About Guardians Of Care, LLC
Our Mission
Our Services
Our Services
OUR MISSION
Guardians Of Care, LLC is a private healthcare advocate company which strives to better the quality of life for nursing home residents by ensuring that the nursing facility delivers the best quality care to the resident and that every resident is free from abuse and neglect.
OUR VISION
Guardians Of Care, LLC wishes to be recogn
OUR MISSION
Guardians Of Care, LLC is a private healthcare advocate company which strives to better the quality of life for nursing home residents by ensuring that the nursing facility delivers the best quality care to the resident and that every resident is free from abuse and neglect.
OUR VISION
Guardians Of Care, LLC wishes to be recognized as the leader in healthcare advocacy specializing in nursing home care characterized by our common understanding of and sensitivity to our clients and their families, appreciation of the practical application of both Federal and State regulations, engagement and cooperation with the persons and organizations involved in the care of our clients, and a commitment to promote and improve the quality of nursing home care of our clients. Guardians Of care, LLC believes that every resident in a nursing facility must be free from abuse and neglect.
Our Services
Our Services
Our Services
Guardians Of Care, LLC will act as a private nursing home advocate for the person who now finds themselves in a nursing facility. As a private nursing home patient advocate, we will guide and advise our clients and their family on the quality of care being delivered in the nursing facility. We do this through a review of the medical rec
Guardians Of Care, LLC will act as a private nursing home advocate for the person who now finds themselves in a nursing facility. As a private nursing home patient advocate, we will guide and advise our clients and their family on the quality of care being delivered in the nursing facility. We do this through a review of the medical records, the assessments completed, the plans of care, interviews with the resident and family members, and direct observations of the nursing facility environment.
ADVOCACY
Guardians Of Care, LLC will act as a private nursing home advocate for the person who now finds themselves in a nursing facility. As a private nursing home patient advocate, we will guide and advise our clients and their family on the quality of care being delivered in the nursing facility. We do this through a review of the medical records, the assessments completed, the plans of care, interviews with the resident and family members, and direct observations of the nursing facility environment.
NURSING HOME INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES (NHIS)
A 2020 study from the WHO found that over 64% of nursing home staff members admitted to committing some form of abuse or neglect. A recent study reported that 24.3% of residents experienced at least one instance of physical abuse while in a nursing home. As a private nursing home patient advocate, Guardians Of Care, LLC will aggressively investigate suspicion of abuse and neglect.
Our Founder
Our Services
Our Founder
Dr. Michael Gottesman is President of Guardians Of Care, LLC. He is a licensed nursing home administrator. He has sat in the administrator’s chair of nursing homes for twenty-eight years. Dr. Gottesman is a part of the adjunct faculty for Wilbur Wright College where he teaches students who want to go into nursing home administration. In
Dr. Michael Gottesman is President of Guardians Of Care, LLC. He is a licensed nursing home administrator. He has sat in the administrator’s chair of nursing homes for twenty-eight years. Dr. Gottesman is a part of the adjunct faculty for Wilbur Wright College where he teaches students who want to go into nursing home administration. In 2009 Dr. Gottesman was elected as a “Hero Of Long Term Care” by the residents and staff of the facility. “Hero Of Long Term Care” is an award given by the Illinois Council of Long Term Care for those dedicated and caring staff members who have made meaningful contributions to the lives of their facilities.
WELCOME TO GUARDIANS OF CARE, LLC
WELCOME TO GUARDIANS OF CARE, LLC
For many older adults, the thought of nursing home placement, whether it is a short or long term placement, is both a frightening and overwhelming experience. For most people, there is a huge unknown. As either the person themselves or their family struggles to this adjustment, they soon discover that they are lost in the maze of care concerns which they now face. What constitutes quality care in a nursing facility? What should they expect? What are they entitled to? And how much should they worry about nursing home abuse and elder neglect?
The Aging Population
- There are more Americans 65 and older than at any other time in U.S. history. In 1900, 4% of the total population were listed as 65 and older. In 2015 this percentage had increased to 15%. In 2010 there were 40 million American who were 65 and older. By the year 2030, the 65 and older population is estimated to be 73.1 million.
- Persons reaching age 65 today have an additional life expectancy of 19 years and therefore are expected to live to be 84.
- In 2011, the first of the nation’s 77 million Baby Boomers (those born between the years of 1946-1964) reached age 65.
