You must be very careful when choosing a nursing home. There have been many reported cases of abuse or neglect, and the last thing you want is going through the trouble of making a nursing home abuse claim .
If you want someone dear to you to live in a safe, stress-free environment where their needs won’t be ignored, then you must make sure you make the right choice. So, what do you need to know before you choose the right nursing home? Here’s a list of five important things to consider.
- Not All Nursing Homes Are the Same
Maybe it’s an obvious fact, but it’s still worth pointing out. Some nursing homes are of higher quality, but you could also find some on the opposite side of the spectrum. In other words, some nursing homes may treat their patients with a lot of care and always make sure their needs are being met – others… not so much.
You have to visit various nursing homes and analyze everything about them before you sign up your loved one to live there. They have to live happily, after all.
- Overworked Staff Might Influence Patient Care
Think about it – how do you feel when you’re overworked, yet instead of comfortably sitting on your sofa, you have to deal with a bunch of people? It’s surely not the nicest feeling, and you could snap at any time.
If the staff in a nursing home is overworked, this can negatively impact how they behave with the elders and can potentially become a bad environment. You should always go and see how the situation is before settling for a nursing home.
- The Residents Have Rights
According to the Law, people living in a nursing home have many rights. They can refuse treatment, have privacy, get food based on preference, and many others. Therefore, in case they’re being neglected or abused, they have the right to free themselves from it.
- The Staff’s Behavior Towards Each Other Speaks a Lot
If someone behaves badly to a person, then there are high chances of them doing the same to others. That being said, if the staff is being very rude in their interactions with each other, they will be rude to your loved person as well.
Furthermore, listen to the music played in the facility. It should be something for the clients, not something the staff wants to listen to.
- The Condition of the Patients Is a Good Indicator
Are the patients bruised or distressed? Of course, that doesn’t instantly mean that any little bruise is a sign of abuse. Many medications can cause skin conditions when a person becomes older. Nevertheless, if what you see is too suspicious, then that is not an environment you want your old parent in.
A good nursing home is free of any signs of neglect or abuse. Also, the employees should treat their patients with respect and care. You should take the time to examine such facilities before you choose one, as this will ensure your loved one will have a worry-free life there.