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V. Complaints. Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights. APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.I agree that: A.I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information"). B.APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink. C.APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site. D.If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records. E.This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year. F.You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
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I work as a CNA in a nursing home and I see a lot of you are acting as if it's not right the facility require a sitter. But where I work, you have to provide care for 15 plus people everyday, you cannot sit in on room where a resident continuously gets up and is a fall risk, just because one resident requires more care than others does not mean we give them all our attention and leave the rest to their own devices. Usually nursing homes are short staffed, and you're given a certain amount of people you're required to care for, not just one. They're requiring a sitter because they're telling you, they can not provide one on one attention for this resident and continously be in the room. In my opinion, it's best to get a sitter or else your father will fall/hurt himself while others are being cared for, the facility is just looking out for the residents best interest. As for looking at other nursing homes, it will not make a difference, you're required to still care for a certain amount of people, not just one person. Nobody gets special treatment.
If your dad receives public assistance to pay for his stay, the facility may be required to pay for the sitter if they cannot meet his needs. Check with your state facility inspection department for pertinent rules and regulations since the facility does not seem to be able to meet his needs.
Lake, my best advice to you is to consult a tax CPA. I think some expenses are tax deductible but have certain stipulations and some can be deductible if they exceed 7.5% of the gross income. It's confusing and snakey so present your situation to a qualified expert in taxes. As far as the private sitter is concerned, I believe you "should" report any payments to her above $1800 but if you are paying her under the table, that's a different story. Somewhere in the midst of all that confusion is taxes on her income. Complicated! I'm all for more in my pocket and less in Washington!
Is your dad in a nursing home or an assisted living? Your profile says assisted living, but this question says nursing home...maybe he's recently moved into the nursing home? Anyway, these are two very different types of care facilities with very different rules. The rules also vary from state to state, and whether he is privately paying for his care, or if he's on his state's Medicaid. Generally, in most states this additional care would be privately paid, even if the person is on Medicaid, because the state is already paying for 24-hour care. Is the facility requiring the 12-hour/day sitter, or has the family decided this is something your father needs? Sorry for the 20 questions! Regardless of the answers, my suggestion to you would be to consult with an accountant/CPA- you may be able to write these expenses off as dependent care. The CPA would know your state's rules. Good luck!
Lake- This is not the first time I have heard this. Facilities request the sitter option when they have a resident that need the companionship and distraction than they can provide. While this does not seem right, the facility has standards that they are required to maintain, residents that all have individual needs that need to be met, and insufficient staffing to have individualized attention for those that need it. Another way to think about it, if your dad did not need the individualized attention but another did, the facility would need to raise its rates to everyone to pay for the few that need it.
Residential homes have a lower ratio of resident to caregiver and may be an option you want to consider.
A sitter is sometimes used an alternative to bed alarms and restraining people in wheelchairs who are a serious fall risk or might otherwise endanger themselves if not watched closely. They're not hired for companionship although many of are very chatty and love to keep their clients company.
In hospitals in Texas, they have to provide a sitter for free if they're needed but they won't do it if you're going to be there (because you can do it for free). Sometimes they can't get a sitter 24/7 and there are periods the patient has to go without. In nursing homes and assisted living here, you have to pay for it. it would be spelled out in the contract that was signed when someone enters. Sometimes you can hire one yourself, other homes require you to hire one thru them.
KathleenPlano, in your post, you said you told the nurse you didn't want anything when they rudely asked what you wanted. When you want things done for your father, you have to state clearly what you want and ask what the reason is if they don't do it. If they say they are busy, ask for a timeframe for when it will be done or when you need for it to be done. For example, "My father has been in his chair for 6 hour. He's falling asleep and uncomfortable. Please put him in bed. I need to see him comfortably settled in bed so I can go home."
