Monitoring Quality of Care:
- Regular visits by Care Managers and family members allow for ongoing monitoring of the quality of care provided to residents. This oversight helps ensure that residents receive the appropriate medical attention, medication management, and personal care they require.
Promoting Individualized Care:
- Care Managers and families intimately know the preferences, medical histories, and unique needs of the residents. Their regular presence enables them to advocate for individualized care plans and activities that enhance the residents’ quality of life.
Preventing Neglect and Abuse:
- Unfortunately, cases of neglect and abuse can occur in long-term care facilities. When Care Managers and family members are actively engaged, they serve as a deterrent to such incidents. Their presence raises awareness and helps protect residents from mistreatment.
Facilitating Communication:
- Effective communication is essential in healthcare. Care Managers and family members bridge the gap between residents and staff, ensuring that residents’ concerns, questions, and needs are understood and addressed promptly.
Ensuring Residents’ Rights:
- Residents in long-term care have specific rights that must be protected. Care Managers and families are well-positioned to advocate for these rights, including the right to privacy, dignity, and a safe environment.
Advocating for Medical Needs:
- Residents often have complex medical conditions that require ongoing attention. Care Managers and families can ensure that doctors’ orders are followed, medications are administered correctly, and any changes in health status are promptly addressed.
Emotional Support and Social Engagement:
- Loneliness and isolation can be significant challenges in long-term care settings. Care Managers and family members provide emotional support, companionship, and opportunities for social interaction, which can significantly improve residents’ mental and emotional well-being.
Assisting with Decision-Making:
- Residents may need assistance with important decisions, such as healthcare choices or end-of-life planning. Care Managers and families can help residents make informed decisions that align with their values and preferences.
Maintaining a Personal Connection:
- Regular visits from Care Managers and family members help residents maintain a sense of connection with the outside world and their loved ones. This connection is essential for emotional well-being and a sense of belonging.
Promoting Accountability:
- When Care Managers and families are actively involved, long-term care facilities are more likely to maintain high standards of care. Knowing that residents have advocates who are closely monitoring their well-being encourages staff accountability.
Improving Overall Satisfaction:
- The presence of Care Managers can lead to higher resident satisfaction. When residents feel heard, cared for, and valued, their overall experience in long-term care settings improves.
The regular presence of Care Managers and family members is essential in long-term care settings. Their involvement not only enhances the quality of care but also safeguards residents’ rights, emotional well-being, and overall satisfaction. By acting as advocates and professional family members, they contribute to a more compassionate and person-centered approach to long-term care. If you are unable to visit your family regularly, please reach out to Complete Care Strategies so that we can assist with finding a Care Manager to Advocate for your loved one.
About the Author
As CEO of Complete Care Strategies, Rebecca Roskey-Brunner leverages over 20 years of experience as a Registered Nurse and Certified Care Manager to serve clients with special needs, the medically complex, and older adults facing health challenges to improve their quality of life. As an Aging Life Care Professional, Rebecca brings deep expertise in individualized care planning, dementia care, care coordination, and crisis prevention for vulnerable seniors.