Moms is in late stages of ALZ but still highly functioning in many areas, she just got a new roommate who is an invalid and has full-time aides; this lady moans, spit across the room, hits and screams 24/7. My mom is normally all smiles and happy go lucky. Not any more; she's crying daily, she doesn't understand all the noise, isn't getting any sleep and is a stark contrast to who she was the day before this lady moved in. I understand there's an adjustment period but is this normal procedure to 1. have a patient share a room with someone at the other end of the spectrum? 2. have a patient requiring 24/7 aides to share a room with my mom? and shouldn't they be paying 2/3 of the rent then since there's 3 people in the room 24/7? I understand the lady needs care but, I feel like it's to my mom's detriment; I had her at my house 8 hours yesterday and she didn't want to go back to the MCF. My mom has never done this before. Any suggestions on how to address this?
If she “just” got the troublesome new roommate it will probably serve you to document EVERYTHING in a notebook (or on your phone?).
Report a “potential” concern about your mother’s discomfort to nurse/floor admin./social services- find out who is responsible for your mother’s floor.
Try as much as you can to state the problems WITHOUT becoming emotional about your poor mother’s plight. Your case is much stronger by saying what you (and staff) can observe and describe the two other people doing rather than describe what it’s doing to your mother, at least initially.
Be “water on stone”, politely and quietly but firmly. If necessary describe how comfortable/contented/happy your mother was before the newcomerS arrived.
If you’re told that the staff is “working on a solution” as if there’s a timeframe.
Only ONCE in 5 1/2 years did I have to write a detailed letter about this kind of problem, copies to floor admin and facility admin, and the problem WAS solved.
You are a good daughter, and your mother’s comfort IS your business and IS important.
I am sorry this is happening. First, file a complaint with the facility. The social worker there should be able to consult with you. Second, contact the regional Ombudsmsan that represents the location where the facility is located. This person can assist with advocating and providing information. Third, you can always contact the department of health in the state the facility is located.
If this was my family member, I would ask that the new roommate be moved to a different room. If they do not assist, I would look for another facility.
She was moved the following day, and has an absolutely wonderful roommate now.
Sounds mean but I think they should put someone who’s hard of hearing in rooms with those that make a lot of moaning noise etc.