Annie’s Mailbox: ‘Keeper’ has way to address concerns

Dear Annie: I just had to give input regarding your response to “My Brother’s Keeper.” She said her brother is dying of cancer and is in a nursing home, but they force him to wear diapers and discourage him from getting up to use the bathroom. She wanted her brother to maintain his dignity, but the staff was concerned about his falling. While your response was fine, it did not answer her question, “Is there anything I can do?” The answer is “Yes!”

I am a nurse with almost 40 years of experience. I have worked in nursing homes and hospice, and have taught nursing students and staff. First, “Keeper” was correct in bringing this issue to the night nurse. However, when she did not receive a satisfactory response, she should have taken her concern further up to the director of nursing or even the administrator.

All nursing homes are mandated to adhere to standards intended to protect residents. It is not acceptable to rely on diapers instead of providing residents with ways to meet their basic needs every two hours.

The higher-up is going to want to reach a win-win result, not only because it is the right thing to do, but also if “Keeper” complains to the state, it opens the door for a survey in which other, possibly worse, things may be discovered.

Please let “My Brother’s Keeper,” as well as other family members with loved ones in such facilities, know there is a way in which to address her concern. –Advocating Nurse Melissa

Dear Melissa: Thank you for your response. care facility should have posted the addresses and phone numbers of reporting agencies such as the State Survey Agency, State Licensure Office, State Ombudsman Program, Protection and Advocacy Network and Medicare Fraud Control Unit. We also recommend concerned family members contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman in their area.