The phone number/address for the Ombudsman for thecare facility must be posted in plain view. The Ombudsman can intercede for the patient.
Legal complaints regarding nursing home care usually need to be filed with the State Health Department. The Ombudsman will tell you who to contact to file the formal complaint. IN most states the complaint with the Health Dept can be filed by phone (or possibly email now!).
You do need to contact the Ombudsman next week........by phone will be a beginning.
Many patients set off the alarms on the doors.....that is the purpose of the alarm. Many patients wear "bracelets" which have a chip in them that sets off the alarms. This is for the safety of the patient. Since it is illegal to restrain patients, the alarms are a necessity for safety at times.
You will get through this phase one hour at a time for awhile. You have made it through almost a week........breathe.........cry.........and take tomorrow one hour at a time. Anguish, like ecstasy does not last forever. Use your time to work with the system......through the ombudsman.......you will make progress. Talk with the director of nursing, social worker or administrator..........but ALSO with the ombudsman. There is no charge for the Ombudsman services!!!!!!!!! There should be no charge to file the complaint with the state board. The Ombudsman will interact with you immediately.....the state will probably take several months to investigate your complaint(s).
Just one hour at a time...........just one more hour........you are doing everything that you can do......you are handling this well.........just one hour at a time.
