Submitted by Ron Meyers and Associates, Vulnerable Adult Injury Attorneys
Moving a loved one into a care facility can bring a complicated mix of relief, worry and uncertainty. Even when a family has carefully researched its options and feels confident in the decision, handing over day-to-day care to someone else is a significant transition.
The first 30 days in a care facility can tell families a great deal about how well that transition is going. Some changes are a normal part of adjusting to new surroundings and routines. Others may be early signs that a resident needs more support or that something about the care being provided deserves a closer look.
For families throughout Thurston County, staying involved during those first few weeks can help a loved one settle in while also establishing a strong relationship with the people responsible for their care.
Expect an Adjustment Period
Even a positive move can be difficult.
A new resident is suddenly sleeping in a different room, eating different food, following a new schedule and interacting with unfamiliar people. Someone who was comfortable with a routine at home may initially seem quieter, more anxious or less interested in activities.
Give your loved one time to adjust, but stay curious about how things are going. Ask open-ended questions about meals, caregivers, activities and daily routines rather than simply asking, “Do you like it here?”
If your loved one has dementia or difficulty communicating, your own observations may become even more important.
Pay Attention to Eating, Drinking and Personal Care
Small physical changes can provide important clues about how a resident is adapting.
During visits, notice whether your loved one appears well-groomed and appropriately dressed. Ask how meals are going and whether staff members are providing assistance if eating or drinking independently is difficult.
A little disruption during a transition may be understandable. Continued weight loss, signs of dehydration, declining hygiene or a noticeable change in physical condition deserve questions.
The goal isn’t to assume something is wrong. It’s to notice changes early enough to understand why they are happening.
Learn Who Is Actually Providing the Care
The first month is a good time to get to know the people caring for your family member.
Learn the names and roles of regular caregivers, nurses and administrators. Find out who to contact with routine questions and who handles concerns after hours.
Pay attention to whether staff members understand your loved one’s needs, including mobility limitations, dietary restrictions, dementia-related behaviors and medication requirements.
Also notice whether enough staff members are available during different shifts to respond promptly. Frequent unanswered call lights, long waits for assistance or caregivers responsible for too many residents may raise questions about staffing levels.
Watch for Changes in Mood or Behavior
Families often know a loved one’s personality better than anyone else.
A resident who suddenly becomes unusually withdrawn, fearful, agitated or reluctant to communicate may simply be struggling with the transition. But persistent or worsening behavioral changes are worth discussing with staff.
The same is true if your loved one appears uncomfortable around a particular caregiver or repeatedly expresses concerns about how they are being treated.
Ask questions, share what you’ve noticed, and find out whether staff members have observed similar changes.
Ask How the Care Plan Is Working
A care plan shouldn’t simply disappear into a file after admission.
As staff members get to know a new resident, they may discover that the person needs more assistance than expected with walking, bathing, meals, medication or other daily activities.
Ask whether the original plan still reflects your loved one’s needs. If there has been a fall, illness, significant behavioral change or other concern during the first month, ask whether anything about the resident’s care should change as a result.
Families don’t need to manage the care themselves, but they should understand the plan.
Visit at Different Times
If possible, don’t make every visit at the same time on the same day.
An occasional morning, evening or weekend visit can give you a better sense of your loved one’s daily experience. Different shifts may have different staff members, routines and activity levels.
Regular visits also give residents something equally important: connection to the people and life they knew before the move.
Start the Relationship You Want to Have
The first 30 days in a care facility are an opportunity to build a partnership with the care team.
Introduce yourself to caregivers, ask questions and share what helps staff understand your loved one as a person — their preferences, routines, frustrations and ways of communicating.
Many concerns can be resolved through early, direct communication. But if changes continue, explanations don’t add up or you worry about your loved one’s care or safety, don’t ignore what you’re seeing.
If you have questions about a loved one’s care or rights in a Thurston County care facility, contact Ron Meyers and Associates. We can listen to your concerns, explain your options and help determine what to do next.
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