Deciding to place a loved on in a nursing home is a difficult decision to make. Once the decision is made, selecting the right nursing home can be nerve wracking. How can one be assured they are selecting a good nursing home, where their loved one will be well cared for? The federal government offers a nursing home checklist for consumers. Below are just a few of the things consumers should consider.
REGULAR CLEANING
Bathroom accidents are bound to happen in a nursing home setting. This may come with an unpleasant odor. However, there is a big difference between an occasional unpleasant odor and a constant odor of urine. Floors, beds, bedding, and residents themselves should be washed regularly. If the nursing home has a constant unpleasant odor, this could be an indication of inadequate cleaning protocols.
RESIDENT ACTIVITIES
A good nursing home provides regular schedule of activities for residents. From day trips to local attractions, to meditation sessions, to music therapy, nursing homes should provide a wide variety of activities for differently abled residents. Keeping the mind and body active is essential at every age. Consider visiting the nursing home at different times of day to get a sense for how staff and residents interact.
APPETIZING MEALS
Good nursing homes offer meals that are varied and appetizing. As we age, we lose some sensory sensitivity. Additionally, many older people tend to experience a loss of appetite. A nursing home should provide a variety of flavors, tastes, and textures. Meal times should be interesting. Providing a variety of choices encourages eating at least some food at every meal.
GOOD STAFFING RATIOS
A good nursing home offers good staffing ratios. However, it is not enough to simply have a certain number of employees per resident. The employees should be fresh for their shifts. Ask how often staff work overtime. Don’t forget to also ask about double shifts, or consecutive work shifts without a few or no days off each week.
ACCESSIBLE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL
A good nursing home should have policies and procedures in writing. There should be policies and procedures discussing cleaning schedules, wound care, resident engagement, how to care for patients with memory loss, and almost any other procedure you can think of. These policies and procedures should be available for your review.
IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS FOR A LOVED ONE IN A NURSING HOME
If you have concerns for a loved one in a nursing home, or if you lost a loved one due to nursing home abuse or neglect, you may have a legal claim. Certainly, a law suit against a nursing home may result in a financial settlement. But it also holds nursing homes accountable. A lawsuit can force nursing homes to change how they treat their patients, how they handle medications and health care, and how they do business. At Miller Kory Rowe LLP, we hold nursing homes accountable. Contact our office for a free consultation at (602) 648-4045. We look forward to fighting for you and your family.