Falls are common. The family is supposed to be notified after every fall, as well as any injuries that occurred.
This did not happen in Charlie’s case. After we agreed to pay an additional $1500 monthly, for additional care, Charlie was having more falls than usual. The family was confused given we were paying for additional care. We would visit Charlie regularly.
We would ask him about his falls. He would confirm he fell. We didn’t see any visible injuries, nor did they tell us of any injuries. Until the last fall…
Charlie’s last fall sent him to the ER. We were told he hit his head. An MRI was performed on his head, he was released late that evening. I went to see him the next day. He appeared to be in good spirits. Said he fell and hit his head. He touched the big bandage that was on his head. The conversation for “One on One” care for Charlie started immediately.
Hospice (for extra care not transition) told us they would supply 48 hours free “One on One” care for Charlie. After that the family could hire a service or we could do it ourselves. My brother and I immediately created a plan and schedule for Charlie. In less than 48 hours I went to visit Charlie again. Follow up on his care. My jaw dropped when I saw what I saw.
Charlie’s bandage was on his head as expected. He was in bed stripped from the waist down. His legs showed numerous injuries we were never told about! Injuries that were old, scabbed, and healing. I immediately alerted the family.
The worst was yet to come. The family had already made the decision I would show up everyday for “One on One” care for Charlie. The conversations with Atria Del Rey were becoming very scripted, and they were avoiding any accountability for their lack of care for Charlie. https://www.dementiacarecentral.com/memory-care/evictions-discharges. They also began billing us for care we did not agree to, nor knew anything about. This all started happening as soon as I started showing up everyday to care for Charlie.
Thank God I started doing that. Because I immediately noticed they never removed the bandage from him head. I could see old and dark blood through the bandage. I’m thinking “How is this supposed to heal if it’s covered?” So I removed it. I wasn’t ready for what I saw… Tears came to my eyes when I saw the injury to his head. Again, the family was not notified about the extent of his injury.
I was told that Memory Care Facilities are legally supposed to inform the family of falls and injuries.
The pictures below speak for themselves. I’m blessed to have a family member that is a social worker. Has her PHD in Sociology. I sent her the photos. She sent me the information to every agency in California. Immediately told me I have to report this.
Again, I can’t say this enough. If you have a loved one in a Memory Care Facility, please follow up on all of their care. If you’re new to my “For Charlie” series read the previous post here http://reneholiday.com/for-charlie-when-the-memory-care-facility-gets-it-all-wrong/
