term care facility that resulted in the transfer and subsequent death of a resident were fraudulent, or based on lies, then what? Justice is blind behind that blindfold, even to the gleaming teeth and Klieg-lit events sponsored by the MPTF executives.
They'll mimic the shock that was painted on Bernard Madoff's face when the hammer came down. We learned from that. Even the wealthy can be brought down and made to answer for their sins.
Would the legacies of those mentioned in past blogs be tarnished by a kerfuffle that nobody thought would reach this level? If a verdict of manslaughter was handed down, who would pay? Would these model businessmen consider the beds to be "beautiful" in prison? Or would they finally get the connection?
Oh yeah, Mr.
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Long Term Caregiver Says
WE ARE STILL HERE, THE RESIDENTS ARE STILL HERE, LONG TERM CARE IS STILL HERE. SAY IT AND B PROUD!!!
THANK OU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE HELPED AND WHO ARE INVOLV NOW WE WORK TO KEEP HOPE ALIVE!!!
Truth Teller Says
Here is what OTHERS are saying about Richard Stellar here on THE WRAP message boards -
Richard acts and functions like he knows what he is talking about! He is no better than those that are throwing the elderly out. Before all this closure talk even happened, barely anyone came to visit Mary. He knows it. We know it. You shouldn't act so high and mighty. It doesn't make you any better than them anyway. You were almost never involved in Mary's care once you sent her to the home. Visiting once a week, most times not even that. Let the truth be told.
**********
Children of the elderly turning over the care of their mother or father to the home - DISCARDED!
Visiting every once in a while for minutes, simply making an appearance. Why now when the worst has happened does this organization say the home has an obligation! What happened to their loyalty?
SAVE MPTF !!
LOSE Richard Stellar !!
George Orwell Says
During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.
Throw them out Says
Throw them out already -
Start building those luxury condos and get mine ready. I want to use that Jodi Foster pool and health club by spring time and I don't need to see those sick old unsuccessful agers [go Seth go] drooling as they're being wheeled around on my beautiful grounds.
Keep it up you MPTF Board guys and gals. If they were successful like you and me, they wouldn't have to worry about going away to some piss hole.
Don't let those pro-lifers turn you around!!!
Bill Rudd Says
I had no idea this was happening. I had always pictured the Home as a top of the line facility. With all the money in Hollywood and so many actors involved in charity work I thought the people there were being given the best of everything. Now I read this? Wow! I am shocked to say the least. It does seem unreal. Movies with $100 million budgets are cranked out like it's nothing but the old folks are being kicked out of their home? Unbelievable.
Stewie Says
Funny how deceit, stress and despair shows on the face. I was horrified to see one of the MPTF executives recently, who looks like they are showing signs of leprosy, ebola, or advanced dermatitis.
I quote:
"While dermatologists are still debating whether stress actually causes skin disorders, they seem to agree that stress definitely triggers or aggravates skin conditions such as acne, hives, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, warts, cold sores and blisters. "And that matches the ayurvedic perspective," says Rama Kant Mishra, world-renowned ayurvedic dermatologist. "Ongoing day-to-day stress adversely impacts your immune system."
Confession is God's Clearasil! You know what's going on - take a stand against it - it's not too nate, I mean...late!
Bye bye beneficiary Says
When profits matter more than human rights to this charity, healthcare is rationed and lying becomes a means to an end.
To Compassion, it's not just a threat, is it? We heard it's pending litigation.
To Pending, it's also about responsibility to donors. At least that's what our advisor said when we changed our trust and wills.
Stellar Armor Says
We know who this man is. He's a nobody, a loser, someone who Richard doesn't want to know. A disgruntled family member who has nothing going for himself but an obsession with Richard and his family.
Go away. The staff thinks you are crazy. So does the F.B.I.
Le Vrais Says
Richard Stellar - "No better than those who are throwing the elderly out."
Truer words were never spoken.
David Meyer Says
Cheryl, my heart goes out to you and your family. Is there any way we can help the family with a donation or....?
The caregivers often rally behind the residents. Even more so during times of tragedy and stress.
An Actor Says
I no longer use the services of the Motion Picture Fund. I don't see my doctor there, I don't avail myself of the facilities. Why, you ask? Because the place has become dirty. It has become run down. It's like a jail medical facility.
