Monitoring a facilty where your loved one lives is essential to make sure that they are getting the services you are paying for, but also for you to advocate for those with cognitive impairment.
While at a dementia facility caring for another resident, I noted an activity being carried out. The group of residents was sitting at several tables. One of the resident got up to walk away and the staff member yelled at her across the room, "Do not forgot your walker. You know you need it so you do not fall. We are not always around to remind you". The resident looked at the staff member blankly and then walked away without the walker.
This staff member did not understand the impact of short term memory impairment. First, the senior was given too many directions for her to follow easily. Providing more than one verbal cue or direction is often too much to comprehend for the individual. Further, there was no awareness of the short term memory's impact on forgetting safety needs. Last, the staff member did not treat the resident with respect. Yelling across the room is not an appropriate way to redirect someone.
Watch for these types of issues while you are visiting your own family member or friend. It is the only way to monitor what happens as a routine in the facility. Poorly trained staff will demonstate that lack of training on a consistent basis. Speak to management about the displays and follow up for improved performance on future visits.