My loved one has been in a residential care home for 4 months. He’s on hospice because I wanted a 2nd set of eyes. The hospice caregiver said dad is soaking wet when she gets there and they’re not turning him every 2 hours. I put a camera in his room and the owner told me they weren’t allowed. He said it makes his caregivers uncomfortable and I must not trust him. Nowhere in his paperwork did it say no cameras and he said hospice is lying. I told him by law a licensed Al can’t deny me to have a camera. He then said I’m not licensed (shocker). Two days later he asked me for a letter that I was moving my dad. He doesn’t want him there anymore because of our talks about a camera. What recourse do I have? Now I’m more concerned because I can’t see what’s going on while I try to find someplace else.
Is in-home hospice an option for him in the meantime?
Quite often the Hospice Social Worker can get someone into a facility faster than if you were to call. (simple reason is that when Hospice calls the administration assumes that this is not going to be a long term resident so they may have a bed open.)
The care home where your dad is now I would make a call to the State Ombudsman, I would also call the State Health Department as well as your County or City Health Department. Medicare also keeps a list of facilities on their website with ratings they also may wish to know this "care home" exists and any complaints.
(If dad is wet and is not turned...and I would believe Hospice... this is elder neglect. And can be reported to APS as well as your State's Elder Abuse hotline)
Number one you say "He's on hospice because I wanted a second set of eyes".
1. I need just to pass by you that hospice is END OF LIFE CARE meaning that the ordering MD and your Dad and you if you are POA all understand that death is imminent or thought to be unavoidable and expected within a 6 month period of time.
2. When a person is on hospice there will be no further testing or treatment other than for comfort. Are you aware of that?
3. Who placed Dad in this facility? If hospital or rehab this needs reporting to the state and that facility immediately as to licensure. If facility was found by you it still needs reporting to your state authority.
4. Hospice often leaves medication that is very strong in the hands of family and caregivers (morphine) for administration. You have an unlicensed home caring for Dad. He will be leaving, as you tell us, but there are others in care here. This is a grave concern.
5.. Many places do not allow cameras because of privacy violation concerns. I don't know about the laws in your state as I am not familiar with them. I would check in Dad's next place if you wish camera installation.
I am relieved to hear your father is moving. I am worried for others in their care. I wish you the very best and hope you will update us. I'm so sorry you are going through all this; it's very worrisome.
Can Dad move & turn himself?
If not & he is in danger of pressure injuries, I would advocate for preventative equipment: air mattress, gel or air seat cushion.
I wouldn't expect 2 hourly turns in AL, day or night. I wouldn't even expect in acute care unless ICU level.
A good incontinence pad can last the night. However they can move out of place or some people void more at night. Again, advocate for the best absorbant pad. Maybe ask if one overnight check/change can be done within the scope of care setting he is in.
His needs may have exceeded his current home. If so, it's good to discuss this with the Manager.
I personalty wouldn't wish to move someone who was imminently at end of life stage - I'd add what I could instead. Eg pay for an personal aide.
But if there is more time, a move to a higher level of care could be beneficial.