How to Keep a Close Eye of Your Loved One’s Nursing Home Care Even When Traveling
The well-being of a loved one in a nursing home is a top priority for any family. While there may be times when traveling away from home is unavoidable, it can also bring about feelings of anxiety and uncertainty about the care your loved one is receiving in your absence. Fortunately, with a few simple steps, you can stay connected and keep a close eye on your loved one’s nursing home care even while away from home. Look no further!
Consult with Trusted Lawyers and Advisors
Before traveling, it is essential to consult with trusted lawyers and advisors who specialize in elder care. These professionals are familiar with the laws and regulations surrounding nursing homes and can provide you with valuable insights on how to monitor your loved one’s care from afar. During your time away, be sure to regularly check in with your loved one and, if you feel that they are being abused or neglected, seek legal advice immediately. If you are from New York, a NYC nursing home neglect attorney can provide you with the necessary support and guidance to take appropriate legal action. The last thing you need is to worry about your loved one’s well-being while trying to enjoy a trip.
Establish Regular Communication
While away, maintain regular communication with your loved one. This can be through phone calls, video chats, or even sending letters and care packages. Beyond just checking in on their well-being, take the opportunity to ask specific questions about their care and any concerns they may have.
For example, you can ask about their daily activities, meals, medication management, and interactions with staff. Or you can inquire about any changes in their health or overall satisfaction with the nursing home. Know that regular communication might be the key to identifying any potential issues early on.
Leverage Technology
Technology offers endless possibilities for staying connected and monitoring your loved one’s care. Some nursing homes offer online portals where you can access your loved one’s medical records, and appointment schedules, and even communicate with staff. You can also use video surveillance systems or apps that allow you to monitor your loved one’s room or common areas to ensure their safety and well-being.
There are many mobile applications specifically designed for caregivers of seniors in nursing homes. These apps can track medication schedules, provide reminders for appointments and tasks, and enable you to remotely monitor your loved one’s vitals such as blood pressure and heart rate.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
When utilizing technology, make sure that you are familiar with the privacy policies of the nursing home and have obtained any necessary consent from your loved one regarding surveillance or data sharing. Use secure passwords and encryption to protect sensitive information. Taking these precautions will safeguard your loved one's privacy and strengthen your ability to monitor their care effectively.
To further enhance your oversight, consider joining online support groups or forums related to elder care. These communities can provide valuable resources, advice, and personal experiences from other families who have navigated similar challenges. No one should have to go through this process alone.
Plan Frequent Visits
As we've seen earlier, technology and trusted advisors can provide valuable assistance but nothing beats personal visits to the nursing home. Plan frequent trips or take advantage of any opportunities for family members living nearby to visit regularly. These visits allow you to physically see your loved one and assess their well-being.
During these visits, take the time to observe the staff’s interactions with residents, the cleanliness of the facility, and any maintenance issues that may need attention. If possible, try to schedule these visits at different times of the day to get a more accurate sense of your loved one’s daily experience.
Request Access to Care Plans
It is well within your rights as a family member to request access to your loved one’s care plan from the nursing home. This document outlines their medical needs, treatment plans, and any changes in their condition. By reviewing this information regularly, you can ensure that your loved one’s needs are being adequately addressed.
If there are any discrepancies or concerns with the care plan, do not hesitate to bring them up with the staff or seek legal advice if necessary. Remember that you have every right to advocate for your loved one's best interests.
Involve a Trusted Friend or Family Member
In addition to technology, trusted advisors, and personal visits, you can also involve a trusted friend or family member who lives near the nursing home in monitoring your loved one’s care. This person can act as your eyes and ears on the ground and provide you with updates and feedback on your loved one’s well-being.
Establish open communication with this individual and ensure that they understand their role in overseeing your loved one's care. They should also have access to all necessary information, such as contact numbers for staff and medical professionals, to make informed decisions if an emergency arises.
Ask About Activities and Social Engagement
Beyond medical care, also inquire about your loved one’s social and emotional well-being. Ask the nursing home staff about activities and programs available for residents, as well as how they encourage social engagement among residents.
People in nursing homes should be able to enjoy a fulfilling and enriching life, and it is vital to ensure that they have opportunities for social interaction and meaningful activities. Stay informed about these aspects of your loved one’s care so you can assist in creating a positive and engaging environment for them.
Trust Your Instincts
As a family member, your instincts are often the most powerful tool in monitoring your loved one’s care. If something feels off or if you have any concerns, do not hesitate to address them with the nursing home staff and seek advice from trusted advisors or lawyers.
Trust your loved one’s instincts: listen to their feedback and observations about their care and take it into consideration when monitoring their well-being. Together, you can work towards ensuring that they receive the best possible care while in a nursing home.
While it may be challenging to monitor your loved one’s nursing home care while traveling, there are many ways to stay involved and keep a close eye on their well-being. By utilizing technology, involving trusted advisors and family members, and staying informed about their care plan and social activities, you can ensure that your loved one receives the best possible care even when you are away from home.
Remember to trust your instincts and seek legal advice if necessary. With these steps in place, you can have peace of mind while traveling knowing that your loved one is in good hands at the nursing home.
More Lifestyle Articles
