Common Care Issues when Living in Residential Care: Difference between revisions
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Poor communication may indicate an environment in which respect for residents’ rights is not being given sufficient priority. ([[Chapter Four Legal Issues in Residential Care References|15]])Residential care operators often become familiar with abuse or neglect issues because the regulations focus on these matters. Residents and families find that rights violations, in contrast often receive less concern and a lesser sense of urgency.([[Chapter Four Legal Issues in Residential Care References|16]]) | Poor communication may indicate an environment in which respect for residents’ rights is not being given sufficient priority. ([[Chapter Four Legal Issues in Residential Care References|15]])Residential care operators often become familiar with abuse or neglect issues because the regulations focus on these matters. Residents and families find that rights violations, in contrast often receive less concern and a lesser sense of urgency.([[Chapter Four Legal Issues in Residential Care References|16]]) | ||
Family may experience considerable frustration when they have been dealing with a long-standing problem, then hear an operator or representative from the local health authority state that “this is the first we have heard of the problem. “Lack of time, inadequate problem solving skills, poor internal communication lines, lack of appropriately trained staff and inadequate dispute resolution processes can exacerbate common communication gaps in residential care. This eventually leads some family or friends to feel any effort is futile. In other cases, they begin responding in a negative manner, with situations becoming increasingly confrontational and adversarial. If situations deteriorate, even the skills commonly promoted as good advocacy (e.g. good note taking about the “who, what, when and where” of concerns, tape recordings can become perceived by the operator or authority as a sign this family member or representative is “trouble”). | Family may experience considerable frustration when they have been dealing with a long-<span class="noglossary">standing</span> problem, then hear an operator or representative from the local health authority state that “this is the first we have heard of the problem. “Lack of time, inadequate problem solving skills, poor internal communication lines, lack of appropriately trained staff and inadequate dispute resolution processes can exacerbate common communication gaps in residential care. This eventually leads some family or friends to feel any effort is futile. In other cases, they begin responding in a negative manner, with situations becoming increasingly confrontational and adversarial. If situations deteriorate, even the skills commonly promoted as good advocacy (e.g. good note taking about the “who, what, when and where” of concerns, tape recordings can become perceived by the operator or authority as a sign this family member or representative is “trouble”). | ||
The regulations specifically require that there is always a “charge person” designated if the Manager is temporarily absent. ([[Chapter Four Legal Issues in Residential Care References|17]]) The regulations also require the Operator to keep a record of complaints made and concerns expressed, keeping these records for at least two years. ([[Chapter Four Legal Issues in Residential Care References|18]])This section does not limit it to written complaints; verbal complaints should be noted. The Operator is also required to produce the record to Licensing on demand. ([[Chapter Four Legal Issues in Residential Care References|19]]) | The regulations specifically require that there is always a “charge person” designated if the Manager is temporarily absent. ([[Chapter Four Legal Issues in Residential Care References|17]]) The regulations also require the Operator to keep a record of complaints made and concerns expressed, keeping these records for at least two years. ([[Chapter Four Legal Issues in Residential Care References|18]])This section does not limit it to written complaints; verbal complaints should be noted. The Operator is also required to produce the record to Licensing on demand. ([[Chapter Four Legal Issues in Residential Care References|19]]) | ||
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==Renovations and Closure of Facilities== | ==Renovations and Closure of Facilities== | ||
Throughout the 2000s, a number of care facilities in British Columbia were closed or renovated. In many circumstances, this process happened in a way that left residents and families with little if any notice, distressed and feeling very uncertain about the residents’ future. The Residential Care Regulations require the Medical Health Officer to be informed about closures, but is silent as to residents or families to this information.([[ | Throughout the 2000s, a number of care facilities in British Columbia were closed or renovated. In many circumstances, this process happened in a way that left residents and families with little if any notice, distressed and feeling very uncertain about the residents’ future. The Residential Care Regulations require the Medical Health Officer to be informed about closures, but is silent as to residents or families to this information.([[{{PAGENAME}}#References|47]]) The Ombudsperson’s Best of Care report recommended that health authorities promptly inform residents and families decisions about closure decisions.([[{{PAGENAME}}#References|48]]) | ||
The Ministry of Health (Home and Community Care) Policy now has a special section on expectations of Operators and the health authorities when Operators or others are planning to close the facility.([[ | The Ministry of Health (Home and Community Care) Policy now has a special section on expectations of Operators and the health authorities when Operators or others are planning to close the facility.([[{{PAGENAME}}#References|49]]) At least one health authority has identified that care facilities under a certain size (125 beds) are not economically viable, and consequently should be closed. ([[{{PAGENAME}}#References|50]])This will be a very important consideration for current and future residents. | ||
{{REVIEWED | reviewer = BC Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support, June 2014}} | {{REVIEWED | reviewer = BC Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support, June 2014}} | ||
{{Legal Issues in Residential Care: An Advocate's Manual Navbox}} | {{Legal Issues in Residential Care: An Advocate's Manual Navbox}} | ||
