How To Advocate For A Loved One In Skilled Nursing

Advocating for your loved ones in any health setting can be tricky, but in skilled nursing settings, it can be particularly difficult as people are often not able to advocate for themselves. It’s natural for family members to want to stay involved in the care of their loved ones and ensure they receive the best possible support.

But what is the best way to support an aging parent in skilled nursing care? What are the best practices for communicating with care staff? What are the best ways to partner with care staff to achieve the best outcomes for your loved ones?

At Monument Health, we strive to always keep lines of communication open and involve family members in all aspects of care. Here’s how you can be an effective partner.

What Does It Mean To Advocate For A Loved One In Skilled Nursing? 

Advocating for a loved one in skilled nursing means ensuring your loved one is getting the proper care and treatment, as well as helping ensure their preferences and comfort are paramount. While the skilled nursing staff at Monument Health are of the highest quality and expertly trained, you know your loved one better than anyone else.

Becoming a nursing home advocate for your loved ones can take many forms, including discussions with care staff, the sharing of important information that might have been overlooked, asking questions, and participating in care decisions and planning discussions.

Why Is Family Advocacy Important In Skilled Nursing Care?

Family advocacy in skilled nursing is important because it can make a big difference in the experience and comfort of a patient, especially if they have trouble communicating or otherwise advocating for themselves. Regular advocacy can help ensure care is personalized and responsive.

Family advocates are often more in tune with their loved ones than others, due to years spent together. Family advocates may notice subtle changes in mood or condition or things others have missed and can help staff understand personal preferences.

In some instances, families can also help coordinate care between disparate parties, especially those on the outside of care facilities. Patients with engaged families can even have better outcomes than others without advocacy, which is one of the reasons Monument Health prioritizes family engagement.

How Can You Communicate Effectively With The Care Team? 

Communicating effectively with your loved one’s care team is very similar to effective communication elsewhere. You want to be respectful and understanding at all times, seek to listen, as well as make your opinions known, and use plain, clear language.

You can help place yourself in the role of an advocate by attending medical conferences concerning your loved one’s health and care whenever possible. Keep a written list of questions or concerns to discuss.

Additionally, always listen carefully to recommendations, and feel free to ask for clarifications on anything. Feel free to take notes as well and don’t hesitate to write things down on your end.

What Questions Should You Ask About Your Loved One’s Care Plan?

Monument Health always uses individualized care plans for all our patients to ensure they receive the highest quality of care. Understanding this plan allows you to make informed decisions and ask questions.

Questions you may consider include:

• What are the current medical issues and treatments?
• What medications are my loved ones taking?
• What therapies are being provided?
• Are there any dietary restrictions?
• Are there any signs or symptoms you should watch for during visits?

How Can You Recognize And Address Concerns Respectfully?

While we strive to minimize patient concerns at all times, they do occasionally happen. If you have concerns about your loved ones’ care or comfort, you can bring these concerns to a member of their care team.

It is helpful to have a positive relationship with your care team before any concerns come up, and it is also important to bring these issues up at an appropriate time. If you cannot resolve an issue with lower-level staff, you can ask to speak with a manager or someone higher up on the chain of command.

When raising concerns, remember to remain calm and use clear language, always ask questions before making inferences, and work collaboratively to achieve the best results for those you love. 

How Can Monument Health Help?

Monument Health is the premier provider of skilled nursing, as well as memory care in Utah. If your loved ones need bridge care between hospital and home or have chronic health conditions that require around-the-clock care, Monument Health is here to help.