Nursing home and information for family

Baby01032012

My dad is in a nursing home over 18 months now.

I just feel out of the loop on his medical condition since he has gone to the nursing home. He was in hospital for a long time before that. However in the last 12 months he has been stable to the best of my knowledge.

I received a call today to ask someone to accompany my dad to a private eye appointment. They wanted to ensure he has €130 to pay the consultant i guess. I never knew he needed to see a eye specialist. And couldn't advise me why is going there.

He pays €1200 per week out of his own funds for his care there. I receive a monthly invoice ahead of payment. Any medications not covered are added to the bill, haircut, chiropody, taxis to medical appointments. On the latest bill i noticed nearly €600 on incontineance pads. I know he needs them but seems like a large amount. Also there was €190 for antibiotic - normally the pharmacy invoice seperately and i receive a copy of this also.


I'm not sure what info. the nursing home or GP should be providing. Or if i should be asking questions about the costs mentioned above. Maybe they are necessary costs but i dont want my dad to be taken advantage of. Should i have some line of information sharing with GP/nursing home. Thankfully he is well enough now but for the 18 months before this he was in and out of A&E and i new his fully medical history.

Id appreciate any experience anyone can share.

looksee

Your first point of call is to talk to them. Send them a letter /email asking why the incontinence pads came to so much, and why the antibiotic was not invoiced through the pharmacy.

If you are the person who is to be entrusted his care to go to an eye appointment, then you must be on a list of contacts, and entitled to ask these questions. If you know there is someone else who is his representative then talk to them. Either way someone should be able to speak for him and ask questions.

You may find some useful information here https://www.ccpc.ie/consumers/money/budgeting/life-stages/moving-to-a-nursing-home/ or someone else with experience of this situation may be able to help you here.

OUTDOORLASS

God above, that seems mad regarding the pads. My mam pays approx 1,000 per week, that includes the pads.
If your Dad has a medical card, the most he should be paying is EUR20 per month for his medicines. I would ask for full details as to what the
extra antibiotic was for, and why it was.nt covered under the Medical Card.

Nursing Home care can be a nightmare, and the Homes at times can seem to take over the care of your loved one.

Have you other siblings, that ye could come together, and arrange a meeting with the Manager of the Home. It can be quite
daunting sometimes, and sometimes you forget to ask all the questions...so it is good to have back up.

Spanish Eyes

Speaking from experience here.

First thing is to have a chat with his GP and get up to date on his health status and special needs/prescription requirements.

Then speak with Director of Nursing and chat about his care plan.

My relative’s NH and GP are very helpful re any questions we have, they appreciate family involvement.

Baby01032012

Thanks very much looksee and Outdoorlass.

I might send an email or letter or talk to the Manager. My dad has a medical card so i guess medicines should be capped..although there may be some not covered. It was just most recent invoice that threw me.

Im the only family he has. Ive often though about looking into moving him somewhere else - sometimes im not happy with things i see when im there. However that could just be me, and it could be same elsewhere. Always an element of guilt that i only get in to see him once a week.


Ill talk to the Manager anyway.

Baby01032012

Thanks Spanish Eyes

I had sent email to the GP today to get more info. on his condition. Ill talk to the head in nursing home too.

looksee

If there are things you are not happy about, report them. If things seem not right, them being the same in other places is not an excuse. You are right, if he has a medical card there is no possibility of him being charged that kind of money. Make a list of things that money is spent on, and of things you are doubtful about, then go through them with your GP or contact that link I put in earlier.

Uriel.

There's a host of things here. Firstly, no one should just assume that the person is being overcharged etc. But you should absolutely question things, especially where they seem unusual. Based on the answer you get, then you can start to consider whether there is something untoward going on.

Does your dad have a medical card. If so, he shouldn't be charged for incontinence wear unless his usage is higher than what would normally be expected.

Has your dad got capacity? Has he consented to you acting on his behalf? GP or nursing home may not and should not share certain information with anyone unless the person consents.

wavehopper1

OP - about the incontinence pads costs. My relative has a medical card, lives at home, Dublin region. Receives scheduled free deliveries of boxes of incontinence pads and pants, this was arranged after assessment by local HSE.
Occasionally (depends on state of health), the volume isn't enough and the family purchase them privately to cover until the next delivery. I just don't see how it could get to €600 in a calendar month. At a guess, and assuming its legit, I'd say some other item relating to incontinence is being added to the category? I would definitely ask for further details on that one.

Baby01032012

Hi all,

OP here. I emailed the nursing home on 15 December. I tried to be as friendly as possible, thanked them and mentioned i had a few questions but that over all i was happy. I raised questions on some of the billing, care etc. I got an email from the manager on 17th December acknowledging the email and that she would get back to me. I've bumped into her a couple of times...I've never mentioned but she has said she was away for christmas..busy etc...I've never raised it...but its now 3 months since i contacted her and still no response. I appreciate the care they give and i understand they have a busy job to do without questions from relatives..without annoying them Im not sure how to proceed.

looksee

If you have bumped into her a couple of times you had the opportunity to speak to her about your issues. I fairness to the manager she could easily not immediately recognise you or associate you with your email. You need to mention it, its what they are there for, don't be concerned about 'annoying'. Yes granted you should not expect an hour of updates and detail every time you visit, but this is one email and you need to talk to her.

Ring the home and ask to make an appointment to speak to the manager, or if you meet her in the corridor say, I'd like to have a chat, when would be convenient for you, are you free at the moment? Have the invoice with you, or a list of questions and be clear about asking all of them and getting an answer.

If you have to be persistent (or a nuisance as you might see it) then do it, your father is entitled to have someone speak for him.