Relatives should take an active role in the care of family members in rest-homes, and not just leave them alone, the author of a new book about choosing a home says.
Retired registered nurse Jenny Moloney (70), of Wellington, has co-written Decision Time with fellow retired nurse Heather Johnston.
Mrs Moloney said there was a lack of information to guide people through a decision that was too often rushed.
When choosing a home for a relative, people should carefully observe the smells, sights, sounds and general feel of the place.
Homes should not have the ''appalling'' smell that some did, which often indicated washing or cleaning was not done regularly.
Relatives should regularly check residents' medication programme, observe their general progress, and ask questions of medical, nursing, and management staff.
''I think we need to depend on relatives a lot more. I know you're paying a lot of money for the care, but you just can't leave them in there.''
The book calls for mandatory staffing levels to be considered because of evidence of instances of substandard care, and for more opportunities for leadership from registered nurses.
At present, providers decided their own staffing numbers.