What happened? This is the new dawn of what - are we supposed to embrace this? I've seen cleaner toilets in gas stations than what I experienced in an acute care area of the center.
I'm not the only one who feels this way. Thank God I can private pay with another physician.
So sad, what we have become. I think we are all at fault. How can we fix this? We must fix this!
Truth Teller Says
My friend from Indonesia was Mary Stellar's care giver at Woodland Park Avenue West in the Woodland Hills. She would tell me how Richard Stellar would rarely even visit Mary and when he did that he would not even sit down and speak with her. He would stand for a few minutes and leave. My friend would have to call Richard over and over to get things for Mary's care but he could not be bothered. Richard lived so very close to Mary but would hardly ever find the time to even visit her at all.
We should all fight to keep the hospital open but you should know about this man !!!!!
"Apa yang terjadi di sekitar datang sekitar"
Here is what OTHERS are saying about Richard Stellar here on THE WRAP message boards -
Richard acts and functions like he knows what he is talking about! He is no better than those that are throwing the elderly out. Before all this closure talk even happened, barely anyone came to visit Mary. He knows it. We know it. You shouldn't act so high and mighty. It doesn't make you any better than them anyway. You were almost never involved in Mary's care once you sent her to the home. Visiting once a week, most times not even that. Let the truth be told.
**********
Children of the elderly turning over the care of their mother or father to the home - DISCARDED!
Visiting every once in a while for minutes, simply making an appearance. Why now when the worst has happened does this organization say the home has an obligation! What happened to their loyalty?
SAVE MPTF !!
LOSE Richard Stellar !!
Compassion Says
If the threat of a lawsuit doesn't move someone, maybe this human tragedy will. Our heart and prayers go out to your family Cheryl. What a moving tribute to what is great about the Motion Picture Home - which is the attention and love the residents get from the caregivers. It is a comfort that our loved ones are in good hands.
Your grand-niece's prescient decision to share life with the donation of her organs is the kind of mentality that we all seek.
I hope her lesson touches someone. Your story will not fall on deaf ears. We'll make sure of that.
Cheryl Hardy Phillips Says
As I read about Mrs. Wasserman enjoying the spotlight and wonderful food at the elegant dinner party held at the Motion Picture Home, I wished so much I could sit down and talk to her. I would tell her that on this very same day my brother, who is a patient in the LTC unit, doesn't know that his first born granddaughter is in Northridge Hospital across town fighting for her life. I would tell her my brother doesn't know because he suffers from early onset Alzheimer's and is in the last stages of the disease and most days he doesn't wake up enough to open his eyes. So maybe today for the first time, I would tell her, we are thankful that he doesn't know that last night on the 101 Freeway a drunk driver going the wrong-way on that freeway, hit her head on in the fast lane. I would tell her that my brother's wife can't make it to the LTC today to feed him lunch as she has done nearly each and everyday over the past 8 months.
But then I would tell her that my sister-in-law doesn't have to worry about him while she deals with this tragic accident - with her son, her granddaughter - her daughter-in-law, because I made one call to MPTF Long Term Care - E Wing. Alex -one of my brother's main caregivers answered the phone. All I had to do was tell him of our tragedy and all our concerns were put to rest. His response was immediate. You needn't worry - I will take care of him - he is doing fine today - tell his wife he's doing well and she should know that all will be taken care of for her. She should also know that this is the caregiver that dresses my brother in his USC shirt when there is a USC football game on TV - knowing that he has no idea what a football game is anymore.
I would tell Mrs. Wasserman that this is why we are not leaving this hospital - this is the kind of care our loved ones get at the Motion Picture Home - the kind of care that they will get at no other Home in Southern California no matter what the Board tells her.
My next call was to my family at Saving the Lives of Our Own. Do you know who they are Mrs. Wasserman? They are the ones that I can ask at a moment's notice to please look in on my brother and make sure he's doing OK, and it's done - no questions asked. They are the ones that have been calling and emailing for 2 days to check on our needs and telling us of all the prayers and thoughts that are coming our way.
