Father wasn't getting required meds at NH. I think this admission should be accompanied by a reduction of fees. Any thoughts?

Question

Father wasn't getting required meds at NH. I think this admission should be accompanied by a reduction of fees. Any thoughts?

Follow

Share

We moved my dad from an SNF to a Memory Care today after one month at NH. It is much closer to my mom's house, is significantly less money, and most important he has a large private room we can set up as an apt. of sorts to make it more comfortable for him and visitors. The hospice nurse did a discharge check and found out he was not given one of the required meds, an anti seizure med, the whole time he was there. Luckily it never became an issue, but I found out the reason was because there was a clerical error upon admission so it was never listed on the meds list. The Social Worker investigated this and found out it was clearly a mess up on their part and this represented negligence on their part and they are going to self report themselves to the governing state agency. I found this owning up very refreshing. Still, I feel we did not receive the services we paid for so I would think when the bill comes we should be able to negotiate a discount of sorts. You could say no harm, no foul but still, this was troubling to me when you pay a lot to make sure your LO is receiving proper care only to find out they were not. Again, the SWs attitude helped dampen my disappointment, but I think this admission should be accompanied by a reduction of fees. Any thoughts?

Care Plan Medications Memory Care

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.

16 Answers

Most
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First

You can negotiate almost anything. But more importantly, I would follow up with the state agency to be sure they do self report! Have you noticed any change in behavior while your Dad did not take the med? Check with the MD to see if he still needs it. Doctors seem quick to add meds but never take you off of them!

Helpful Answer (5)

Report

Make sure they self report, my dad did nor get his warfarin, he has a mechanical valve, same story. They would self report, did not happen. Report them as not all meds that are missed are no big deal. My dad's cardiologist said it's a blessing he didn't start throwing blood clots. For all future patients follow up, please. I would ask for a discount. Come back and let us know what happens.

Helpful Answer (5)

Report

It never hurts to ask....

Helpful Answer (4)

Report

When my mother broke her hip she was discharged to rehab. From rehab to a memory care facility. I noticed her feet and legs swelling badly. I kept asking if she was given her "water pill". They would answer she was being given all her meds. Finally the swelling almost got to the seeping stage and we discovered the hospital, who had been given a list of her meds upon admittal, had not sent the order for that medication to the rehab facility who then of course didn't send it to the memory care facility. I always kept a list of her meds in my billfold but it never occurred to me to check it against what the hospital sent out with her. Be sure the nursing home knew they were supposed to give the drug. If they NEVER gave it to him, it might not have been included in the list of meds they received and the hospice nurse was working from a different list. These are the kinds of errors that can cost lives.

Helpful Answer (4)

Report

Call the local Ombudsman Supervisor and report this neglect.

Helpful Answer (1)

Report

My dad’s in An assisted living facility. One day I decided to check all his meds because no one had asked for refills. Long and short of it all was he was not getting all his meds daily. I made a list along with the papers showing dates of RX from the pharmacy. If you cannot get a resolution by talking to the nurse in charge or the director of the facility you can file a report with the department of aging and disabilities. It takes 6 to 8 weeks for them to get an investigator out and you will need to call them weekly to make sure your case doesn’t fall between the cracks. This will prompt an investigation and a thorough check of the facility. They could be sited with violations if they’re not doing their job. But this is the only way for future prospective residents to know what kind of a facility they’re putting their loved one into. I’ve done it. The facility was fined and people were fired. Things improved with his meds. You will have to be the one to stay on top of everything, meds, showers, eating, housekeeping...everything! Hope this helps and things improve.

Oh, the facility will do everything they can to not reduce the monthly rate. Sorry but reduction in rate probably will not happen.

Helpful Answer (1)

Report

I, too, have to keep on top of Mom's AL facility constantly. They won't thicken her liquids, but she is still able to do so herself. She is on xanax PRN and doesn't think to ask for it much of the time (when she needs it daily, really). Sometimes the staff try to talk her out of it! Yes, we have to keep on top of everything constantly, and I'm in OH while she's in KS. :(

Helpful Answer (1)

Report

Thanks isthisrealyreal. Did you get any discounts?

Helpful Answer (0)

Report

You can inquire about a deduction but my guess is NO. My mom’s AL has messed up a few times combined with my father’s DEAF micromanaging.

Oh, same amount each month.

Helpful Answer (0)

Report

The best thing is to be your loved one's advocate - this shows we need to be aware of all meds they are on & double check when they switch places - thanks for posting Granjan because is now on list of TO DO items so that we all can assure ourselves nothing gets missed in a move

As to getting a discount -"if you don't ask the question you will never get a yes" is a favourite saying I have - good luck

Father wasn't getting required meds at NH. I think this admission should be accompanied by a reduction of fees. Any thoughts?

16 Answers

Recent Questions

Popular Questions

Related Questions