If the chair particularly bothers you, ask why they keep him in the chair when he is falling asleep. They might be keeping him in the chair during your visit so that you can interact with him. They might be keeping him in the chair because the doctor ordered it (for example, people with some illnesses are less likely to choke or get aspirant pneumonia if they eat sitting up than in bed; some people need to sit up for a while after taking certain meds or after eating to prevent acid reflux of a particularly nasty kind). They might be keeping him in the chair because it's easier and less traumatic than restraining him in bed, if he is a fall risk. That last reason might actually be illegal in your state; laws on "restraints" vary. You can ask the ombudsman in your area about it, or your elder care lawyer.
I know it really stinks to have to be asking all these questions and pestering people to do what seems like the obvious right thing when you just want to visit and spend quality time with your dad. I have similar feelings when my husband goes into the hospital. But the medical establishment is what it is and you have to figure out how you can make it work to your dad's benefit. I have to keep in mind that not everything my husband wants to do is the right thing for him to do. I try to let the hospital deal with those things as much as possible but make sure they do it in the least annoying or agitating way they can.
Kathleen - these people were the "second" rudest and laziest staff you've seen out of 50 homes? I hesitate to ask what happened with the ones who topped your list.
I can't think of anything more counterproductive than a professional caregiver giving the amateur relative a lecture on not worrying about his or her loved one, especially not when the reason the relative is worrying is that the loved one is apparently not receiving the care he needs from those same professionals. It makes your heart sink.
I agree with Appaloosa that if you want something done it's best to make your request fair, simple and direct, and then if there's a good reason for not doing it you'll hear what it is. Most of the time this works well, especially if you add a pretty please with sugar on it; but I share your sense of grievance at this particular man's attitude. Maybe he was having an off day, whatever; if he was really out to soothe your nerves he made a lousy job of it.
I rarely go ballistic at staff because, good manners aside, it gets you nowhere and risks making your loved one unpopular; but the time I left my mother on an acute stroke ward at 2:00 am (in safe hands, I thought), then returned at 8:30 am to find that nothing - and I do mean nothing - had been done for her was one occasion when I did see red. And I was getting the same brush-off from a senior nurse (also a man, as it happens) until, happily, another nurse just coming on duty intervened.
Moral? Some - only a tiny minority of - nurses are a disgrace to their profession. Steer your relative around them.
I work for a private duty service and nursing agency, and we often are called upon to provide sitter services for those in skilled nursing facilities. It can be a necessity at times when certain patients are agitated, major fall risks, and generally require one-on-one care around the clock. Regarding payment, it likely is a matter of your state regulations and the contract you signed with the individual facility. If the facility is recommending the care, it is likely because they are concerned for your family member and know that they require more attention than can realistically be provided to keep them safe. I often meet with family members that don't understand why they need to pay extra when the facility is supposed to provide 24 hour care. What I can say in that regard is that it depends on the contract you sign with the individual facility, but it helps if everyone understands that only so much care is paid for by the state and by Medicare/your insurance.
Spanky, is your loved one in a private room? Will it be OK for the sitter to doze off if all is quiet?
My mother was very agitated at night when she was first in NH. I spent several nights in her room. I'd doze off on the empty bed in the room but would hear her if she woke up. I'd reassure her that this was a safe place, and there were people here to help her if she needed it. Once she got a roommate, this wasn't practical. Fortunately by then she was on a night sedative that helped and she was more comfortable about her setting.
I'm just thinking of how this will work with your loved one.
Did the facility suggest this? Are the in favor of the idea? Can they make suggestions about where to get such a sitter and what to expect to pay for it?
Call an agency or two to see what they would charge.
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
I agree that:
A.
I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information").
B.
APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink.
C.
APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site.
D.
If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records.
E.
This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year.
F.
You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
Generally, in most states this additional care would be privately paid, even if the person is on Medicaid, because the state is already paying for 24-hour care. Is the facility requiring the 12-hour/day sitter, or has the family decided this is something your father needs?
Sorry for the 20 questions! Regardless of the answers, my suggestion to you would be to consult with an accountant/CPA- you may be able to write these expenses off as dependent care. The CPA would know your state's rules.
Good luck!
