We’ve all had this issue before. We see a problem and we constantly try to contact the person or business in charge to fix it. Sometimes it can feel like your concerns fall on deaf ears, and as much as you plead no one seems to listen to you. Or if they do, the problem gets fixed for a little bit and then comes back. Nursing homes are no stranger to this phenomenon.
While some nursing homes are great and rarely receive complaints, others do not put as much care into work. For someone constantly having to talk to nursing home staff and ask them to bathe your loved one, change their diaper in a timely manner, try to make sure their meal isn’t cold, etc. it can feel like you’re being a pest at times. That’s not the way to think about it. Odds are, if you are having those complaints and constantly having to talk to staff then other people are too. If you feel frustrated that nothing is getting done there are steps you can take to make sure you’re doing the most to make the situation better.
When talking with staff at the nursing home try to keep detailed records. Take down the name of the staff member you are talking to, their job, what time you spoke to them, what you spoke to them about, and if it was resolved. Having detailed records is one of the most important things you can do. Ask to speak to the Director of Nursing or the Administrator. These are people at the top of the facility that may have the power to help you out. Don’t be afraid to ask to speak to them. If that doesn’t work out there are state agencies you can file a complaint with, and typically they are required to investigate any complaints made.
If all else fails, and you constantly see your loved one being abused you are not out of options. You can speak with a nursing home abuse lawyer. A local nursing home attorney has the specialized knowledge of knowing the industry, and how to make sure your loved ones are protected from abuse. If you suspect your loved one has been abused in a facility you should immediately reach out to a nursing home attorney with all the detailed notes you have so they can discuss any potential case with you. It can be scary to reach out to an attorney, but most nursing home attorneys are ready to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.