Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services
06/15/04

Contact:
Carol Scott
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
573-526-0727

Ombudsman Program Provides Tips on Visiting for Friends and Relatives in Nursing Homes

The Office of State Ombudsman for Long-Term Care reminds families and friends of nursing home residents that as summer is approaching, they should remember to include a visit to their loved ones residing in long-term care facilities.

Regular visits from family members and friends can be an important support for a resident's emotional well-being and can help assure that the resident receives quality care, said Carol Scott, Missouri State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Scott said Missourians should consider the following suggestions about visiting friends and loved ones in long-term care facilities.

Why Visits Are Important:

• Family members and friends can be important sources of information for facility staff about a resident's past work, habits, hobbies, likes and dislikes. By visiting frequently and talking with staff, you can help
  build a relationship between your loved one and the staff and make sure his/her preferences are respected.
• Building a relationship with staff members can make it easier to express concerns about care, and creates opportunities for giving positive feedback when care is provided well. Effective communication helps promote quality care.
• Family members and friends can be an important support for residents who are unable to advocate for themselves because of frailty or dementia. Frequent visits help family members and friends become familiar with the care that is being provided.
• Moving to a nursing home can be an isolating and depressing experience. Regular visits from family and friends help keep residents connected to their social support network and the community. This support can help make the transition to nursing home life easier.

"There are a number of meaningful and comfortable ways to interact with the resident while visiting," said Scott. Suggestions for having a successful visit include:

• For residents who can communicate verbally, simply talking, sharing stories, listening and empathizing can be very helpful.
• Looking through pictures of people who can't visit frequently or old family photo albums can also be pleasant activities.
• For residents who cannot communicate verbally, listening to music or just holding hands can be great comfort.
• Visitors may also want to share a meal with a resident and assist him/her with eating and encouragement as needed.
• Participating in a planned facility activity gives visitors an opportunity to observe how staff interacts with residents.
• Family members who have power of attorney may also want to ask to review the resident record while visiting to monitor any changes that may have occurred.
• Visitors should always respect the rights and dignity of all residents and the staff who care for them.

"If you find that you need additional assistance in working with a facility on the issue of access or visitation with a resident, contact the Missouri State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office at 1-800-309-3282, for help advocating for resident rights," added Scott.

For more information on long-term care facilities, contact:

·Information on inspection results for long-term care facilities go to Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services www.dhss.state.mo.us/showmelongtermcare/ Show Me Long-Term Care.

·Or for more information about long-term care go to www.medicare.gov, the Official U.S. Government Medicare Site, and click on Nursing Home Compare.

·For more information about the Missouri State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program go to website http://www.dhss.state.mo.us/Senior_Services/ombud.htm

Resource for this news release:
National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform WWW Access and Visitation in Nursing Homes. Retrieved February 2, 2004, from http://nccnhr.newc.com/public/50_156_3625.cfm

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