These are the families of all the long term care patients that aren't going anywhere, Mrs. Wasserman. I'd let her know what a great thing her husband did and how these ARE the people he wanted to help in their last days, and that maybe she should take a 2nd look all on her own, without any doublespeak, without anyone telling her what to think, or what to say or what to feel. That's what I would have said to her on Sunday.
But now it is Tuesday - my brother's granddaughter was taken off life support yesterday - she didn't make it. She was only 19 years old and surprised even her parents, when they found out she had signed up to be an organ donor all on her own. So today the caregivers at the MPTF LTC continue to do the great job they do and more, by being family to my brother, until we can again be at his side. So today the members of Saving the Lives of Our Own continue their vigil keeping watch and supporting each other, so that our loved ones will never have to go without this kind of security and comfort.
Pending Litigation Says
The problem is a deep one, and it is becoming rampant in our industry. With the MPTF it's about responsibility to those in their charge, with the unions, it's about responsibility to their members, with the studios, it's about responsibility to their shareholders.
Guess what, it's screw those that do not bring in revenue anymore. That's the elderly. As responsible as the unions and studios are to their front line constituents, the MPTF has been dragging their feet for years in maintaining the refuge.
They try to re-invent elder care, and they have failed. Now it's 90% damage control and 10% health control. Fail, fail, fail.
If the elderly were unionized, or had stock in Sony or Paramount - we'd see different treatment.
Uh Oh` Says
"We want to find them beautiful beds." Ken Scherer
What a precious comment, what a nice man. Precious, precious.
This comment from Ken baby had to have some secret significance - tell me it's freakin code for something. Scary man. Gotta wonder what lies beneath the surface at the Motion Picture Home with Ken baby and his friends. I have an idea. Let's find out.
I Can Hear The Music Now Says
Fire the entire group of Administrators involved with this tragedy, the other lackey social workers, supervisor nurses, medical staff, the ones who are committing moral and probably civil crimes against the handicapped and elderly in Long term Care in the name of keeping their jobs at any cost, of sucking up so they can shake hands or play golf with a certain star actor who like them is w/o a shred of morality.
Let's see what rock they crawl under when their names hit the papers worldwide along with the "spent volcanos" - the impotent old studio heads who look like they are one step away, who get their jollies continuing to torment Industry workers, yes, especially those of us in unions. "I can hear the music now..."
What a sad use of the donors money - paying/wasting/throwing away a million plus dollars each month to insure that elderly human beings from our Industry who are in need, will not be in those beds. They are willing to lose $10,500 for each empty bed - jeepers what kind of a charity is this? Did they check with their lawyers about [altogether now] fiduciary responsibility? Paying subsidies to others who have fled out of fear and pressure from MP&TF brown shirts - just to get them out to solve "the problem" of "those people."
Justice will prevail, I can hear the music now...
Dying to Get In Says
Congrats Richard on this blog being in the top ten most read articles on The Wrap. You are keeping this issue on the front burner. Keep the heat up. We're proud of all of you who are keeping hope alive for the residents and the caregivers! Let's not forget about them!!
Concerned Actor Says
This is starting to remind me of the patient dumping case against Kaiser, where they found a poor semi-demented patient wandering skid row. Kaiser put that person in a taxi with directions to the driver of where to drop them off.
It looks like you have been successful thus far in at least keeping the doors to the nursing home open.
I would think the MPTF is quite capable of this as a next step.
To Melody Says
Melody -
My heart goes out to you and your Mom. You are both
in our families prayers.
IF your Mom is forced out, have you considered talking to
Richard Stellar's wife Nuala. Word is that she is in the
admissions department at the California Jewish Homes (but
Richard has yet to verify that.) Here is her contact info
from the web:
Nuala Stellar
Admissions Coordinator
Nuala.Stellar@jha.org
818.774.3304
True Says
Four wheelchair bound residents were recently moved to Harry's Haven. One, a centenarian, has passed away in less than two months time. If 'it' would have happened anyway, as MPTF paid staff are fond of saying, then why move her? How was the move to Harry's in the resident's best interest?
True Too Says
The problem with that is that residents are being directed to areas of the facility that they were prevented from being in when they were admitted. Harry's Haven being one. Harry's is an Alzheimer's facility where the conditions used to be 'ambulatory mobility' - meaning that you had to be able to walk around, however aimlessly. Now they are trying to move some residents who are not ambulatory to Harry's.
