Emergencies can be stressful, especially when they involve a loved one in a nursing home and you’re not physically there. Fortunately, nursing homes are equipped with protocols and trained staff to handle crises efficiently and keep family members informed. Here’s what typically happens in such situations, and what you can do to stay involved and prepared.
Immediate Response Protocol
In a medical or safety emergency, staff are trained to respond quickly. Most nursing homes have certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs) on-site around the clock. Here’s how the process usually unfolds:
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Assessment & Stabilization: A nurse will assess the situation to determine the severity. This may involve checking vital signs, administering first aid, or using emergency medical equipment like oxygen or an automated external defibrillator (AED).
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Emergency Services: If the situation is beyond the scope of on-site care, staff will call 911 immediately. Common reasons include chest pain, sudden falls, strokes, or difficulty breathing.
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Hospital Transfer: If emergency transport is necessary, staff will provide paramedics with the patient’s medical records, medication list, and any advance directives (such as Do Not Resuscitate orders) to ensure continuity of care.
Family Notification
Once the resident is stable or in transit to a hospital, the facility will contact the designated family member or legal representative.
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Primary Contact: You will be called using the emergency contact number you provided upon admission. If you’re not reachable, they’ll move down the list of secondary contacts.
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Information Shared: Staff will explain what happened, what actions were taken, and where your loved one is being treated. You’ll also be informed of any next steps or decisions needed.
Advance Directives and Medical Decision-Making
Nursing homes follow legally documented directives, such as:
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Living Wills
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Health Care Surrogates or Proxies
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Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
If none exist, the facility will consult the closest relative, as dictated by state law. It’s crucial to have these documents in place beforehand to ensure your loved one’s wishes are respected in your absence.
Non-Medical Emergencies
Emergencies aren’t always medical. Power outages, floods, fires, or even outbreaks of infectious disease also require a response:
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Evacuation Plans: Nursing homes must have a disaster preparedness plan, including evacuation procedures and relocation partnerships with nearby facilities.
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Communication: Families are notified of major incidents, often through mass calling systems, emails, or text alerts.
How You Can Prepare
To feel more secure when you’re not there, take the following steps:
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Keep Contact Info Updated: Ensure the nursing home has your current phone numbers and those of backup contacts.
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Understand the Protocol: Ask the facility about their emergency procedures and how they communicate during crises.
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Review Advance Directives: Confirm all legal documents are complete, up-to-date, and accessible.
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Build a Relationship: Stay connected with staff. When they know you’re involved, they’re more likely to keep you informed and involved in care decisions.
Final Thoughts
While it can be frightening to imagine an emergency happening when you’re not present, nursing homes are staffed and structured to act swiftly and responsibly. By maintaining clear communication and having proper documentation in place, you can rest assured that your loved one is in capable hands—even when you can’t be there yourself.