“How Do I Protect My Dad in the Nursing Home?”

While working with seniors and their families to help them find safe and appropriate senior care options, I see the best and the worst that our healthcare system is capable of.??When Kelly called my CarePatrol office, she was looking for assisted living for her dad. After several weeks of working through the placement process, her dad was still hesitant to make a commitment to move.??During that time, he fell in the bathroom and broke his shoulder.??After surgery, the hospital sent him to rehab to regain his strength.

Several weeks into rehab, I received a call from Kelly. Dad’s condition had deteriorated.??Kelly was upset and emotionally exhausted from trying to deal with the rehab staff.??She had a list of issues she wanted me to address. Below are her questions along with my responses:

Q: Dad could walk and toilet himself when he entered the facility.??It appeared he spent most of his time in the bed and now he could not walk without assistance. The rehab also claimed he was incontinent. The rehab would not provide her information on dad’s physical therapy or daily routine.??She asked to speak to the nurse and physician and could not get calls returned.

A: You have the right to access all information about your medical condition and treatment within 24 hours of your request. Incontinence could be the result of his health issues, or it could be that the rehab is understaffed and not toileting him properly.

Q: One nurse’s assistant was verbally abusive, condescending and seemed to agitate her dad.

A: You should not be abused by anyone. Verbally, physically, mentally , financially or sexually.

Q: Dad was losing weight. He was a vegetarian and gluten free, and the meals did not meet his dietary requirements.

A: The facility must make reasonable accommodations to meet your needs and choices.

Q: Dad is a modest man.??Staff often walked into the room when he was laying on the bed exposed. He felt humiliated every time an employee walked in the room unannounced.

A: The facility must knock before entering the room.

Q: Kelly was not allowed to visit her dad since being admitted.??Lack of visitation was affecting both of them, and she was concerned he was being neglected.??They both felt intimidated and that there would be retribution if they complained.

A: You have the right to visit unless the physician has ordered limited visits for medical reasons. The facility can not threaten or punish you in any way for asserting your rights or presenting grievances.

Q:??Dad’s cell phone was not charged.??He could not reach the room phone. When she called, a staff member would bring a phone, and then stand there during the call.??

A: You have the right to have a phone call in private.??

Caregivers and administrators have a tough job, but this facilities behavior was unacceptable.??We often feel vulnerable when we trust a rehab or a long term care facility with our loved ones.?

Kelly had clearly defined several problems. Our first step was to address the issues with the social worker case manager.??Not only was the case manager not accepting my calls, she did not return several messages over 2 days.??I visited the facility with a signed HIPPA, and the reception desk would not allow me access to her dad’s room. I waited in the lobby as the administrator was “in a meeting.”??When I saw the administrator in the hallway with a Panera bag, I politely stood between her lunch and her office. When I was told I would need to schedule an appointment, I started dialing the Illinois Department on Aging to speak to an ombudsman and file a complaint.??Miraculously, we had a care team meeting scheduled for later that day.??

Fortunately, we were able to address the issues and review the care plan.??Kelly was assured she could visit her dad daily. Written instructions were given to the kitchen to address the dietary requirements.??The call button was attached to the bed so staff could be alerted when toileting was necessary.??We brought in an extension cord so the phone could be charged. We placed a “please knock before entering” sign on the door. The rude staff member would get additional training. Kevin was now set up for a successful rehab and long term placment.

Aging and finding appropriate care in today’s healthcare environment can be overwhelming. In addition to respect and common courtesy, you have rights, privileges and protections under state and federal law.?

Your family may benefit from Eric’s senior living expertise and access to assisted living, memory care and in-home care options.?If you need FREE help finding care for a senior, you can reach Eric Klein, CSA, BCPA, CPRS at CarePatrol 847.653.1213?[email protected]