HEALTH CARE OF OLDER PEOPLE: MONITOR THE CARE IN THE HOME
Research shows that nursing-home residents, who have frequent visitors, get better treatment. They get more attention from the staff even when visitors are not around. So visiting often will convey to the staff that you are concerned about the care your relative gets. Get to know the nurses and aides on the floor; meet with the doctor and social worker.
If you notice a problem, start out to correct it in a friendly way. Identify the responsible staff member and approach her gently. Give her time to make the change. But if she is unresponsive, do not let sleeping dogs lie. Call the home’s administrator, the person who has responsibility for its day-to-day running. If you still get nowhere, then go to the hierarchy’s highest level, the home’s owner or board of directors.
Or appeal to sources outside the hierarchy. Many homes have a relatives’ council or residents’ council that meets regularly with the administration to air its concerns. (The presence of either of these organizations is a positive sign the home is responsive to begin with.)
You also can turn to outside advocates. Many communities operate a nursing-home ombudsman program. They employ a person to listen to, investigate, and negotiate solutions to complaints about nursing homes. Your community may have a consumer “watchdog” organization of people interested in nursing-home reform. These groups not only mediate nursing-home complaints but also offer guidance in selecting a home.
If you stay involved, you are unlikely to need these services. Your relative will be getting good care. And staying close has deeper benefits. You need no longer feel guilty. The person you love has not been put away.
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