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I am moving my mom into a nursing home and they include a form for me to
sign waiving them of ANY liabilities for wrong doing. They also state that they
will not be watching the residents all the time and that they will be left alone, possibly for extended periods of time.

They also state if we expect the patient to have closer supervision, we should hire a private nurse! Wow, I guess, that's the norm now, whether you're having an operation or anything else done, everyone wants us to sign a waiver so that we won't hold them responsible even if they are negligent.

I don't like signing these forms, but I am sure they won't even entertain admitting someone that doesn't. Can anyone that may have admitted their loved one recently, shed any light on this matter for me?

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I've got to admit I find signing these kind of documents a challenge. It seems that whether it is admission documents, employment contracts or even just service contracts we are often handed a sheaf of papers and a pen while the administrator waits not so patiently for us to apply out signature. (My sis mentioned that potential residents at her facility were handed a document over 50 pages long, no one could possible wade through that!)
Generally you have the legal right to ask for copies of documents that you can examine at your leisure or take to your own legal counsel, but if you ask for that you would get a look like you were an alien from another planet, and let's face it, most of us don't have a lawyer on retainer who can go over our documents.

I'm not sure what the answer is, if you really want the contracted services you are pretty much compelled to sign. Just make sure to sign everything as POA so you can not be held personally responsible!
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Thanks cwillie. That is what I am doing. I signed (my name) then next to it, wrote POA for (my mom's name), is that correct?
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When my Mom went into Rehab, I had quite a few papers to sign but Admin was so very patient and explained what each page contained. It was still overwhelming because this was the only Rehab center that had a bed, and it was the place I was hoping Mom could get into, and I didn't want to lose this bed. I also signed the papers the same way you did.

Yes, it is impossible for the nursing home to have someone with Mom 24/7. My Mom was a climber-out-of-bed and she kept falling, the nursing home also recommended that we hire a Caregiver to watch Mom at night.... we just couldn't afford to do that as Dad was now having 24/7 caregivers at his house as he was also a fall risk and there were a lot of stairs in their house.

The facility my Mom was in had private rooms and rooms with another person. We choose a room-mate situation as my Mom didn't like being alone. Plus the room-mates Mom had were of clear mind so each one she had would ring the Staff any time my Mom was trying to climb out of bed or if she fell. Elders can fall in a split second.
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Please make sure you read the contract and make notes about your concerns . You have every right to ask questions . What do they mean by "wrongdoing"? What do they mean by left alone for a long period of time? In bed, out on a patio? In front of the television drooling? I am sure you will be able to maneuver through the maze without sending up an alarm. I would bet they are used to prospective clients families asking questions as this is new and unfamiliar territory. There are state regulations with minimum standards and compliance rules. You should be able to ask to see your mothers charts when you visit. It is overwhelming to one, especially at a time when you are so vulnerable.Remember, you can always move her if you have concerns . When it was finally necessary for my MIL to be put in a memory care facility I wish I would have known more. We were just desperate as she had "eloped" three times from the house. After a year we decided to explore state licensed adult foster care homes and found them to be very reasonable and a better choice. It is all about the quality of care for the money spent. You should be able to get copies of your signed documents , of course, and you might want to ask an Elder Care Attorney to review. Also, the Area on Aging, the ALZ org, or social services may be able shed some light on the validity on the 'waivers" that are mentioned in the documents. Good Luck and feel confidant!
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