A recent program on National Public Radio (NPR) called “A Third of Nursing Home Patients Harmed By Their Treatment” was shocking to me. Because of the fact that I or one of my staff advocates for and track our clients, we don’t have that type of harm – most are there for rehab and then are quickly discharged back to home or retirement living.
The article which ran on March 5, 2014 said that 60% of those admitted to nursing homes are actually harmed by their treatment (or errors) and end up back in the hospital.
I am sure regulators are trying to turn that around and hospitals could be penalized for readmission so both the nursing home and the discharging hospital have something to gain besides healthier people – and that is their reputation and the overall quality of care for all of us who might need just a little extra support after an illness or surgery.
I would highly recommend that families either hire a skilled and experienced Professional Care Manager to advocate, support and, at the same time, oversee the quality of care delivered so the patient can return to their previous functioning level if possible.
My experience with clients over the years who have needed skilled nursing has been mostly positive. But, I say this as an advocate and truly believe that, without my advocacy, their experiences would not have been as positive. The fact is, a patient can get lost or overlooked without an advocate to ask good questions, support the plan of care and work on realistic goals. I will say that those without advocates are part of the 60% who could be harmed by being overlooked and/or not having a skilled and experienced advocate.
Care Managers are skilled at asking good questions to find either comfort care that is attentive and kind or rehabilitation care that helps clients get back to their base functioning or improved functioning. The key is teaming with the skilled nursing center’s team and being part of making the outcome the best it can be.