Back in February, the Biden administration proposed a series of nursing home reforms, many of which could help significantly to improve nursing home quality. But, shockingly, the administration does not address the need for nursing home residents to have informal caregivers by their side. Judith Graham reports for Kaiser Health News on the often critical role that informal caregivers play for nursing home residents and why nursing homes should not be able to keep informal caregivers away, even in a pandemic.
In theory, better staffing at nursing homes, better oversight of nursing homes, and better information about particular nursing homes could be a huge step forward in ensuring nursing home residents are safe and well cared for. But, the rights of residents to be with family members are as important, yet most family members were prevented from spending time with loved ones in nursing homes during the pandemic. The consequent isolation many residents felt took a toll on their mental and emotional health.
Without the support of family and friends, nursing home residents suffer. Many of them rely on these informal caregivers to help them with personal care, cleaning and other basic activities. Sometimes these informal caregivers are their principal ongoing contact with the outside world.
But, support from informal caregivers vanished for many of them during Covid. Most nursing homes ended visitation privileges, even from close family and friends. And, the fear is that, now, nursing homes will cut those privileges whenever they deem appropriate, without regard to residents’ essential needs.
Keep in mind that not all nursing homes are alike. Some are far better than others at caring for patients. Do your homework before choosing a nursing home and don’t trust Medicare star-ratings of nursing homes. Stay away from chain nursing homes. Look into Green Houses, smaller nursing homes that are not-for-profit. And, also look into non-profit PACE programs, which allow you to remain in your home and community as you age.
Advocates are now calling for additional protections for nursing home residents, including the right to designate two people who will always have access to them in their nursing homes so long as they comply with the same safety policies that staffers must comply with.
Caregivers are not staff, but they should participate in the care planning process. They should be supported. They can offer love that staff generally never offer, as well as ongoing attention to their loved ones’ care needs.
Here’s more from Just Care:
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