Some of you may remember my post in July about the fact that I was not informed by the nursing home that my mother's health had seriously deteriorated - even though the GP had asked staff to contact the next of kin urgently. Despite the fact that the staff had three days between the GP visit and my mother actually passing away, I was not actually contacted until 2 hours after her death! Obviously, at the time, I was in a state of shock, but it helped me to discuss it on Talking Point and I received a lot of kind words and advice.
As a result of the advice, I did complain to the Area Manager responsible for the home. This resulted in an investigation being undertaken and serious action taken, including the dismissal of a member of staff. Following the investigation, the Area Manager met with me to report back her findings. This also gave me the opportunity to discuss my grievances re: the management of the home generally and these, I feel, have been taken seriously. Areas of identified weakness in the home have been addressed and recommendations for change + an action plan (with timescales) have been drawn up and submitted to the CSCI. Whilst, of course, none of this will ever compensate for not being able to share my mother's final hours with her, I do think that my complaint will hopefully prevent this ever happening again to someone else. I'm now glad I did make the effort to complain (despite the circumstances) and I urge anyone else with grievances about the parent's home to do the same. Alzheimer's is such a terrible disease and if we do not fight for good care, who will?
Thanks again to all those people who offered me such wonderful support when I needed it most.
Regards
Helen
As a result of the advice, I did complain to the Area Manager responsible for the home. This resulted in an investigation being undertaken and serious action taken, including the dismissal of a member of staff. Following the investigation, the Area Manager met with me to report back her findings. This also gave me the opportunity to discuss my grievances re: the management of the home generally and these, I feel, have been taken seriously. Areas of identified weakness in the home have been addressed and recommendations for change + an action plan (with timescales) have been drawn up and submitted to the CSCI. Whilst, of course, none of this will ever compensate for not being able to share my mother's final hours with her, I do think that my complaint will hopefully prevent this ever happening again to someone else. I'm now glad I did make the effort to complain (despite the circumstances) and I urge anyone else with grievances about the parent's home to do the same. Alzheimer's is such a terrible disease and if we do not fight for good care, who will?
Thanks again to all those people who offered me such wonderful support when I needed it most.
Regards
Helen