The caregiver ‘loophole’
Dear editor and community:
A caregiver occasionally needs respite, temporary relief from caring for a loved one 24-hour days, seven days a week.
Are you aware? In Arkansas, three-patient homes, serving as respite for the caregiver and/or for the patient, are opening. That number of such places is increasing because of a loophole.
Are you aware? Homes for three or fewer patients are not required to have special training, certification, licensing, state inspections or continuing education. No oversight by authorized professionals! No wonder so many are opening and slipping by the legalities necessary to protect defenseless patients. (True, some homes are reputable, trustworthy and truly caring.)
The staff in these unlicensed three-patient homes are responsible, to the patients and their loved ones, for the well-being and safekeeping of the whole person while on the premises. Before my experiences as a caregiver, I had assumed licensing was a given. Never assume!
An audiologist, for example, is responsible for one area of the body. To practice audiology in the state of Arkansas, the professional must meet training and educational requirements and be licensed annually. Having served on the Arkansas Commission of Speech Language Pathology and Audiologists, I probably learned more than I contributed. The commission takes its charge quite seriously. When a complaint is filed, an investigation is begun and the audiologist has a hearing before the commission. Deciding the effects on a professional’s immediate career is intensely painful. After one such hearing, all board members literally shed tears as we agreed that a year’s suspension had to be the decision. A year later, the professional, accompanied by spouse, came for review. The two of them tearfully thanked the board and said we had made the best decision for them. Again, no dry eyes around the table.
So, you see? State commissions and oversight do work to benefit us!
No one is monitoring the three-patient homes! In some of these homes, as well as in a few of the licensed nursing care facilities, some of the treatment is unthinkable, inhumane and disrespectful.
I write, sorrowfully, because of alarming personal experiences with two such homes. Most professions train to “document, document, document.” I have four pages of documentation.
What gave me the daring to write this letter? The Sentinel-Record printed a frontpage article, “Hospice caregiver arrested for alleged abuse of patients.” I truly empathize with the families bringing a lawsuit because of their experiences. The caregivers for filing suit are to be applauded.
What can each of you do? (You may walk in these shoes someday.) Communicate with your Arkansas representatives and senators. It’s the right thing to do. Pick up that phone now — don’t wait!
Anger? Frustration? Caregiving is stressful occasionally. Sure, I understand … but proper training and anger management are priceless and stress reducing for all parties. Classes are available.
Call your Arkansas legislator — please! Hats off to Sen. Bill Sample for taking my call!
Been there, done that.
Barbara Thexton Hot Springs