Except for a person being admitted for short term care (28 days or less) a staffing must be held within 4 weeks / 30 days for developmentally disabled, to develop a written care plan. This shall be developed by all appropriate disciplines, based on history, assessments, physicians' evaluations and orders. You may ask for a staffing sooner, particularly if you have specific concerns which you feel need to be addressed and the interdisciplinary team plan would be appropriate.
The new resident, should attend if able, along with a family member or other responsible party.
You will learn first hand what the daily routine of care will be.
You provide personal information such as: food preferences or sleep habits.
Nursing home life is more structured than independent living and a good facility will assist an individual with adjustments and modifications to their lifestyle.
The Social Workers are the people to whom a resident should turn when experiencing difficulties. Adjustment problems, roommate difficulties, problems with food or clothing should all be presented to the Social Worker. Together they should be able to find solutions to most of the problems that might be experienced.
The new resident should keep active. If the facility has a Resident's council the resident should be encouraged to join. If there is a Family Council, a family member or responsible party should join. The Councils give participants a forum in which to air grievances and make concrete suggestions.
Family and friends are of critical importance. They should make regular and frequent visits to the facility, visits (if possible) with the resident outside the facility, and remembrance of birthdays, anniversaries, and other significant dates in the person's life.
Residents Rights:
It is important to remember that residents retain the right to be treated with respect and dignity; to participate and involve themselves in community life; to receive the care and treatment they require. The residents also retain the right to be a part of any decision, which concerns their well being. Residents rights involve mail, phones, visits, grievances, management of financial affairs, privacy and living arrangements, refusal of services, personal clothing, care, freedom from abuse, choice of health care providers and pharmacies, the right to be informed regarding transfers and discharges. The full text of a "Resident's Bill of Rights" should be posted in the home and a copy must be made available to every resident or their guardian upon admission.
Tips on how to advocate on behalf of someone who lives in a nursing home:
The root word of advocacy means "speaking for", i.e. using your voice on behalf of some person.
Focus on residents wishes or if unknown what would be in their best interest.
Don't make promises you can't keep.
Introduce yourself to the people in charge. Know their names and telephone numbers. The chain of command starts at the top with the Administrator. Next is the Director of Nursing and the other department heads: social services, dietary, housekeeping, e.t.c..
Identify one person in a position of authority whom you trust and can communicate with. Take concerns that don't require immediate response to that person for their suggestions.
If you identify a significant problem at the facility, which requires prompt/immediate attention, take that concern to someone in a supervisory capacity who is available.
Avoid arguing or confronting staff who are providing care. Wait. You may say that you are hurt, angry or upset but keep your emotions in check and relate your concern calmly to your contact or person in authority.
Keep track of names of staff, times and places of instances you believe need problem solving.
Allow the staff person enough time to investigate the concern and to determine how best to resolve the problem. Do ask for a date/time when you can expect a response.
Make sure to attend the initial Staffing and quarterly Care Conferences for the resident. Write your questions down and if necessary, make sure you know who will follow through on a task.
Get to know the regulations that govern nursing homes and the Residents Bill of Rights which is posted in every nursing home. The State Regulations can be found online at the Department of Health and Family Services: http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us Choose "Nursing Home". The Federal Regulations, which take precedence over the State regulations may be found through a link at the State site.
Who Licenses and Regulates Nursing homes?
What are the types of licensed facilities and the type of care provided?
What does Title 19 NOT pay for?
Agencies or organizations that may be of additional assistance