How do we force mother-in-law's NH to take her to see a psychiatrist?
My mil has been at a NH for 9 months. Her alz has progressed quite a bit recently. I have requested 5 times over the past 5 months to ask the gereatric psychiatrist to check her when he does his rounds every three weeks. Mil desperately needs something for anxiety. She works herself up and calls nonstop about different things- has no ,no short term memory. It is difficult to watch her get so upset about things. Anyway the NH keeps promising to have the psychiatrist visit her and that they will request meds for her but each time there is some excuse. How can I get their attention and make myself heard. I tend to have a difficult time being assertive . Should I put the request in writing and give copies to the head of nursing and the social worker? Would that get us anything? I can not threaten them- that's just against my nature and wouldn't know how to do it anyway.
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It may be the social workdepartment, as they would probably be the logical ones to bring in a psychiatrist, although I'm sure that the attending physician would be involved and might have to concur. It's been over a decade since I was involved in any psychiatric intervention so I don't remember all the details.
Email, or snail mail the DON, SW, mom's PCP and Managing Director of the Facility. Ask how to arrange a visit with the geriatric psychiatrist or behavioral med. group.
Very often, I found, these things were in flux. Sometimes the SW was in charge of ordering a visit, sometimes it was the Unit Manager.
Please don't avoid being VERY assertive and/or showing up early in the AM and telling them that you're not leaving until there is an appointment in writing.
Medicare. Seems it's an automatic with Dementia patients. If you feel you have gone thru all channels you have every right to call the Dr. in charge of her care. And yes, you need to be assertive. Nice but assertive. Your Mom has rights.
I'd also plan to be present when the psychiatrist meets with her too. It helps to provide history and background info. I did that with my LO and it seemed helpful, as they are not usually able to gather anything meaningful, from someone who has severe memory loss. I also had to sign documents to authorize them treating her and prescribing her medication. Maybe, that's why they haven't seen her. Has the staff provided you the right paperwork to sign?
I'm not sure if the staff realize it, but, anxiety and mental distress is as painful as physical pain. Your mom should not have to suffer. I hope you get some results soon.