Reality of Daily Life In Long Term Care

Here's the reality of life in an SNC, Long Term Care, for residents and families:

I always wondered why within six months time residents of Mom's LTC who arrived walking were all in wheelchairs. 

Scenerio:

The resident will probably be "urged" into a wheelchair with "concerns" about a fall risk or  "balance challenges" at their age.

TRANSLATION:  Only if the resident is non mobile is there a guarantee they remain in Long Term Care; with mobility they might be moved or could be placed in Assisted Living --- however, if they are dependent on Medicaid, there is no allowance for Assisted Living, only Long Term Care.

Great for the facility; guarantees occupancy. 

Bad for the resident, loss of using their legs leads to atrophy and medical challenges. . . or even worse accidents than if they were walking with a walker.

THE FACILITIES HAVE FOUND WAYS TO "have their cake and eat it too" --

they insist that those who "can use their legs" MUST have the foot holders removed so they can move themselves around using their hands and feet.

Unfortunately, this "confinement" comes with many limitations:

You might not be able to stand and reach for something you want/need; you may need assistance getting on or off the toilet, 

Getting into the "medicine cabinet" that's placed well above your head for a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant or other items means someone will have to get it for you....

ring your buzzer, if you can find it...

wait twenty minutes or until your "designated CNA" gets back from getting herself a soda, takes a cigarette break or ...

you may not be able to see yourself in the mirror in the bathroom as well as you'd like while seated in the wheelchair because it's hung so high; 

you may not be able to maneuver your wheelchair in and out with the trashcan that's placed against the door to the bathroom to hold it open because it always swings shut without the weight of the can against it; 

you may not be able to remember where you put those personal care items you remember now and again you'd like to use; 

drop something under the bed and see how long it takes for anyone to notice;

misplace anything and have staff tell you "they'll take care of it" only to never see it again.

One CNA for 10 or more people -- men and women, different mental and physical abilities -- assigned staff so you "get to know them" which in reality means you wait double or triple the time 

So...you're told....it's ok....you have a "diaper" on....just let it go

HOW HUMILIATING...A DIAPER....FOR THOSE WHO COMPREHEND....FOR THOSE WITH MENTAL ABILITY....to be told to "let it fly"...yes, actual words I've heard...for, you see, "these" people can't really understand, you can say just about anything...

Is this the type of life you want for anyone who resides in this amazing country or ours?

It happens around the clock, day after day, night after night as people move into and out of your "loved one's" life -- or what "they" the LTC deem is acceptable, appropriate, what we can get by with, what we don't have to report ....while it's actually 

WHAT THEY GET AWAY WITH BECAUSE WE DON'T REQUIRE CAMERAS OR VOICE RECORDERS....unfortunately needed in many facilities that place the "almighty dollar" ahead of human caregiving. 

And, please, don't think that "Not For Profit"facility is better because it's "charitable". Often the "charity" begins at home and that means giving Executives paid membership(s) at Country Clubs and other "perks".

Check a Not For Profit's reports; learn how to read them; you may be shocked by what you find.  I know I was.