Working With Care Facility Staff |
So you've chosen the long-term care facility that's best for your loved one. You can make the transition less painful by educating yourself on what to expect when interacting with staff members.
From a practical standpoint, it's best to take care of necessary paperwork ahead of the move, so that you can focus your attention on getting your family member settled with a minimum of stress.
You can see the room ahead of time, maybe even measure it to figure out what personal possessions will fit. The care facility can tell you what types of belongings (such as expensive jewelry or antiques) aren't allowed for security reasons. Involve your loved one in deciding what to take and what to do with possessions that must be left behind. Mark personal possessions such as clothing to avoid mixups and theft.
Any information you can give to the staff at the care facility will improve the chances of a smooth transition for your family member. Detailed information the staff will need includes:
- Medical needs and medications, with a detailed medical history
- Any emotional problems, such as grief over a recent death
- Routines and likes and dislikes regarding food and so forth
- A list of close family and friends, with contact info
Care Planning Process
Within the first couple of weeks of residence, a care planning team will be formed to make a baseline assessment of your loved one's medical and emotional needs. The care planning team will likely include:
- Doctors and nurses
- Social workers
- Dietitians
- Physical, occupational and/or recreational therapists
It's important to participate with this team and attend meetings, giving them as much information as possible regarding your loved one, as there is information they need which only you have. Don't hesitate to provide long lists as you think of your loved one's habits and routines, and what makes him or her comfortable when stressed.
After a baseline assessment, the care planning team will come up with an individualized formal care plan outlining the specific care your loved one will receive and how that care will be carried out.
Under federal law, a long-term care facility must work at improving residents' lives where possible, and the care plan should be aimed at maintaining or improving functional capacities.
The care plan becomes part of your legal contract with the facility, and should be as detailed as possible.
Federal law also requires the long-term care facility to review the care plan every three months, or sooner if your loved one's condition changes. It's important for family members to attend review meetings and participate by describing any changes in capabilities or orientation you've noticed since the last assessment.
It's also important to visit your loved one regularly to make sure the care facility is following through on details of the care outlined in the plan. You can make the biggest difference in your family member's quality of life by being a strong advocate on his or her behalf.
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