A major driver behind lawsuits in senior living facilities and nursing homes is poor communication, which leads to misunderstandings, dissatisfaction, and, eventually, legal action. The How’s Mom app is positioned as a digital solution to help nursing facilities improve communication with families, potentially reducing complaints and litigation.
The Role of Communication in Lawsuits Against Senior Care Facilities
Studies and legal experts frequently cite poor communication as a leading cause of complaints and lawsuits against senior care facilities. When families are kept in the dark about their loved ones’ health, care routines, or medical decisions, frustration builds. If a situation escalates — such as an unexpected death or injury — families may feel that the facility didn’t keep them informed, leading to litigation.
According to recent studies, communication failures were one of the leading causes of litigation in healthcare, contributing to 30% of all malpractice cases.
How the How’s Mom App Solves Communication Problems
The How’s Mom app aims to close the communication gap between senior care facilities and families. It provides real-time updates on the status and care of residents, giving families a window into their loved ones’ daily lives and medical care. This transparency reduces anxiety for family members, which in turn can reduce complaints and, ultimately, lawsuits.
Key Features of the How’s Mom App:
- Real-Time Updates: The app allows caregivers and facility staff to upload regular updates on residents’ activities, medical appointments, and wellness checks. Families can log in to see these updates at any time, helping them feel more involved and aware of the care process.
- Direct Messaging: It includes a secure messaging feature that allows families to ask questions directly to caregivers or medical staff, eliminating delays and improving response times. This can help address small concerns before they escalate into major problems.
- Medical Updates: When it comes to health changes or medical interventions, the app provides a platform for sharing detailed information, helping families understand why certain decisions are being made. This reduces the risk of feeling blindsided by sudden changes or procedures.
Improving Family Satisfaction and Reducing Legal Risk
By addressing the core issue of poor communication, the How’s Mom app can significantly improve family satisfaction. In a 2019 survey conducted by The Joint Commission, 76% of families said that transparent, timely communication was the most important factor in their satisfaction with a senior care facility . By keeping families consistently informed, the app helps prevent the build-up of frustrations that often lead to formal complaints.
From a legal standpoint, improved communication also provides nursing homes with a form of documentation. Messages and updates exchanged through the app create a written record that shows families were kept in the loop. This can act as evidence in legal disputes, demonstrating that the facility took reasonable steps to maintain open and clear lines of communication.
Conclusion: A Win-Win for Families and Facilities
The How’s Mom app offers a modern solution to one of the most pressing issues in senior care: communication. By ensuring families are informed and involved in their loved one’s care, the app helps increase family satisfaction while also reducing the risk of complaints and lawsuits against nursing facilities. In an industry where every interaction can affect reputation and legal exposure, investing in better communication tools like How’s Mom is a proactive step towards safer and more transparent care.
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