Possible interaction in mother's medications

I can certainly understand your distress. I can offer a few suggestions that might at least place you in a better position where your mother's health care is concerned. I do not know if your mother continues to be her own guardian or if you have any legal control of her care, i.e. power of attorney, etc. For the purposes of this response I am going to assume you do not have a power of attorney and you are powerless to "dictate" what you think ought to happen.

The first step you can take is to give your personal pharmacist a list of the medications your mother is taking. If you do not have a pharmacist you are comfortable with, any chain such as Rite-Aid, CVS, Eckerd, should be able to look at the list and give you a print out of contraindications for the medications your mother is taking. Have this information provided to you in writing.

The second step you can take is to set up an appointment with the social worker at the nursing home. Explain your concerns and ask him/her if a multidisciplinary team meeting can be set up on behalf of your mother. At the very least, the physician, head nurse, social worker, nutritionist, nursing home director and yourself should be present. If your mother is able to provide meaningful feedback or would feel empowered by being present, include her as well.

If there is still no indication of cooperation from the nursing home and if your mother's care is provided through Medicare benefits, you can also call Medicare to report your concerns. You can be as firm as to report your concern as a form of medical neglect. Medicare may grant a second opinion or other insurance company to ensure your mother's care is adequate and appropriate. You may also be able to seek a second opinion independent of the nursing home if you are willing to pay out of pocket.

If you have the means or if the option exists, you might consider transferring your mother to another nursing home facility. This may be the first problem you have had with the staff or it may be an indication of a deeper organizational problem; and you may not be alone in your frustration.

Tips for you personally: when you approach the parties involved, state your concern clearly and concisely. When requesting the initial meeting with the social worker, mail a letter with your concern in writing. As much as possible, leave emotion out, other than statements conveying your concern for your mother's well being. The more concise you are, the more responsive the parties will be. When you meet with the parties involved, remain calm.

Finally, after you have exhausted all other options, you can take an extreme measure and call Adult Protective Services (state agency) and make a report of neglect. I only suggest this if you have received a second opinion stating your mother may be in danger if changes are not made regarding her medical care. The agency may investigate and at the very least, you might be able to have a caseworker or advocate assigned to your mother.

Good luck and take care,

DeeAnna Merz