The nursing facility insists on 24/7 sitters. Any advice?

U have lawyers to thank for this! NH is just trying to cover their butts so they won’t get sued.

Same happened with my mom. The sitters were on and off depending on mom's behaviors. Yup, it is expensive especially on top of other residential care.

Is the facility short staffed? They have others to care for too.

My mom was moved to a care home many fewer residents that worked better for her.

Talk with the facility about cutting back hours for starters. Maybe a geriatric psychiatric assessment to adjust meds to find something that will keep him more comfortable.

From what I've read about your situation, it seems you need a multiple-phase approach, such as: (1) contact the state agency that oversees nursing facilities and file a complaint (maybe not your first step -- try 2, 3 and 4 first); (2) talk to the Council on Aging people in your area about spend-down and getting him qualified for Medicaid as you have NO OBLIGATION to pay for any of this, except as provided under his insurance policies and Medicare/Medicaid; (3) engage an elder care attorney -- with Dad's money -- about your rights and his rights; and (4) talk with the Doctors, social worker, and other care facilitators, over and over again, about how to get the problems under control. You really do need a skilled elder-care attorney most of all. Be one of those people who asserts your rights and your father's rights.

You might private message me what state, city and facility he's in, and I may be able to find a referral for you for an elder attorney.

I would also say that, there are laws that protect patients from being over-medicated, so the care facility has to be mindful of those regulations, as their license could be at risk. And, if he is in an assisted living facility as opposed to a skilled or long-term care facility, then he is in the wrong place. Again, if you get an elder care attorney, you are likely to find that you will suddenly be able to find a bed for him in a more appropriate level of care -- as well as more appropriate care for him.

I think its time to research other facilities. I mean what is their staff there for.

The only time I heard of this was in an AL while they waited for a bed in the LTC section. If this is a NH you r paying big bucks to be there. I would just tell them, no can afford.

The reality is we can't expect assisted living to care 24/7 for our loved ones. Families have to step in no matter how hard and inconvenient it is. There are mpeople entering into senior years and living longer and we as a nation are not prepared for the experience until it happens. The assisted living facilities are a convenience for those family members who can not be there then we expect the best. It does not happen. They depend or expect family to help out. Very few if any people want to change diapers or clean an elderly patient. Things are only going to get worse as more of us are aging

my step dad just had his 3 rd stroke , worsened dementia and still has been able to get up and fall , all the time . Finally he went to a Geri psych and it’s only been a week and they are sending him back. He’s better but not good and you know they will decrease his meds and we’ll start all over again . We can’t afford sitters either and the facility has not mentioned having them yet . It is definitely the most frustrating situation that I have encountered in my lifetime . We have been lucky with having availability at facilities close to us so far . Prayers for all of you and your families . One day and one breath at a time .

The NH (not AL) and the hospital she was discharged from insisted my mom have a daytime sitter when she first got to the NH as well. That was $1500 of her money totally wasted. She wasn’t that far along her dementia journey yet and did nothing to endanger herself or others. The sitter just sat there and watched tv with my mom. If she did anything at all for my mom it was only for show and not necessary. This is the one thing about the facility that angered me. I finally told the Agency and the social worker enough was enough and cancelled the sitter.

The nursing home is short staffed & it’s your fault? Lol Go to top & have meeting w Nursing Director.

My brother made a suicidal comment so he was 1:1. Take in mind he was Medicare then Medicaid. Facility wanted him off cause it was costing them extra money. In order for that he had to be seen by a Psychologist. Oh, yes he’s had two falls before his 1:1. Seriously. If he’s private pay take him home then read it him to a facility that can care without 1:1. If he’s not private pay then take advantage of situation. Actually I did that; made his personal CNA provide whirlpools nightly, play cribbage and take him for walks. Good luck!