I went to visit my dad in the NH yesterday. Come to find out, his lower denture has been missing for two weeks and the facility never notified me. To say I was angry is an understatement. Also there was no denture cup in his bathroom so who knows how long they haven’t been soaking his dentures at night. Federal NH regulations say a lost denture is to be attended to within 24 hours. Our Oklahoma regulations say referral within 3 days.
I've always hoped my dad would die before he lost his dentures but now I’m living my worst nightmare. There is no way with his dementia he can adjust to new dentures. We tried that once two years ago when his mind was in better shape and we basically threw away $3300. Then we tried to get his old upper relined and dad tore out the reline that very night. What is also upsetting is whether they have adjusted his diet to not being able to wear his teeth? My visit was on a Sunday and so the DON wasn’t there. I will be speaking with her and the administrator and heads will be spinning. Anyone else deal with this issue?
My best guess is it got caught up in the bed linen and washed or lost or broken and no one is fessing up.
Well................. One night one of the wandering patients got up in the night and mixed up all of the teeth. The next morning no one's teeth fit them right and they had no clue how to determine who's was who's . From then on, their teeth did not leave their room. Sounds like in spite of the passing of time, teeth continue to be a problem. I am sorry for your frustration. I would be too.
Sandy
I need to get both her dentals engraved with her name. Never get around to it, although I have a partial, removable, lower "tooth on a flipper" that has my name on it.
I am so sorry. What a nightmare! You absolutely have a right to speak to the NH about this catastrophe.
My word, dentures! It’s not just the expense but that certainly is enough to be angry about. It’s also, your dad not being cared for properly. Now he doesn’t have teeth to help him eat. That is such a shame. So sad.
We all know and many have experienced common issues like laundry missing or jewelry going missing, but teeth! That tops the list for super annoying issues. Can he eat okay? Are you concerned that he will choke?
Theft in NH’s is horrible. Misplaced items are an inconvenience. Having to replace items is a nuisance. I still say that this takes the cake! They may not confess to any wrongdoing. They may say it’s his fault. Who knows?
I do know that my oldest brother would lose his teeth. I actually know another person that has lost her teeth three times. What does she do with them is anyone’s guess. Her daughter gets so upset when she ends up having to buy more teeth for her. She says that she accidentally throws them away.