Almost daily, we have clients tell us “I wish I had known to keep a log before this all happened.”
What happens is as follows – someone comes in to our office with a possible negligence claim against a nursing home, medical provider etc.
We ask them – “did you ever make any formal complaints to the facility before?” OR “did you ever find your mother had not been changed other than this last occassion.”
They answer, “YES, of course, but I couldn’t tell you when or remember the date.”
Well – here is my simple advice:
REGARDLESS of whether you LOVE the care you or your loved one is receiving, or you think its an awful place — you should keep a log.
A written journal of sorts – with dates and times of significant events. And trust me – what you think is significant now, could vary incredibly – so here are some things to consider and to record:
-Visitors (maybe great witnesses later)
-Names of Nurses / Staff who were most helpful
-Names of Nurses / Staff who were overworked
-Names of Staff you made any statements to regarding care of yoru loved one – and date of statement
-Days family member did not receive scheduled bath / treatment etc.
-Days family member found in pain or with bandages etc
-incidents family member is not in room upon arrival
Ask to see the chart or nurses notes – did your Mom eat breakfast or lunch today – why or why not?
It certainly could be a huge help if you ever need to speak with a lawyer, and even if not, its a great way to monitor your loved one’s care and wellbeing.
Days and times family member was out of the facility
Ask your loved one if they are in pain. Especially if they have dementia – you would be surprised what they will relay to you, but NOT a strange staff person