Hello,
My mother was recently diagnosed with giant cell arteritis. She has been in a low-quality nursing home for over three years. I usually call in the evening to offer her items on her streams and she repeatedly and spontaneously states her head hurts. I called one morning to speak with the unit manager and she said, "Well, the prednisone was tapered, so yes, her head hurts." I said they need to find a solution. She was put on the list to be seen by the NP later that day. In the couple of weeks that followed, my mother did not mention her head pain, or any pain for that matter. However, when I visited last week, she repeatedly stated her head hurts. The staff said things that were deflective, almost joking, which caused me to burn. As we passed the med cart on the way to her room, the med nurse said it was "too early." How do I compel them to treat her pain? I haven't tried the house doctor yet, but if he says no, what is my recourse? My mother is no faker or liar and has no substance abuse history. I never dreamed I would be fighting for pain relief for her. I no longer drive, so checking her out for two hours to see someone else is not a realistic option. My brother, even if he bothered to answer his phone, would not provide a ride and hasn't in years.
Thanks!
