Concerns about assisted living facility. I'm concerned about some of the care that my parents are getting, or not receiving at the assisted living facility where they reside. I'm getting nasty emails from the head RN and my sense is that they just want to move them into a more expensive portion of the residence so that they don't have to work with them. Can you share some warning signs for when AL facilities are more focused on ROI than on resident care? Thank you.
Now if mom or dad are getting nasty with aides or other residents, they have to leave. If they wander off and will not accept a redirection, they have to leave. If they poop their pants or they can't get to the dining hall, they probably need full on nursing home. Assisted Living is not for everyone.
On the other hand, the Head Nurse should never be rude to you. If you are the POA, go see the Director. If you are not the POA, then channel your concerns through the person in your family who is.
It's not the same everywhere.
The ALF has a PA that comes in once a week, is this professional capable of providing a written order to help my parents? I'm concerned that the ALF is trying to move my parents into their nursing facility yet they're both mentally OK (at least 90%), but getting them to wear their hearing aids is a challenge.
My dad's a proud older fellow and is 94. He was always dapper and now is a lot less concerned about his physical (dress) appearance.
I'm going to visit them Sunday - Tuesday (I'm in CT and they're in FL) just to get my hands around the current situation. The nurse is also complaining that my dad and mom are drinking - which was NEVER an issue with them before. Is this common?
With the drinking, I would find out if its a glass here and there or several of glasses a day. You will be able to know when you visit.
I'm guessing if they're doing this to you, they're doing it to others. Chat with some of the other families there and just see how things are going with them. Maybe stop by a local church and see if they have any thoughts on the place your parents are at. They are in the communities a lot to see members, and often see things "behind the scenes".
Do bear in mind, though, that people's care needs inevitably increase. It could be that the ALF is routinely having to do more than is strictly within their contractual terms - and they can get quite shirty about that sort of thing.
I encountered something similar with my loved one. The ALF seemed to call me multiple times per day over trivial matters like a lost comb, but they clammed up over major things like falls. I had to move my loved one and it was a good move. The new place handles the matters appropriately.
I would ask the ALF to provide me in writing what issues they have, giving times, dates, etc. When I asked for that from the initial ALF, they didn't have anything. When I talked to specific people, I found out that they were not working full time and the staff was not on the same page. We had a meeting with the director and major staff dept heads to discuss her case. It did help, but we still ended up leaving that facility. Some places are not a good fit.
I'm heading down to see mom and dad tomorrow morning. All your posts are of great help. Will have more info when I return.
My best wishes to everyone for a happy holiday and love to all your parents in the New Year too. Nancy