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taking nursing home residents on outings in community good idea if prepared

(Editor’s note: Muriel Shackelford writes an occasional column for The Messenger on issues of interest to seniors and their loved ones.)

Dear Muriel,
I have recently placed a loved one in the nursing home and would like information on taking her on outings in the community. I want her to remain an active part of the community; however, I am unsure of her rights.
Thank you.
Susan W.

Dear Susan,
I congratulate you on recognizing and actively perusing your loved ones right to maintain her community connection while residing in the nursing home.

According to The National Citizens’ Coalition for Nursing Home Reform (NCCNHR) resident rights are part of the Federal Nursing Home Reform Law (Federal law governing nursing home regulation) enacted in 1987 in the Social Security Act. This Act grants specific rights to nursing home residents to make independent choices, including the right to participate in community activities, both inside and outside the nursing home.

Residents should not be prohibited from leaving the facility for an afternoon, a day, or the time of their choosing. They do not loose the right of choice. When planning to take your loved one out of the nursing home consider the following guidelines for safe and memorable visits:

• Plans should begin with the resident — talk with the resident about the visit. This approach enhances, empowers and promotes the dignity of the resident to make choices and decisions regarding the place/date/time/, etc.
• With the permission of the resident plan a meeting with the administrator/director of nurses and the certified nursing assistant assigned to the resident; this will allow discussion regarding the special needs of the resident which include but are not limited to medication, special diet, wheelchair, portable oxygen and/or other special equipment if appropriate.

• Nursing home staff or private agency staff to accompany resident (if appropriate to assist with personal needs) — this is a private pay cost to the resident and/or family.
• Handicap accessible entrances/bathrooms
• Sun screen
• Wet wipes
• Insect repellent if needed
• Hydration reminder — very important in and out of the nursing home
• Appropri-ate dress
• Shawl (air condition/if appropriate)
• Extra set of clothing
• First aid kit
• Emergency exits
• Itinerary (with resident’s permission share with nursing home, but not required. However, time and date of return could impact on resident’s dining and medication routine.

The extent of the resident’s needs should dictate the advance planning of the outing and your arrival time at the facility.

Arriving early will help to eliminate and/or minimize possible last-minute issues that would negatively affect your loved one’s emotional well being.

Always remember your loved one maintains all of the rights exercised prior to nursing home placement — only the address has changed.

Muriel Shackelford— Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman (Retired)
If you need additional assistance regarding nursing home issues and live in Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, St. Clair, Randolph, Washington County please contact Brenda Acoff, Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman@618-398-0958 Ext.215.