How does one person or one family get the attention of the nursing home Administrator or Director of Nursing to deal with poor care in the facility? Remember – the squeaky wheel gets the oil….and the bigger the squeak the more the oil!
Just what are we talking about? We are talking about forming a Family Council at your local nursing home. A Family Council can be two or more families who are concerned enough about the care provided to their loved ones that they want to be heard by the decision makers at the facility. Family Councils can play a crucial role in voicing concerns, requesting improvements, supporting new family members and residents, and supporting facility efforts to make care and life in the facility the best it can be. Join and support the family council at your loved one’s facility! If no family council exists, join with other family members to form one.
Take a look at the National Citizens’ Coalition for Nursing Home Reform’s (NCCNHR) web site for ideas about how to start a Family Council.