Seven months into a skilled nursing stay at a nursing home in PA my father developed pressure sores and weight loss. I reported this to the Dept. Of Aging and the Dept. Of Health and hired a lawyer to fight for my father. In retaliation, the nursing home blocked me from going into my father's room and forced supervised visits as though I was a criminal. Can they do this in retaliation?
Most US NHs are not allowing ANY visitors at this point, and those who are allowed must be screened beforehand.
When my Dad was admitted to rehab it was noted that there was redness on his heals. First sign that he needed an air mattress. Within a couple days the redness turned into blisters and then they broke. Mom mentioned it and they were bandaged. No air mattress. My daughter made it in on the 4th day. She has been sick. I told her about the blisters. She looked at them, there already was dead skin. She marched out to the DON. The Nurse agreed with all of Renee's complaints.
My opinion, you are being punished and so is Dad. Dad is not in a prison. Call your lawyer and tell him what is going on. If you don't want to pay for that call your Ombudsman may be able to help.
If not, ask for it to be put in writing.
Then send the request to the Ombudsman and report that you are being required to have supervised visits. Point out that this seems to be an act of retaliation.
And CC your lawyer.
Here’s what I feel and I could be dead wrong so please correct me if I am. Facilities are short handed. Many are trying their best. There are always a few bad apples in any profession. Why? Because people are flawed. This does not excuse them. It simply explains the situation.
I am not judging you in any way but may I ask you something please? Please don’t get defensive or take this out of context because it is NOT an accusation, nor is it to make you feel guilty. Did you try to resolve the issue with the facility first?
Did you report the incident to authorities without bringing it up to the attention of the facility? In this case they may indeed be harboring resentment towards you.
Is it right to take personal action against you? No, but they now have a record of negligence and even though this incident occurred it is possible that they are upset about the report and they are targeting you.
I am sincerely sorry that your dad suffered from a wound and I hope that your dad is being treated well now. I hope that his wound issues were treated and that he has healed.
The elderly have tender skin and sores happen. It is unfortunate but not uncommon. The wounds are treatable. Of course, preventing wounds are the best thing but it isn’t always possible if there is a staff shortage.
Is it possible to speak to the social worker? Is she objective? Do you feel you should speak to the head nurse? Do you feel a need to speak to an elder care attorney? Has your father complained about his current care? What about other residents? Have you witnessed other incidents?
Best wishes to you and your dad.