Hi..I am the guardian of someone just admitted to a long term facility. I am hundreds of miles away, trying to get basic info is like pulling teeth. I have called and emailed the activities person 3 times over a week and she doesn't answer (yes she is there). She handles clothing for the residents and I need info. The Administrator is brand new to the facility and said he would have her call. This has happened with the Nurse not returning 2 calls and the DON taking a week to answer. HELP! Do I reach out to the homes parent company?
AGINGCARE is.owned by A Place For Mom.
If it’s a good sized place, there should be a charge nurse along with an administrative assistant for the floor. Ask for those peoples numbers, as the administrative assistant will be your best friend there.
If still no luck, call the ombudsman.
Is there someone local to the NH that could physically go there and track down the people you need?
I found that asking for the charge nurse usually worked since she pretty much ran the place during her shift.
If this is the poor service they are providing to you, though, how are they treating the residents?
Can you move the person into a different place before s/he gets fully settled?
Call local Center on Aging to ask for a Wellness Check.
Continue to keep a log of all attempts to contact: whom, topic, time, date....when did you hear back...was it a productive response.
You have binding legal authority, similar to a spouse. It is time to let them know, you know this is unacceptable, and you will take further action if it doesn't stop.
If they "Offer" to move her to another facility because you appear to be unhappy... don't take the bait..but write down who, when and where they wanted to ship her off to. Odds are it is a facility with an ever more checkered track record...or more expensive.
Tell them you will decide if and when and where to move your LO, but that is stressful, as they know. You expect them to do their jobs as they are contractually and legally required and you will hold them accountable.
If this does not work..or stops working, call a respected Elder Care Lawyer in that state & hire them to draft a letter of concern to the facility, cc the Corporate Management.
Good Luck.
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