When I was a child, my parents taught me to admit my mistakes, apologize if needed, and learn from my mistakes.
We get calls about a hand full of Virginia nursing homes ALL THE TIME – clearly, the staff and or owners of these for profit facilities have not learned from their mistakes.
This week, I received a call from a woman who learned only after her mother was hospitalized, that she had sustained 27 falls in the nursing home.
We had a case years ago where a local nursing home had failed to treat pressure ulcers in a woman who was a known pressure ulcer risk.
I have also received many calls about loved ones being over medicated by anti-psychotic medication in nursing home facilities. Despite the family demanding the medication be suspended, the elderly resident was continually over medicated.
Sadly, when nursing homes are understaffed and have high turnover, staff does not learn from their mistakes.
Am I making an excuse? No. I am speaking the truth and encouraging families not to tolerate these mistakes.
What do I mean?
If you notice any of the following problems and they are not immediately addressed after you have expressed your concern to the facility, you should walk – find a new facility.
What problems? repeated falls / dehydration / weight loss / choking / elopement attempts / pressure ulcers / etc.
Are they failing to bathe your loved one? Something so basic, and so necessary. This may indicate additional failures.
Please let us know if you need help moving a loved one or if a nursing home mistake has caused your loved one great pain and suffering.