How often should a 92 year old woman who weighs 96 pouinds; be given a diuretic

[Emma Louise]

She is skin and bones. She's lost thirty pounds within one year. She is soaking wet every time we go to visit her; through her depends, slacks, the foam pad that she sits on in her wheel chair.
We had an advocate check into it and they were told that she needs to be changed/checked every two hours. That lasted about one week. Now, they are back to the same way.
I believe that she only gets good care is when a family member is there.
Yesterday, one of her son's was with her from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (everybody has to sign in and out). Her grand daughter (50 yrs. old) arrived about 15 minutes later. The grand daughter said her grandmother was soaking wet through all of her clothes, depend and pad she sits on.
The nursing home says it's because she takes a diuretic. Seems like after a while the diuretic needs to be reduced.
I think she is being neglected because the nursing home resents the family getting involved.
There is more to all of this.
Does anybody have any ideas of what should be done?

[John Doe]

Diuretics are often given for different reasons, diuretics should be given before midday or the particular person resident etc may be up all night. All medication have different affects on different individuals. As for the care she is receiving, I am a senior at an aged care facility and this shouldn't be the case, she should have a set toileting program which would include toileting 2hrly. If she continues to sit in wet incontinence aids there is a possible risk of decreased skin integrity. There are channels you can go through if you believe she is not receiving the care she should be, first of all fill out a complaints form as this is a legal document they are unable to brush it under the carpet, if it continues contact your grandmothers Aged care assessment team and voice your concerns with them. Facilities must pass accreditation each yeah, this should NOT be happening please don't just brush it under the carpet you must speak for your grandmother and make sure she receives the type of care she deserves

[indo19999]

Resentment is probably not the case. I have worked in these type of facilities and family involvement is greatly appreciated.
If she is taking a diuretic, its probably needed. You are most likely not aware of her medical condition and may need it for something like congestive heart failure or something similiar.
This needs to be reported by the family to adult protective serviceso r to the state that governs the nursing home. If they are not taking good care of her, they need to be corrected, fined, or both.
They are running a huge risk of causing horrible skin breakdown in someone so old and thin, not to mention its just cruel to let someone sit like that.

[Susan M]

Well she probably needs the diuretic to keep excess fluid from building up in her body due to poor heart function, which is very very common at her age. Basically the heart is tired after 92 years and doesnt pump the way it should which allows fluid to build up either in legs or lungs or both. It is called congestive heart failure. The weight loss is also concerning. Can she feed herself?? If so take her some things she likes to snack on. If not the stafff may not be feeding her? A visit around meal time will tell you what is going on.

However, it also sounds like she is not being taken care of. The fact the staff seems to resent you being there is maybe a sign of "Well we have to keep her clean and dry because the family is here, otherwise we could let it go" mentality. She is not being taken care of properly. Have you ever considered having a catheter put in her? It is a huge infection risk but would decrease the chances of getting a bedsore. Bascially if they cant keep her dry they are not preventing pressure ulcers either.

The best thing you could do is to keep showing up at different times unannounced. That way they never know when somebody will be coming in. I would have a long talk with the Director of Nursing and explain your concerns to them. If the situation doesnt improve find a new place for her and report these people to the state. They are neglecting her by letting her sit in urine for who knows how long. I have always told families looking for a nursing home to show up unannounced for a tour and if stinks like urine or poop (other than standing next to the dirty laundry bin, to leave because the people are not being taken care of.