Nursing Homes

[SMP]

My great aunt is 91 and in a nursing home. It is a lovely home, big old house, nicely furnished wonderful food but i am very worried about the staffing levels. About 18 months ago my aunt fell out of bed and broke her hip. It was touch and go wether she would survive but she did. Since that day she has not been able to walk unaided however she can walk a little with help but she doesn't seem to get this. My mum and i visit once a fortnight usually on a Sunday and we are always aware that there are very few staff around. It is not uncommon to not see anyone for � hour or more. When you arrive you sign in but no one checks this. There is a large lounge and a conservatory and all the residents do is sit in chairs with the tv on in the background. The majority have some sort of dementia but there is no mental stimulation for them other than the noise of the tv. Most use incontnence pads as trying to get 2 nurses to take someone to the toilet can take over half an hour. Her niece who she used to live with visits 5 days out of 7 and i know that she too is unhappy about staffing. Anyway today my aunt was taken to hospital again after falling out of bed. Luckily she is ok but how often should residents be checked up on during the day and the night. Is it ok toleave them sitting in arm chairs for any length of time with no means of attracting anyones attention. Any advice gratefully recieved.

[radiogaga]

firstly talk to the charge nurse. ask about staffing levels, i know weekends are always difficult for care establishments to get shifts covered. not an excuse.
ask what the daily routine is for residents
an activities coordinator should be employed to ensure the residents are involved in some sort of social
physical, intulectual, (sorry cant spell) cultural, emotional, and spiritual activity / stimulation. every one has these needs. it goes across the board regardless of age ability or disability
if you are not happy after speaking to the charge nurse or if you feel your relative is not in receipt of the care she is entitled , the care commision would be interested to hear your points. (in scotland) don't know what the english equivelant is.
risk assesments should be in place, regarding each individuals ability again according to age, disability ask to see your great aunts care plan, it should detail every aspect of her care and attention.
the risk assesment should tell you what risks your great aunt is at and stratigies should be in place, eg, a rail at the bedside so she cannot fall out of bed. a touch sensitive mat
that alerts staff if stood on if she has stepped out of bed.
stand up and be counted, it makes my blood boil when people are treated less, at least you g aunt has you and your family. good luck.xxxxxxxx

[Lindylou]

Is this a private or a council run home? If its a Council-run establishment then you should contact them in order to make a complaint/query about staffing levels. If privately run, then you would need to approach the owners, (individuals or a Company). Each time you should request information regarding staffing levels, accountability etc. It appears from your original question that there appears to be an element of neglect because of low staffing levels. In which case you could approach the relevant individual/company requesting appropriate action and/or threatening police involvement. Don't ignore this - it could be appropriate for a POVA.

[Lindylou]

Is this a private or a council run home? If its a Council-run establishment then you should contact them in order to make a complaint/query about staffing levels. If privately run, then you would need to approach the owners, (individuals or a Company). Each time you should request information regarding staffing levels, accountability etc. It appears from your original question that there appears to be an element of neglect because of low staffing levels. In which case you could approach the relevant individual/company requesting appropriate action and/or threatening police involvement. Don't ignore this - it could be appropriate for a POVA. Does your great Aunt have an allocated Social Worker? It might be helpful, if she does, to approach this person with any concerns/queries that you (obviously!) have. Don't let this situation go on any longer. I sincerely hope that when I get old and need some help/care I have someone who is concerned enough to look after my interests.

[Lindylou]

Apologies for repeating myself! Probs with my 'puter....

[Beanmistriss]

The english equivilent of the Scottish Care Comission is CSCI (Comission for Social Care Inspection). They have a website. You can ring them for advice, they are quite helpful. Good luck x

[SMP]

Hi all
Thanks for all the advice. We are off to see my aunt in hospital this afternoon although not expecting to much as she has a raging infection that is making her delerious. Apparently she fell out of bed despite a safety rail being in place. She slipped through the rail, luckily her quilt went first and she fell on that so didn't break anything. This has happened before though and last time she broke her hip so I don't understand how they let it happen again.
My cousin who has responsibilty for my aunt has requested a meeting with staff at the home ( apparently there have been other complaints from other residents families about lack of staff).
So watch this space.