I recently worked part time in a NH facilty where my mother lives. She has been hospitalized twice in the past couple of weeks. My Dad who has had double knee surgery has needed my help of course. I had to call in the entire previous weekend as I was out of town near the hospital my mother was in. To be available for anything they need (hospital is 60 miles away). I returned to work last night. When I did I was made aware someone had ran to my supervisor stating I was not at the hospital. Another staff made a comment that I should be fired. I was also made aware of comments about my sister (who does not work there) in regards to how ofen she visits my mother. Obviously I am completely livid over this. I called the administrator today about all of it. Explained what had taken place. Expressed that I am fed up with the gossip and rumor mill along with the attitudes I catch from CNA's whether I am on the clock or not. She told me she has no control over what people say. She doesn't get involved with drama, she doesn't have time for it. And then proceeded to say if I felt more comfortable not working there they could take me off the schedule. As she was aware I had put my notice in. Which I feel is wrong. She's condoning a poor behavior within the staff. And she completely blew me off.
I feel had I been just a family member, instead of also an employee, she would have taken this issue more seriously.
Do I contact the state? What do I do? I don't even feel I can trust these people with my mother if they allow their staff to cause issues like this?
Are you sure that this isn’t related to your mother’s residence there? Your sister is also being criticised. Could it be that your mother has been telling nasty stories about both of you, and is being believed? Does mother have other visitors who might tell you what she says? Perhaps the most important thing is to be sure that your mother at least is being well treated.
It’s difficult to see how to resolve your own problems, at least in the near future. It’s possible that the dynamics will change in the future (eg your mother might deteriorate, or staff and management may change). You may be interested in employment there again (in some districts there aren’t a lot of jobs for older women), so it may be best to leave on a reasonable note if you can. You have my sympathy for a very tricky workplace problem.