Abuse and neglect in nursing homes and assisted living facilities is rampant across the country. Fortunately, one of the best steps that you can take to ensure that your loved one is safe and well cared for is also one of the most obvious. Making positive relationships with nursing home aides can help ensure the safety of your loved one.
Due diligence is always part of ensuring our elderly family members are safe. According to the AARP, you should always insist on consistency, be picky about what aides are caring for your loved one, and connect with the aides yourself.
Consistency and pickiness
It is much easier for you to be confident in the quality of your loved one’s care if you are only working with one or two nursing aides at a time. Make sure that when you are looking at facilities that you choose one that allows this option. A revolving door of nursing aides can cause a lot of problems and frustration.
Remember that setting up your loved one with a nursing aide is almost like going on a blind date. Even if the nursing aide is lovely, that does not mean that he or she will “click” with your loved one. If your loved one and the nursing aide are not personally compatible, do not be shy in asking for a replacement.
Connection is key
There should be a natural connection between the caregiver and the caretaker. However, it is very worthwhile for you to make a connection with your loved one’s nursing team yourself. Getting to know your loved one’s nursing aides on a personal level will go a long way toward ensuring your loved one is well cared for and in good spirits.
