Should Nursing Home Staff Preach Religion?

[Redrose]

I didn't want a poll on this subject, rather just have a few opinions.

Mom is 90, in an expensive senior home. She has been a Catholic since she was 20. She was Church of England prior to that.

She has mild dimentia. She was in the ER this weekend and is back at the residence and is OK. Her night aide is convincing her to become "Born Again" and is convincing her the Catholic Church is "no good". She was on the phone tonight telling me how bad the Catholic Church is. This is totally contrary to the way she has lived her life for 70 years and raised her family.

My sister and I are not happy about that...to put it mildly. I feel it's wrong to manipulate the sick and elderly. Her religious affiliation is private and personal.

I would like some opinions before my sister goes there and raises holy heck.

[Howey]

No.

[del]

no

someone should have a word with the aide's supervisor

[PolWatch]

I don't believe they should be preaching religion in a nursing home. If the residents request religious services, it should be their choice. If the resident is unable to request their religion, the family would the be one to consult about which religion they have practiced prior to admission. The employees are in a position of authority and have far more influence than normal. I also don't think religion & prayer belong in public schools for the same reasons.

[Redrose]

It's times like this I wish I was down in Florida. I'd be at that residence in a flash.

[sachem]

Of course she should not be preached at. I would call and complain if you trust that your Mom won't be retaliated against. It sounds like this is just one woman trying to "save" somebody, as opposed to an effort by staff as a whole.

[PolWatch]

Suspicious mind that I have, I wonder if the women has an ulterior motive for her preaching. My uncle found my grandmother looking for the title to her house to sign over to some church people.

[sachem]

Suspicious mind that I have, I wonder if the women has an ulterior motive for her preaching. My uncle found my grandmother looking for the title to her house to sign over to some church people.

Could well be.

[Dr. Who]

Suspicious mind that I have, I wonder if the women has an ulterior motive for her preaching. My uncle found my grandmother looking for the title to her house to sign over to some church people.

I was thinking along the same lines. Redroses's sister can't get over there too soon, however hopefully someone has her power of attorney and guardianship over her income.

[southwest88]

A senior home likely has to comply with state standards - look under that state's health services department website. Any such standards should include ethical standards - that patients/families are not to be proselytized, unless the patient/family gives informed consent. If the home accepts Medicare/Medicaid/state or federal funding, they probably can't preach @ the patients @ all - because of the difficulties & hard feelings if a patient rejects the Word while demanding rightful medical or social or other support services.

It's a situation fraught with possible problems all the way around. Most senior homes - TMK - simply leave the choice up to the patient/family, & let them self-select which - if any - denomination they'll attend.

Push comes to shove, you can threaten to report them to the competent authorities. The local branch (in the senior home's state) of state Services to the Elderly, Legal Services (for abuse of elders/patients), ACLU, the usual retirement groups - can offer support, legal advice or point you to attorneys specializing in elder parents in nursing homes.

Best of luck.