Seniors living in long-term care facilities often face problems and do not get the best service. The staff often take advantage of their position and do not deliver the quality of service initially promised. Since most residents' family members live far away, it becomes difficult to handle such situations. This is where the Ombudsman Hawaii steps in and becomes your friend in need.
Most seniors in long-term care facilities are not aware of their rights and, thus, often fail to detect, protest, and prevent unpleasant experiences.
Hawaii Ombudsman ensures that the rights of senior citizens in Hawaiian long-term care are respected and upheld. There are several ways in which they do that depending on the nature and gravity of the situation. Let us understand the problems residents face in long-term care facilities and how the Ombudsman acts as their savior.
Problems Faced by Long-Term Care Residents
Here are some of the most common complaints against Hawaiian nursing homes and Long Term Assisted Living Facilities:
- Lack of hygiene: Many long-term care facilities do not maintain basic hygiene standards, adversely affecting the residents’ health. The beds, pans, and bathrooms are often left dirty and unattended.
- Slow Response time: Caregivers do not attend to patients at the earliest, which can cause several inconveniences for the residents. The major reason behind this problem is the lack of sufficient staff strength.
- Abuse: Long-term care facilities are supposed to be safe places for seniors, but many face physical and mental abuse in such organizations. Abuse can come in any form, and most fail to recognize it. Some signs of abuse include humiliation, threats, physical violence, verbal abuse, and psychological violence.
- Poor Diet: Several long-term care facilities fail to provide prescribed diets to individuals. Unclean eating areas, unhealthy cooking styles, and the use of inferior-quality of food contribute to this problem.
How Ombudsman Can Be of Help
Ombudsman is a government-supported body that acts as a pillar of strength for all seniors living in long-term care facilities. If you face any inconvenience or abuse in such a facility, you can always complain and seek investigation and intervention. To seek their help, every person living in a long-term facility must be aware of the role of Hawaii long-term care Ombudsman.
Education
The Hawaiian Ombudsman organizes outreach programs to educate long-term care facility residents about their rights and how they can stand up for atrocities committed against them. It is an important step as most people are unaware of their basic rights and think bad treatment is wrong.
Private Consultation
If you live in a long-term care facility and need someone to consult or speak about your current situation, the Ombudsman can help you. They offer private and confidential consultation sessions, all your information stays under wraps, and you can freely speak about your condition.
Advocacy
They also advocate the resident’s case on behalf of them. Once the complaint is lodged and the investigation is complete, the Ombudsman decides their course of action, and advocating for the resident is one of the ways they often undertake. They speak to the authority and try to give seniors the best chance.
Investigation
No action is taken before proper investigation. After receiving a complaint, the Ombudsman looks into the matter and scrutinizes the respective long-term care facility.
Action
Once the officers have concluded the investigation and have enough reasons to intervene, they can take action. The action and its nature largely depend on the complaint, the people involved, the rules of the particular long-term care facility, and other such aspects.
Key Takeaway
Ombudsman Hawaii has constantly supported all residents living in long-term care facilities across the islands. They have educated, advocated, and solved the problems of thousands of people. The volunteers do not work for monetary benefits but are good Samaritans who are eager to help people.
After training and vocation, they dedicate their time to the cause without having a vested interest, and thus they are your best chance to get justice. If you or your loved ones are facing similar problems in a long-term care facility, contact your nearest Ombudsman and get the best solution.
