Going into a care meeting on Thursday. How do I get the nursing home to take this seriously?
So our mom has been in this NH for 3 years. She was not expected survive (post stroke, broken hip repair, Vascular dementia, apahsia) 3 years later... All is good and mom is thriving. The problem is communication from the facility, and especially communication from the outside service providers (audio, podiatry, dentist and most important psych). Recently, psych service decreased mom's meds and no one told us. Looking back, SIL saw behavioral changes the next day. But there is no feedback loop. So, how do I get the NH to take this seiously? I've already been in touch with the Ombudsman who says that the service has no obligation to be in touch with us, it's the facility's job. As much as I push, facility doesn't appear to have a clear chain of communication. And yes, we have mom on waiting lists or a different facility.
8 Answers
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So I don't think what you suggest is pie in the sky. There are obvious confidentiality issues and privacy concerns, etc. but these are not insurmountable.
For BarbB's situation, an outside provider might be required to sign into the NH resident's online chart and add an update at each visit. Not impossible at all. But, as far as BarbB's family is concerned today, it is pie-in-the-sky.
My mother's NH was very good about communicating changes and concerns. Mom had no designated POAs and 7 children. The four of us girls took most interest in her day-to-day care. The NH wanted one person to communicate with, but we gave them a prioritized list. If Rita isn't available, call Jeanne, etc. And whoever got the message communicated it to the others (and to the brothers if it were major). This worked very well for us, but it did rely on the NH's willingness to cooperate, and it probably helped that not many outside providers were involved.
Barb, I have nothing to suggest, except keep your fingers crossed for the other facility. But I'm looking forward to hearing how the conference goes.
Of course, we would really rather NOT move mom; she is getting good care here, overall. But their lack of communication is so unacceptable.
I have asked the SW if we are being "difficult". she says we are not, and that what we are asking is within what should be able to be accommodated.
I'll let you know!
They all admit that this was an error, that her meds were changed without notification, and that the APRN who changed them is no longer with the Behavioral Health service that comes into the facility. The psychiatrist who is with the Service will be the one in charge of changing her meds.
Dental issue still in play.
SIL asked if facility can notify one of us if mom stays in bed for two days in a row. They are going to try to do that.
We'll see.