Advocating for culture change

WE HEAR MANY TIMES A DAY about low staffing in nursing homes and assisted livings. We hear that it is a monumental challenge because there are no workers to be found. The Ombudsmen become aware of staff shortages in nursing facilities when we get complaints with the root cause going back to lack of staff. Some examples of this include:

• Residents fall more frequently.

• Residents have more bed sores, more infections, and more urinary tract infections.

• The use of “ Agency Staffing” increases.

• Residents report long waits for call light responses.

• Residents are abused emotionally and/or physically.

If one were to get at the root cause of staff shortages in nursing facilities, pay, benefits, and perks play a role. However, lack of career paths, lack of image of professionalism, and lack of societal acceptance of looking at direct care as a professional career also play a role.

Thinking creatively to develop and recruit great nurses and nursing assistants is imperative. Understanding other occupations, such as community health workers and medical assistants, could help in identifying new markets of applicants to cross train. We all can play a role in elevating the respect given to workers of nursing homes and assisted livings. Investment in staff and culture change will manifest as improved quality of care delivered to residents.

Across the state, the Long-Term-Care Ombudsmen visit residents of nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, reducing isolation and advocating for quality care and resident rights.

Are you interested in volunteering or inquiring about services? The staff and volunteers of the state Long-Term-Care-Ombudsman program can be reached by calling 419-2592891 or 800-542-1874. We can chat by phone or in person. There is no need to travel to us; we travel to you. Services are confidential and provided free of charge.

Lori Davis is a Long-Term-Care-Ombudsman Volunteer Coordinator, and Linda Bert is an Ombudsman Specialist.