Introduction: Navigating Long-Term Care Decisions
This list emphasizes ways to prevent elder abuse in the context of the the emotionally complex decision to place a loved one in a long-term care facility and is inspired by a family member’s experience.
1. Supporting the Transition: Pre-planning and Involvement
The first step to prevent elder abuse is pre-planning for long-term care decisions, and getting ready for the emotional challenges faced by individuals and families. Below are the practical steps to ease the transition, such as frequent visits, meeting other residents, and ensuring a comprehensive assessment upon discharge from a hospital.
2. Making Visits Meaningful: Strategies for Quality Time
Meaningful visits are important, seeing and being seen, varying visit times, participating in facility activities, and planning outings. Try to take a structured approach to weekly visits, encouraging family involvement, and fostering a purposeful connection with the resident.
3. Building Relationships with Facility Staff
Acknowledging the shift from direct caregiving at home to facility care, this section emphasizes the importance of building positive relationships with staff. It advises on offering genuine praise, developing relationships with administrative staff, and understanding facility policies for effective communication.
4. Active Participation in Care Planning Meetings
The care plan is center of the long-term care regimen. Take active participation in care plan meetings, stress the need for personalizing the plan, involving key players, and do your best to ensure measurable outcomes. Care plan meetings are a great opportunity to advocate for the resident’s individualized needs during care plan discussions.
5. Monitoring Care: Ensuring Quality and Accountability
Use the care plan to monitor overall care, keep notes, check records, maintain contact with medical professionals, and physically inspect your loved one. Then, depending on findings, follow up with the staff immediately or at the next care plan meeting.
6. Advocacy: Exercising Rights and Preventing Elder Abuse
Advocacy can change outcomes when it comes to elder abuse. Knowing resident rights and advising them on effective advocacy strategies. Be aware of signs of potential abuse and report promptly, including involving the Ombudsman Program and relevant licensing agencies.
7. Collective Action for Quality Care
Finally individuals should join collective efforts to improve the quality of care., such as joining or forming Resident Councils, Family Councils, and participating in advocacy campaigns.