What Can Families Do
Help Assure the Quality of Care
- Tell staff about your relative - His or her life, interests, habits, beliefs, likes, dislikes, etc.
- Help create a feeling of home – Furnish the new space to reflect the home where they lived.
- Be visible and involved – Frequent visits and active communication with the resident and the staff can create good working relationships.
- Know who’s who on staff – Identify which staff can answer your questions.
- Understand standards of care – Facilities must provide services in a way that will help each resident live to his or her fullest potential – physically, mentally and emotionally. Know the rights of the resident.
- Know the facility – Review the most recent survey report which should be prominently displayed. Check the resources listed on State Ombudsman posters or brochures.
- Join a family support group – A united voice is powerful and can be effective in promoting better care.
- Get to know your ombudsman – The ombudsman is the resident’s advocate and is a good source of information and help with care issues, residents’ rights, eligibility criteria and other services for the resident.
When should you call Ombudsman?
- If a move to a place providing Long-Term Care is being considered and you need information.
- After admission, if you have questions about resident rights, family councils, what to expect with residing in a long-term care facility.
- If there are any problems or differences that cannot be worked out with staff.
- If you have questions about Medicare, Medicaid or other payment for long-term care.
- If you need information such as a copy of resident rights, locations of area nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
- Other services in the community that may be available.
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