This is not the first time I have heard this. Facilities request the sitter option when they have a resident that need the companionship and distraction than they can provide. While this does not seem right, the facility has standards that they are required to maintain, residents that all have individual needs that need to be met, and insufficient staffing to have individualized attention for those that need it. Another way to think about it, if your dad did not need the individualized attention but another did, the facility would need to raise its rates to everyone to pay for the few that need it.
Residential homes have a lower ratio of resident to caregiver and may be an option you want to consider.
In hospitals in Texas, they have to provide a sitter for free if they're needed but they won't do it if you're going to be there (because you can do it for free). Sometimes they can't get a sitter 24/7 and there are periods the patient has to go without. In nursing homes and assisted living here, you have to pay for it. it would be spelled out in the contract that was signed when someone enters. Sometimes you can hire one yourself, other homes require you to hire one thru them.
KathleenPlano, in your post, you said you told the nurse you didn't want anything when they rudely asked what you wanted. When you want things done for your father, you have to state clearly what you want and ask what the reason is if they don't do it. If they say they are busy, ask for a timeframe for when it will be done or when you need for it to be done. For example, "My father has been in his chair for 6 hour. He's falling asleep and uncomfortable. Please put him in bed. I need to see him comfortably settled in bed so I can go home."
If the chair particularly bothers you, ask why they keep him in the chair when he is falling asleep. They might be keeping him in the chair during your visit so that you can interact with him. They might be keeping him in the chair because the doctor ordered it (for example, people with some illnesses are less likely to choke or get aspirant pneumonia if they eat sitting up than in bed; some people need to sit up for a while after taking certain meds or after eating to prevent acid reflux of a particularly nasty kind). They might be keeping him in the chair because it's easier and less traumatic than restraining him in bed, if he is a fall risk. That last reason might actually be illegal in your state; laws on "restraints" vary. You can ask the ombudsman in your area about it, or your elder care lawyer.
I know it really stinks to have to be asking all these questions and pestering people to do what seems like the obvious right thing when you just want to visit and spend quality time with your dad. I have similar feelings when my husband goes into the hospital. But the medical establishment is what it is and you have to figure out how you can make it work to your dad's benefit. I have to keep in mind that not everything my husband wants to do is the right thing for him to do. I try to let the hospital deal with those things as much as possible but make sure they do it in the least annoying or agitating way they can.
Good luck everyone, and happy Thanksgiving!
I can't think of anything more counterproductive than a professional caregiver giving the amateur relative a lecture on not worrying about his or her loved one, especially not when the reason the relative is worrying is that the loved one is apparently not receiving the care he needs from those same professionals. It makes your heart sink.
I agree with Appaloosa that if you want something done it's best to make your request fair, simple and direct, and then if there's a good reason for not doing it you'll hear what it is. Most of the time this works well, especially if you add a pretty please with sugar on it; but I share your sense of grievance at this particular man's attitude. Maybe he was having an off day, whatever; if he was really out to soothe your nerves he made a lousy job of it.
I rarely go ballistic at staff because, good manners aside, it gets you nowhere and risks making your loved one unpopular; but the time I left my mother on an acute stroke ward at 2:00 am (in safe hands, I thought), then returned at 8:30 am to find that nothing - and I do mean nothing - had been done for her was one occasion when I did see red. And I was getting the same brush-off from a senior nurse (also a man, as it happens) until, happily, another nurse just coming on duty intervened.
Moral? Some - only a tiny minority of - nurses are a disgrace to their profession. Steer your relative around them.
My mother was very agitated at night when she was first in NH. I spent several nights in her room. I'd doze off on the empty bed in the room but would hear her if she woke up. I'd reassure her that this was a safe place, and there were people here to help her if she needed it. Once she got a roommate, this wasn't practical. Fortunately by then she was on a night sedative that helped and she was more comfortable about her setting.
I'm just thinking of how this will work with your loved one.
Did the facility suggest this? Are the in favor of the idea? Can they make suggestions about where to get such a sitter and what to expect to pay for it?
Call an agency or two to see what they would charge.
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