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Family member is not being changed overnight. Only once before shift change. What ideas can you give me on how to handle this. I already addressed the issue with the facility but because they can't get anyone to work the night shift, they belive they can get away with it.

Geaton777- when immigrants come to the US their birthrate drops. We do have a falling birthrate, but we have 1/3 of a billion people in the US, plenty enough citizens to fill all healthcare positions including in care homes. My mom's care home must pay a good wage as they never seem to be short on staff. I almost never hear staff grumbling and usually they have a smile on their face. If a patient is being neglected day after day that is the facility's fault, plain and simple.
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Reply to JustAnon
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BurntCaregiver Jun 6, 2026
Well said, JustAnon and true. If there is neglect day after day that is the facility's fault plain and simple. Your mom is probably in one of those rare places where the staff is paid well and treated fairly. Most likely they also have a worker's union. There are decent places out there where a person will get good care. Same with homecare. My people get paid more than most agencies pay and we're an independent agency that is not part of a corporate franchise. Good pay keeps the caregivers honest and they try harder with the clients. Everyone wins.
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When my mom was in a facility they were leaving her in wet diapers for hours. I got on the phone with everyone that would listen to me and threatened to report them if they didn’t do better. I went to the director of the place and said either fix it or I’m taking her someplace else and will report this place. After that, the staff was far more attentive. Unfortunately, you have to let them know you won’t tolerate it.
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Reply to Onlychild420
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Due to staffing issues and when turn over was very high, My uncles nursing home actually hired an employee solely to change residents briefs on the 11-7 shift. I was shocked.

For profit nursing homes are trying to maximize profits so they short staff and pay workers barely min. wages.

Don't give up addressing this situation. Your family member is at risk for skin breakdown if they are in their wet/soiled brief too long. It is okay to get the obudsman involved.
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Reply to AMZebbC
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What kind of facility is this?
If they have already acknowledged that they can not get anyone to work the over night shift, then your family member needs to be moved to a different facility.
They are not getting full round-the-clock care.

As far as changing diapers, yes, ideally it should be done every few hours, including overnight. I take care of my husband at home, and I do not change him overnight. I change his diaper before I go to bed, and change him when he wakes up in the morning. He's not suffering any skin breakdown, and this routine works for us.
That alone is not sufficient reason to fault your care home, but if your loved one needs 24 hour care, it is a problem if they have no one working overnight!
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Reply to CaringWifeAZ
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The ombudsman information is posted in the facility, it’s required. Contact this person and report the issue. Consider if a change of facility might be needed if that doesn’t help
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Reply to Daughterof1930
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