What's Your Question About Nursing Homes?

Question

My sister is in a nursing home and I’m not sure what would be a good gift for her during the holiday season. Any suggestions?

Answer

Ask her what she wants. There may be something she’d enjoy or something which would make her life more pleasant. Some residents need and want clothing, including undergarments. She might like a nice outfit for the holidays or a coat and gloves. Does she like to watch television, read, or listen to music? Does she need a television? You might get her books, a CD player and CDs, or an MP3 player loaded with audio books and music files. Don’t forget to write her name on anything you give her, either by using permanent marker or engraving the item(s). Wireless earphones are a great gift for someone who has trouble hearing the television or likes to watch without disturbing anyone else. Many residents cannot afford cable television or telephone since most residents only have a $40 allowance for incidentals each month. What about a prepaid cell phone or cable television for a year? Additional gift ideas: personal items such as toiletries of the resident’s brand of choice, a trip to the beauty shop, magazine subscriptions, digital photo frames, or soft and plush blankets. If she uses a walker, you might consider a walker-tote, which attaches to a walker using Velcro®. These are perfect for the person on the go. You can find them at drug stores and medical supply stores. Another option is art, especially if it is created by an artist or children she cares about. You could create a photo album or scrapbook that would bring back fond memories. Note that some residents just want to be remembered throughout the year with regular visits, some fresh home-cooked food, and opportunities to be involved in family outings whenever possible.

Question

My brother-in-law is in a personal care home. He is very active and social. Any gift ideas for him?

Answer

Since he is active and social, he may like a deck of cards, dominos, or a game he can play with friends. If vision is an issue, buy cards and games that come in large or enhanced versions. Does he like sports? He might enjoy a hat or shirt featuring his favorite team. Tickets to a sporting event, concert, or the promise of an afternoon fishing outing might be nice. Remember to check and see if transportation is an issue.

Question

Dad would like to come home for the holidays. Will the nursing home let him?

Answer

Your Dad is not a prisoner; he can come and go as he is able. If he uses the Medicaid program, he is allowed to be away from the facility a total of ten days each year for purely social reasons. The Medicaid program calls this “therapeutic leave.” If he is currently using Medicare to pay for his stay in a skilled nursing facility, the facility can bill Medicare for the day’s stay if he returns to the facility by midnight. You should talk with the nursing staff at least two to three days in advance of the outing so they can prepare for it. This means packaging needed medication, bagging up incontinence supplies, writing down special food preparation instructions, and anything else you might need to do. Ask the staff to give you instructions in writing. If you run into trouble, you can always call the nursing home and ask questions. If there is a medical emergency while he’s home, call 911 as you would for anyone else and then alert the nursing staff at the facility. If he gets too tired and wants to go back to the nursing home, respect his wishes. Going home to be with family will probably be the best gift your Dad could have this season. With a little planning and a lot of love, it should go just great.

Question

I am concerned about the many residents who have no one to remember them during the holidays. Do you have any suggestions for how I could give a gift to a resident in need?

Answer

Sure! There are many wonderful opportunities to help residents this year. The Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency is hosting a gift-giving tree for residents in need at The Kentucky Depot restaurant in Stanford. Visit the resident gift tree, select a resident, purchase gifts, and return them to The Kentucky Depot restaurant in Stanford so that they can be delivered to residents in time for Christmas. If you are unable to visit the gift-giving tree, just call our office and we will give you a name and gift wish over the phone. You can return those gifts wrapped to our offices inside of the senior citizen center in Lexington on the corner of Alumni Drive and Nicholasville Road (1530 Nicholasville Road). During this giving season remember that you can support your ombudsman program by honoring a family member, friend, or colleague in your life. Your donation of $25 or more per honoree will directly impact the life of a resident. When you send a donation to NHOA in honor of someone, we will send them a holiday greeting card to notify them of your gift (the amount will not be stated). For more information contact Julie McDearmon at 859-277-9215 or visit www.ombuddy.org.

This column is presented as a public service of the Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass. If you have a question, send it to:

Sherry Culp
Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency
1530 Nicholasville Rd.
Lexington, KY, 40503