NURSING HOME DO’s & DON’T’s

 

By:  Shelley Placito, MSW

 

DO:

 

Bring old family photos.  The resident’s remote memory is generally better than their recent memory.

 

Bring a favorite snack if the nurse says that it is compatible with the resident’s medical condition and dietary orders.  Residents are provided meals and snacks that are compliant with their doctor’s orders. 

 

Bring a family pet for a visit if the resident is close to the pet and the pet’s vaccination records have been filed with and approved by the Administrator.

 

Feel free to speak with other residents.  A simple exchange of pleasantries such as “Good Morning” can open a dialog and brighten a senior’s day.

 

Call for assistance if your loved one needs help with moving, changing, bathing, transferring, et cetera.

 

Take your loved one out on pass if their medical condition permits.  Residents can be taken out for a lunch date, a hair cut or a shopping trip if their condition allows it.  Medicaid even allows for up to 15 overnight visits per year.

 

DON’T:

 

Don’t overwhelm your loved one with photos of recent family additions which may not be recognizable to him or her.

 

Don’t bring foods that are not allowed on your loved one’s diet.  Don’t share food with other residents unless you have permission to do so from the nurse.  Many residents are diabetic and others have difficulty swallowing. 

 

Don’t bring pets that are too lively, loud or hard to handle.  Don’t bring pets who’s vaccination record has not been filed with and approved by the Administrator.

 

Don’t go into another resident’s room or inquire about their condition as privacy laws prohibit our answering such inquiries.  Never give food, drinks or money to a resident whose medical history you aren’t familiar with.  Do not give cigarettes to or light cigarettes for a resident without first consulting with their nurse.

 

Don’t attempt to move, transfer, change or bathe your loved one.  Doing so puts you and your loved one at risk for injury.

 

Don’t take other residents out on pass without first obtaining the approval of the Administrator.  Many residents have special needs and families must be notified prior to their going out on pass.