Family members often can help to prevent serious injuries and promote proper care of a loved one who is a resident of a nursing facility.  First of all, it is important to approach the issues affecting your loved one in a positive, non-confrontational manner.  You should be involved in care plan developments because the family has a better understanding of the resident's life history, daily routines, and needs.  Of course, it is up to the professional staff to develop the care plan based upon their experience.  However, they should and will want a family member's input.  You should also feel free to work closely with the aides and professional nurses to familiarize them with your loved one so that they are comfortable with your family member and his or her needs, and so your family is comfortable with those who will provide everyday care.

Everyday care, or providing for an individual's activities of daily living, is often the most important and most needed service that a nursing home can provide.  Because staff will be providing toilet care, nutrition/hydration, and social activities, it is imperative that you are diligent in insisting that the facility attempt to continue your loved one's way of life as it existed before admission to the facility.

The failure of the facility to provide for these simple daily needs can often lead to an undignified existence and even serious injury.  As a family member, you should be familiar with when and how often your family member is showered, shaved, and toileted.  It is often necessary to voice complaints to the facility with regard to the resident not being properly clothed, cleaned, or toileted.  Many times, family members will witness the length of time that a resident must wait simply go to the bathroom.  This is often because the facility is understaffed or the staff is poorly trained.

The facility is also responsible for providing recreation and/or social activities according to the resident's individualized interests and needs.  As a family member, being present at the facility and asking questions of the staff as to when and where the activities will take place and how the residents enjoy such activities is often all it will take in order to ensure that the facility continues to provide such recreation and activities.

In the end, it is very important for you as a family member to know the staff and make sure that the staff knows you.  A nursing home staff should have absolutely no problem with a diligent and caring family member who shows genuine concern over a resident's care at the facility.  In New York State, it is every resident's right to have dignity, consideration, and respect while at a facility.

Concerned family members can find more information and helpful hints by joining or visiting the National Citizen's Coalition for Nursing Home Reform at www.nccnhr.org or by calling 202-332-2275.