My Mother is currently in a nursing facility which will probably be long term because of her age a dementia. I am with her practically every day after work assist with dinner - while I was there yesterday I nearly triped on the floor because it was cleaned up of crumbs - I had to ask for someone to sweep the floor and it got so that I said give me the broom I'll do it - I cannot complain about all of the aides as they are wonderful but a few I noticed will do only so much and that is it. I love to say something to my Mother's social worker about this and a few other matters but I'm afraid if I do there will be repucissions. Has anyone had this kind of a problem - if so I need some advice on how to go about speaking up and not stirring the pot!!
The only way I got the problem solved is sleeping in the chapel of the hospital with my better half overnight, several nights.
The night security crew kicked it up to the brass and as soon as Connie and I hit the floor to check in on dad, all the cell phones dropped and everyone got real busy -- magically I might add :)
BTW - I also stick a large picture of her on the wall at the head of the bed so staff can see who she is when she is not sick.
Depersonalisation is the worst kind of isolation, since it humanizes the patient. Never let it happen. We also plaster the walls of her room with family pictures and pictures of scenes and places she loves.
It is never home, but it establishes her as a real person to staff and visitors alike.
Retribution by staff for a complaint made against them holds a $3000 fine and/or jail time.
Yes, it's nice to be able to resolve issues through a fair discussion, which should always be the first step, but as a former Ombudsman Supervisor I've come to realize that most complaints made to the staff or administration of long term care facilities fall on deaf ears or receive lip service unless an authoritative figure is on the side of right.
We used them when suing on behalf of a minor, and the appointment was only for purpose of that lawsuit.
That was back in the 60's and 70's. I don't know if they are still used or if they can be used for adults because there are other options available.
Pressure sores are UNFORGIVEABLE. They are signs of studied neglect, and make an inroad for infections.
Speak up now, and do not be afraid. In the English Law system there is a position called, "Next Friend." A Next Friend is appointed by a family member to speak up for the interests of anyone at risk whether in or out of a nursing facility of any kind.
I do not know whether this position exists in the American system, but if it doesn't then it should.
Regardless, get a bold, courageous, even an opinionated fearless friend of any sex or age to go with you and to speak out for you when you see such appalling neglect.
Never be afraid to make waves, and never be afraid to drop the provocative term, "Lawsuit" into the conversation.
Neglect in cases like these are elder abuse crimes and our loved ones are entitled to the full protection of the law in alleviating them.
I wish you well in your mother's future care.
Not all staff are careless, lazy, neglectful, but some are and they need to find different employment. They are suited for cinder sorting at the local gasworks, but should never be left to deal with people. It is not their vocation. The cinders will not mind their neglect or laziness.
Good luck.
Do not be fobbed off with excuses. Demand immediate improvements.
Consult your state ombudsman.
I never make any bones about the level of care I expect her to receive and I don't care who knows it. In fact, it has been my experience that the more people know what you expect from them fro your loved one the better and higher the standard of care they receive.
Relatives and caregivers must NEVER be complicit in neglect by failing to make complaints [most NHs have forms for that express purpose], nor for expressing your dissatisfaction at the level of care received or the standard of cleanliness of both the patient's body, the patient's bed, and surrounding area, nor of any rudeness, disrespect, or of any neglect, however slight, that your loved one, their patient, suffers.
If you have to raise H*ll in the place to get your loved on treated right, then do it. If you feel unable to do so, then contact your state ombudsman and complain loudly to them.
Let your voice be heard, let it be heard often, and make your ;ploints in a bold, courageous, and proper manner.
If that neglect persists, report the facility to the nearest police officer or station for serious 'elder neglect.' It is a crime.
The more light that it shed in these places, the better will be the level of care they offer as routine.
Independence Day is looming: make your stand and demand your rights.
Good luck and don't forget to complain to the Director of Nursing about the conditions your father is being treated to, tomorrow! Then, let us know how you got on. You can always call the local TV station and newspapers to highlight your concern and let some light in this dark place.
You're right about the Medicare ratings; they're based on certain standard criteria, but there's more to evaluation of a facility than that. Still, it's a measure of some factors, and I did rely on it to eliminate some facilities when I was looking several years ago.
The one area which I accidentally but completely overlooked was the staff to patient ratio, especially at meal time and thereafter.
If they cannot satisfy your proper worries, then look elsewhere.
If anyone is close to Mesa, AZ, I know of an excellent NH that I will happily recommend.