By Steve Gale, Business Development Coordinator
Navigating the care of a loved one in a nursing home can be overwhelming, emotionally draining, and logistically challenging.
Whether you’re ensuring they receive the best possible care, protecting their dignity, or addressing everyday concerns, your role as an advocate is essential. Active involvement can significantly impact their safety, comfort, and overall well-being. If you ever feel uncertain or need support, remember: The Option Group is here to help. Our professional care management team is ready to guide you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
Here are some essential tips to help you advocate confidently and effectively in a nursing home setting:
- Be Informed About Their Rights
Every nursing home resident is protected by rights defined by federal and state laws, including dignity, privacy, the ability to make informed medical decisions, and freedom from abuse. Familiarize yourself with the Nursing Home Resident Bill of Rights in your state to better advocate for your loved one’s care.
- Establish Open Communication
Building a positive, cooperative relationship with the nursing home staff is key. Regular communication ensures your loved one’s needs are understood and met consistently. Attend care plan meetings and ask questions about your loved one’s health, medications, routines, or any changes you notice.
- Visit Regularly—and at Different Times
Frequent visits show staff that your loved one has active, involved family members. Visit on different days and at various times, including evenings and weekends, to get a full picture of their care and the facility’s consistency.
- Monitor Their Care and Well-Being
Pay attention to both physical and emotional signs of well-being. Watch for poor hygiene, bedsores, unexplained bruises, weight loss, or mood changes—signs that could indicate neglect or deeper health concerns. Keep a log of observations and address issues promptly with staff.
- Be Assertive—But Respectful
Effective advocacy doesn’t mean being confrontational; it means being clear, confident, and composed while remaining respectful. Approach staff professionally, even in challenging situations. If issues persist, escalate them to supervisors, social workers, or the ombudsman.
- Understand the Care Plan and Medical Needs
Every resident should have a personalized care plan that reflects their medical, emotional, and daily living needs. Participate in care plan meetings, review medical records regularly, and ask questions about any changes in medications, treatments, or routines. Verifying that the plan is being followed helps ensure consistency and quality in the care your loved one receives.
- Know the Chain of Command
If concerns arise, address them at the appropriate level within the facility. Start with direct caregivers, then escalate to nurses or administrators if necessary. If issues remain unresolved, reach out to external resources like Adult Protective Services or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
- Encourage Social Engagement and Activities
Social interaction is vital for your loved one’s mental and emotional health. Encourage participation in facility activities, connections with other residents, and ongoing communication with family and friends. Regular social engagement prevents isolation and boosts overall well-being.
- Stay Organized and Keep Records
Organization is key when advocating for your loved one. Keep thorough records of all important documents, such as medical records, care plans, and correspondence with the nursing home. Document incidents and concerns in writing to track care and ensure you have a paper trail for follow-up actions.
- Seek External Help When Necessary
If concerns persist and are not addressed, seek external assistance from advocacy organizations, legal experts, or regulatory agencies. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is an excellent resource to help resolve complaints and protect residents’ rights.
Conclusion
Navigating long-term care can be overwhelming, but family advocacy is one of the most powerful tools to ensure your loved one receives the care and dignity they deserve. By staying informed, engaged, and proactive, you can make a significant difference in their quality of life. Advocacy isn’t just about preventing neglect; it’s about creating an environment where your loved one feels valued, protected, and loved.
In the end, advocacy is an act of love. By staying involved and committed, you help ensure your loved one’s final years are filled with dignity, comfort, and joy.
If you or someone you care about needs additional support to help cope, The Option Group is here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact our professional care management team for assistance.
About The Option Group: Founded in 2010, The Option Group’s compassionate team of experienced Certified Life Care Managers provides services for families, their loved ones, medical professionals, and professional family advisors in Maryland, DC, Southern Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The firm understands the challenges of caring for individuals who need assistance throughout their lifespan due to aging, dementia, disability, or serious illness. Our skilled providers possess over 100 years of combined experience navigating the healthcare maze and accessing hundreds of resources. The Option Group helps families spend quality time with their loved ones, providing clear choices that lead to better care. For more information, visit www.theoptiongroup.net or call 410-667-0266 (MD) or 717-287-9900 / 610-885-8899/ 215-896-6756 (PA) or 302-858-6449 (DE).