Texas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Directory
https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/contact/mlo.cfm
State Ombudsman Program
https://theconsumervoice.org/get_help/state_resources/tx
National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center
(202) 332-2275 www.ltcombudsman.org
Protecting the Rights of the Elderlyhttps://apps.hhs.texas.gov/news_info/ombudsman/index.cfm
Long-term care ombudsmen are advocates for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes and assisted living facilities. Ombudsmen provide information about how to find a long-term care facility, how to ensure quality care and are trained to resolve problems and assist with complaints.
Nursing Home Neglect: Spotting it and Getting Help
https://theconsumervoice.org/uploads/files/general/cv-ncea-nh-neglect-list.pdf
Neglect is the failure to provide goods and services to a resident that are necessary to avoid physical harm, pain, mental anguish, or emotional distress. That could include the failure to provide the staffing, supplies, services, or staff training to meet the resident’s needs. Neglect may or may not be intentional. A person living in a nursing home has the right to be free of abuse and neglect. Federal law requires nursing homes to provide each resident the services and activities to “attain or maintain [their] highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being.
National Center on Elder Abuse
How to Spot Elder Abuse
Although recognizing elder abuse can be difficult, NCEA has identified the following warning signs that may be an indication that further attention and action is needed.
An older adult may be experiencing elder abuse if it appears that they:
• are socially isolated or cut off from contact with friends and/or loved ones
• are confused or depressed
• are undernourished or dehydrated
• appear dirty or have unexplained bruises or bed sores
• are not receiving care for health problems—eyesight, dental, hearing, incontinence
• overly medicated
• have trouble sleeping
Difficult Is Not A Diagnosis
https://theconsumervoice.org/uploads/files/general/CV_DifficultDiagnosis_AdvocateFS_web.pdf
Avoid Drugs as Chemical Restraint
https://theconsumervoice.org/uploads/files/general/CV_ChemicalRestraints_CosumerFS_508web.pdf
The Consumer Voice
Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html
(Referencing isolation particularly during COVID)
Some residents lost their ability to speak because no one was communicating with them. Others who had previously been mobile lost their ability to even sit up in their beds. Too many lost the will to live because they felt abandoned and didn’t know when, if ever, they would see their loved ones again. Family members reported that their loved ones were depressed, despairing, and experienced cognitive decline during facility closures.
Beyond care planning and working with the facility, you have options:
Family Councils
Determine if your nursing home has a family council. A family council is a group of family members and sometimes friends of residents who come together to share experiences, advocate, and communicate their concerns to their facility. Family councils can be an effective way to work for change and improvements in your facility. If no family council exists, you can join with other family members to start one.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Reach out to your Long-Term Care Ombudsman program for help. Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are advocates who can work with you to advocate for your mother. They help resolve complaints and are good sources of information. You can find an Ombudsman program in your area on our website.
State Survey Agency
The State Survey Agency is responsible for overseeing nursing homes to ensure they are in compliance with state and federal standards. Residents and families have the right to complain and file a complaint with their state survey and certification agency when the resident’s rights are not being met. You can find their information here on our website.
Texas Ombudsman List
by County Link
National Consumer Voice (theconsumervoice.org)
Legislative Advocacy Link
National Consumer Voice (ltcombudsman.org)
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
This webpage offers a list of nursing homes that have a history of serious quality issues and are included in a special program to stimulate improvements in their quality of care. Please take a minute to review this background information on our Special Focus Facility (SFF) program. The background here will help you be as informed as possible when you discuss your long-term care options with any nursing home that is listed here – and what they are doing to improve their quality of care.
Disclaimer: The information presented on this website is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The event narratives featured on The Truth About Elvie referencing the confinements, rescues, and Elvie's life prior to (and after) confinement were obtained by numerous interviews with the friends who were personally involved in the specific events. Reference to Elvie's guardianship and estate were obtained through court documents available to the general public online.
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