Choosing and Monitoring a Nursing Home

About one third of the nursing homes in the United States have been cited for abuse. Because neglect and abuse often go unreported, the real number of facilities with abusive staff is unknown. In 2003 USA today reported statistics estimating that one half of all nursing home patients are suffering from untreated pain.

For most families, nursing homes eventually become a necessity. As love ones grow older, many need constant supervision and 24 hour care.

Nursing homes will offer a guided tour to sell their services. Don't rely on the presentation that they want you to see, when they are prepared and on their best behavior. Do your own checking, in your own way, on your own time, when they are not expecting you.

Visit more than once and at different times of day

Visit the nursing homes you are considering at odd hours. Try to visit in the evening and on weekends, when they are most likely to be short staffed. Drop in near the end of shifts, when the staff is most likely to be tired and irritable.

It may sound mercenary, but you want to see them at their worst. Your loved one will have to live with them through these hours everyday.

Check out meal times

Try to eat a meal with the residents. Don't warn the nursing home, just drop in. offer to pay for your meal if that is an issue. You are looking for food quality and to see if the residents get the attention and the assistance they need while eating.

Malnutrition is a common problem in nursing homes and can quickly send the elderly into a downward spiral of failing health.

While you're visiting

Pay attention to odors. Urine or feces odors indicate residents that have not been changed or bathed. Neglecting basic hygiene can lead to life threatening infections. It is also a warning sign of other type of neglect.

Does everyone have water? Dehydration can kill a nursing home resident very quickly. All residents should have water available at all times. Bedridden patients should have water within reach.

Patients who can't drink without help should be offered water frequently. This is not a luxury for patients, not is it servitude or extra work for the staff. It is one of the primary reasons that nursing homes exist!

Talk to the residents. Notice their grooming, oral care, and nail care. Are they in good spirits or are the majority of residents depressed or confused?

Do some checking

Talk to loved ones of residents and ask them what they think about the level of care the nursing home provides and if they have ever had problems with the facility. Look at the state survey of the nursing home. The nursing home should have it on hand for your review.

Ask the nursing home about staffing levels. Find out how many staff members work per shift, how many residents live at the facility and how many are bedridden or in wheelchairs.

Monitoring and ensuring proper care

Even after carefully screening and selecting a nursing home, problems can still arise. Sadly, in most cases, the level of care your loved one receives will directly correspond to your level of involvement. Keep up the flow of communication with everyone involved with your loved one's care, including doctors, nurses, administrators, and other staff.

From the very start, let the nursing home know that you will be observing, that you will be involved, and that you know and understand the laws and what is required of them. You can do this without seeming hostile or combative.

Federal law requires that every patient has an individual plan of care. The nursing home should consult you when drafting this plan. If they have not, ask to see it.

Visit frequently, but not on a regular schedule. Visit on different days of the week and at different times of day, when they are not expecting you. Your loved one should be fully bathed at least three times a week.

If you suspect that your loved one is or has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact an experienced personal injury attorney today.

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