- 10,000 persons turn 65 each day.
- It is estimated that at least 5% of this population will end up living in a nursing facility.
As the population of elderly citizens increases, nursing homes will become larger and harder to supervise. Already the incidences of nursing home abuse and neglect are on the rise. This increasing population is going to need for exceptional health care advocates.
What We Can Do For You
AS YOUR ADVOCATE WE WILL: Guide our clients through the difficult transition to nursing home life, help our clients understand what nursing homes are required to do for them, help our clients understand their rights as a nursing home resident, monitor the care and quality of life for our clients in the nursing home and, act as a powerful resource during interaction with the nursing home staff. We will become the “care watchdogs” our clients need for the best quality of life.
Advocacy
Guardians Of Care, LLC will act as a private nursing home advocate for the person who now finds themselves in a nursing facility. As a private nursing home patient advocate, we will guide and advise our clients and their family on the quality of care being delivered in the nursing facility. We do this through a review of the medical records, the assessments completed, the plans of care, interviews with the resident and family members, and direct observations of the nursing facility environment.
Nursing Home Investigative Services (NHIS)
A 2020 study from the WHO found that over 64% of nursing home staff members admitted to committing some form of abuse or neglect. A recent study reported that 24.3% of residents experienced at least one instance of physical abuse while in a nursing home. As a private nursing home patient advocate, Guardians Of Care, LLC will aggressively investigate suspicion of abuse and neglect.
Our Affiliation
Guardians Of Care, LLC is a proud member of The Alliance of Professional Health Advocates.
Founded in 2009, the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates with 650+ members, is the largest and most extensive professional and support organization for private, independent patient advocates.
WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU
ADMISSION, TRANSFER, & DISCHARGE RIGHTS
ADMISSION, TRANSFER, & DISCHARGE RIGHTS
ADMISSION, TRANSFER, & DISCHARGE RIGHTS
Whether you live in a nursing home or you have a loved one in a nursing home, there are many legal rights in place to protect you or your relative. In fact, pretty much every part of nursing home life is covered by the law, including moves. From the minute you start the admission process to the last part of your discharge, the law is here to protect you. Additionally, if you need or want to be transferred to another care facility, you have rights around that, too. As members of the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates (APHA), our nursing home patient advocates can educate and protect you in the following areas:
- Reason for transfer/discharge
- Documentation for transfer/discharge
- Proper notice before transfer/discharge
- Orientation for transfer/discharge
- Admission policies
NURSING SERVICES
ADMISSION, TRANSFER, & DISCHARGE RIGHTS
ADMISSION, TRANSFER, & DISCHARGE RIGHTS
In contrast to assisted living communities, nursing homes have a more significant healthcare focus. You’ll see nurses and certified nurse assistants (CNAs) who help with daily activities as well as provide healthcare services. At Guardians of Care, LLC, our nursing home advocates have a thorough knowledge of care facility standards and their legal ramifications. As private healthcare advocates, we’re passionate about defending nursing home residents and their families, ensuring they get the best nursing home quality of care possible.
Every patient in a nursing home has legal rights, including the right to good care. Guardians of Care, LLC has identified key areas that indicate a nursing home’s ability to provide good nursing services, and you’ll find them below.
- Sufficient nursing staff available on a 24-hour basis
- Use of charge nurse and Registered Nurse (RN)
When you or your family contact us for advice on the quality of care you’re experiencing, we’ll gather information on the above items. Though direct observations, interviews with yourself and your family, and assessments of care plans and medical records, we’ll get a good picture of what kind of nursing home advocacy you need. We’ll educate you on the care you should receive, including elder abuse warning signs, and give you a clear path forward to improvement. Contact us today to get started.
RESIDENT ASSESSMENT
ADMISSION, TRANSFER, & DISCHARGE RIGHTS
RESIDENT BEHAVIOR & FACILITY PRACTICES
Moving into a nursing home is a big change, but many families find it worthwhile because they need care. However, it’s not worth moving into a nursing home if you’re not going to get the excellent care you need. Whether you’re the one in the nursing home or you’re the worried family, the nursing home patient advocates at Guardians of Care, LLC is here to assess the situation and make sure your care facility is honoring your rights.
