When we place our loved ones into care we put a tremendous amount of trust in those that are tasked with caring for and assisting them.

So when things get as bad as it’s been suggested at some aged care providers in the region, we must stand up and take note.

I’ve been told by relatives of residents at Pioneer House that the staff have been stretched so thin that it is negatively affecting the quality of life at the centre.

I must make clear that I believe the staff clocking in and out each shift care for the residents as much we all expect they should.

I commend these people for continuing to do their best in what is a very tough situation.

But to those people who are making the important decisions like choosing to reduce or cut staff numbers. I think I speak for the community when I say:

It simply is not good enough. Not even close.

I was contacted by a resident’s family member and told that they were left to soil themselves after being told to go to the bathroom on their own because there were no staff around.

I was told by another person that staff are having to supplement essential supplies to residents out of their own pocket because the resources are simply not available.

It quickly becomes not just a issue of care, it's also an issue of human rights.

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Just about every person we've spoken to just wants to know how it got the point that it's at, they want answers.

The Mudgee Guardian publishes many types of stories, but one of the core aims of journalism is to hold those in power to account, to keep them honest and to ask those tough questions.

That's why we've invited Pioneer House CEO, Fran Trisley to appear in a Facebook Live Q and A with the Mudgee Guardian to clear up what is going on and how they're going to win back the community's trust.

I want to thank all the people that spoke to us on the condition of anonymity about the mood and conditions at Pioneer House at the moment. 

If you’re affected by these conditions, know that you aren’t alone and there are always ways to get your story out.

If you want to support the Mudgee Guardian's work on stories like this, the best thing you can do is subscribe at mudgeeguardian.com.au/subscribe