Trust but Verify

This is a delicate subject.

How often have heard that the staff in a particular rehab or long-term care facility is caring and loving, and that everything is so nice and clean? Everyone smiles and hugs, and the linen and gowns are fresh. These are good signs.

It's wonderful to find a place like that, especially if it also provides genuine rehabilitation services. I've found that you need to actually check under the covers, though, before you get too carried away by good impressions.

Few family members will want to actually check on the work that's being performed. Much too often, supervisors don't thoroughly check, either. Creases in the skin can hide small problems that soon become big ones.

If you don't feel comfortable performing the inspection yourself, find or hire someone who will. It will be a great service to your loved ones. The sores and discomfort that so often result are completely avoidable. Also, if the staff knows that you may verify, the full level of care is likely to improve.

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