To those who are not struck with Alzheimer's and are even partially coherent, Harry's is a daunting environment with locks and gates.
If I were Michael Douglas, I'd be quite ticked off. The fund is diluting the Harry's environment by off-loading residents who they can't find 'a beautiful bed' for - or, placating family members by keeping the resident on campus.
Shell game indeed!
True Says
The relocation of residents to other part of campus is at the Fund's expense - those residents are subsidized by the Fund if they are unable to pay. The relocation of residents off-campus is also at the Fund's expense - those former residents are also subsidized by the Fund if unable to pay. The goal, in Tillman's words, is to empty the hospital.
Altogether now, can we say shell game?
Insider Says
The MPTF's relocation of patients to other parts of the campus is internal patient dumping. Melody, you should tell your story.
What they put you through is criminal.
And Then There Were None Says
The first LIE was when MPTF said they had a plan in place to relocate the residents.
The 3-STEP PLAN offered to me:
Step One: "Here's a list of Nursing Homes. Check them out right away so that you have a choice."
Step Two: "We'll give you a list of some good moving companies."
Step Three: "We'll put her in your car."
Melody Sherwood
Echo Says
Do you already hear the sounds of the The Yuppie Nuremberg Defense from corporate staff who do morally reprehensible things but make the argument they have to do those things to make a living?
Roger Daniels Says
The evidence of mismanagement, moral and ethical wrong doings, and elder abuse by staff members, is in the hands of the residents lawyers.
The horrific events that the defenseless residents of the Motion Picture Home have had to suffer through in the last 10 months, WILL go to trial. Then lets see how the MPTF top management, David Tillman, Seth Ellis, Ken Scherer, Frank Guarrera, and Sue Poprock, sit on the stand and defend themselves out of their lies and inhumane actions.
The MPTF atrocity is far greater than anyone ever believed to be at the start! The smiles of MPTF management such as Ken Scherer, will turn to tight lipped fear of reckoning when the judgement is made.
Underlings such as Nate Newman, Naomi Rada, Chris Hadad, Joan Carey, Linda Healy, and Sue Schubert, will also get their time on the stand.
These individuals have personally had a hand in sending helpless sick and fragile residents to their DEATHS. Let's not forget Dr. Humayan, and his newly formed care teams, as also serving a part in this horrific disaster.
Rabbi Art Rosenberg... you'll just rot eternally in hell.
Under oath, in front of the Judge, litigated by one of the worlds most prominent and feared trial lawyers, accountability becomes a whole different story.
PERJURY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. PUNISHABLE BY LAW!
Justice WILL be served. Too much irreparable damage has been done.
The eyes of justice will gladly scorn those of guilt!
Sandy vol Says
Decades ago, yet somehow in the future, industry members joined together to
create a model charity. Thanks to all who are working to save the fund then and now.
Fight...Fight...Fight Says
Wait a minute. Richard Stellar's wife works in admissions at the California Jewish Homes? Is this true?
Ray from the DGA Says
I'm confused as to why these people even issue statements anymore. They are totally screwed. Who would have thought that this uprising by the families would have gained so much momentum.
You might not hear the voices, but they are there. It is the subject of conversation on sound stages, in board rooms, and in executive offices all over. We are disgusted by this turn of events.
Rest assured that the lies as they are exposed will serve to topple the current regime.
Congratulations on a war well fought, so far.
Willow Hale Says
I have visited the Motion Picture Home many times and it takes of our own in such a wonderful way. Where are we actors to go in our old age when we are alone and have no one to take care of us. Our family, the people we've worked with and created relationships with, our new family, they can take care of us. It would be a crime to take away this home.
Willow Hale
WE MUST KEEP LTC OPEN Says
Richard Stellar's wife Nuala Stellar happens to be in the admissions department at the California Jewish Homes. Also, word is that CJH is "tripling their LTC department."
The MPTF LTC should remain open, but if not, maybe Richard and Nuala can help get some of our loved ones into CJH?!
Of course, this would be a last resort.
Casbah Says
Yeah, it was a 'model business'. Back in the day it was really a home. Now when you enter you feel you're on the set of some cheap prison movie.
Keeping the doors open must be painful, but it must be done.
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