Our resident assessment gives us a comprehensive view of your care and makes it easy to spot places where your needs aren’t being legally met, up to and including elder neglect and abuse. It’s consistent, in-depth, and perfect for giving you peace of mind. The following is a list of what we include:
- Physician orders at admission
- Comprehensive assessments
- Assessment frequencies no later than 14 days
- Assessment after significant change
- Assessment every 12 months
- Quarterly review of assessments
- Coordination with professionals for assessment accuracy
Since 2017, Guardians of Care, LLC has worked hard to protect the rights of nursing home residents. We educate, assess, and interview to make sure that our clients are getting the nursing home quality of care they deserve. Contact us to get started today!
RESIDENT BEHAVIOR & FACILITY PRACTICES
RESIDENT BEHAVIOR & FACILITY PRACTICES
RESIDENT BEHAVIOR & FACILITY PRACTICES
The best nursing homes all have one thing in common: they preserve their residents’ rights. However, no nursing home is perfect. At Guardians of Care, LLC, we’re passionate about protecting your rights and helping your chosen nursing home give you the best care. We are nursing home patient advocates who fight for your rights through client interviews, staff interviews, direct observation, and medical record reviews.
One of the major areas we focus on is resident behavior and facility practices. While many different situations are possible within a given day, you have several rights that cannot be lost, including the following:
- Freedom from physical restraints
- Freedom from chemical restraints
- Freedom from nursing home abuse
- Correct treatment by staff
No matter what nursing community you call home, no matter who staffs it, and no matter what’s happening with your health, the above rights simply don’t change. However, it can be difficult to identify subtle rights violations, especially when they’re framed as necessary or normal. That’s why Guardians of Care, LLC is here. Whether a rights violation is obvious or not, we can bring clarity, education, and clear steps forward and identify elder abuse and neglect.
The Guardians of Care, LLC team has been working in nursing home rights for almost three decades, and we have a comprehensive understanding of how your nursing home can serve you best. Whether you’re living in a nursing home or your loved one lives in a nursing home, we are here to serve you. Contact us to get started today.
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
RESIDENT BEHAVIOR & FACILITY PRACTICES
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
As private nursing home advocates for care facility residents and their families, we are passionate about defending your right to excellent care. More than 28 years of experience in the industry have shown us common pitfalls and places where care providers make mistakes or try to cut corners, and we want to use our expertise to help you choose a nursing home or ensure your current one is providing the best care possible.
Life at even the best nursing homes is multifaceted and complex. We don’t neglect any part of it, because you have rights in every area. From food to health care to your physical surroundings, you have rights! When we dive into your nursing home’s living environment, here are the aspects we’ll explore.
- Health/safety of the facility
- Condition of essential equipment
- Resident call system status
- Secure corridor handrails
- Effective pest control programs
- Census per room (no more than four residents)
- Square footage per room
- Room – access to exit corridor
- Room – assurance of visual privacy
- Room – at least one window to the outside
- Room –sufficient toilet and bathing facilities
When it comes to making sure your nursing home is meeting reasonable standards, Guardians of Care, LLC and our team of nursing home patient advocates is ready to help. Bring us your questions and concerns, and we’ll bring every resource to the table to protect your interests. Contact us today.
QUALITY OF LIFE
RESIDENT BEHAVIOR & FACILITY PRACTICES
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
The best nursing homes can be incredible places to thrive. However, if the nursing home doesn’t protect your rights, it can become a difficult place to live. At Guardians of Care, LLC, our nursing home patient advocates work passionately to ensure your dignity, comfort, and enjoyment in your chosen nursing home. Thanks to our 28 years of experience, we can spot issues and act quickly to improve any situation.
The term “quality of life” may seem rather nebulous, but we’ve identified key points that we can use to determine whether or not your nursing home is doing right by you. Here is a list:
- Ability of residents to make choices (self-determination)
- Resident participation in resident and/or family council
- Willingness of facility to listen and respond to resident and/or family council
- Resident participation in activities
- Accommodation of needs and preferences
- Practices around room/roommate changes
- Activity programs meet individual needs
- Medically related social services
- Safe/clean/comfortable/homelike environment
- Effectiveness of housekeeping and maintenance services
- Clean linens in good condition
- Adequate and comfortable lighting levels
- Comfortable and safe temperature levels
- Comfortable sound levels
Every nursing home is different, but your rights don’t change. At Guardians of Care, LLC, our patient advocates are on a mission to protect those rights and ensure your quality of life. We’re here to reduce nursing home abuse and neglect. Learn more about our services when you Contact us today.