I am caring for someone in an adult family home and am finding out that there is no 24/7 care or nursing care at all. Any thoughts?

Please let your client’s daughter know what is actually happening in this board and care home. The owner of the home can promise anything to a prospective resident. Delivery on that promise is another story. Obviously, the home is falling short. I certainly wouldn’t recommend this board and care home to anyone in need of care.

By telling your client’s family, they will have the knowledge needed to contact the owner of the board and care home, to make any inquiries or complaints about the care being given to their family member.

It’s very sad if this home is not following required stipulations, or if they are promising services that they aren’t delivering. Of course, the very same thing can happen in a nursing home. My father went to a NH for rehab after his stroke that was later shut down by the state. It’s our responsibility to see that any care given is up to par. If it is not up to par, we must complain so any issues can be corrected or in severe cases, the state will shut them down. Some places are run well. Sadly, other places are not run well.

Just curious, has your client’s family been in to see their loved one? If so, what is their impression of the home? They are fortunate to have an additional set of eyes overseeing these issues.

Unless a person is visiting frequently, one would never know what is going on. I would inquire about installing a camera if they continue to use this home. Is there a reason why they didn’t go with a nursing home in the area?

Install a camera in a nursing home if your client is moved to a facility. You will have to check your state laws. Here it is legal to do so. I wouldn’t hesitate to place a camera in my loved one’s room. My mom’s hospice house had cameras in several areas. I visited often but I felt more secure knowing that the hospice house had installed cameras.

Wishing you and your client all the best and I hope all issues are resolved. I do believe in being fair and giving people a chance to correct the circumstances. If they don’t correct them, then further action can be taken.

This sounds like a Board and Care. This place cannot meet the needs of your client. Daughter would be better finding a nice Longterm Care facility and allowing Medicaid to pay for it if Mom has no money.

What credentials did they give the daughter? Are either the husband or wife RNs? Are the aides Certified by the State? A doctor on call with them? I would get your client out of there and then call the State Ombudsman to have the place inspected.

That’s interesting. I would be concerned too. Have you told the daughter about any of this?

So, does the husband and wife work separate shifts? If not, it certainly isn’t 24/7 care.

I would absolutely ask if a nurse is on call. I would also speak to the daughter about what you have seen.

How do the caregivers treat you? What is your impression of these caregivers? Do you know who the owners are? The daughter could speak to the owners about this situation if she desires. How many hours a day are you there with your client? Have you spoken to any of the other residents or their family members about their care in the home?

The ratio is 2 caregivers (husband and wife) to 6 residents.

I have been hired by the daughter to sit with the mother and keep her company and no i have not seen a nurse anywhere ever since I started.

The meds are given by the people that live there that were the people that just "live there" they are not medically trained.

Pretty scary
When the daughter moved her in she was promised it was 24/7 care. It is not at all.

It is licensed in Washington State as an Adult Family Home however.

I just read your profile. The world could use more people like you. I love your zeal in life.

So, are you sitting with this woman in her group home or are you working as an advocate for her? Can you clarify for me, please? What is the ratio of residents to caregivers?

You say that you haven’t seen a nurse. Have you asked if there is a nurse on call?

What about meds? Is this woman on any medication? If so, how is it being monitored? Meds need modifications periodically.

Please give us more details.