The decision to put a loved one in a nursing home is a difficult one, and families sometimes struggle to figure out where to start. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse statistics show that hundreds of thousands of seniors suffer from nursing home negligence and nursing home abuse every year. It is important to thoroughly vet a nursing home before choosing it. The following questions can help you to narrow down your search:
- Is this nursing home easily accessible to me and other family members and friends? Try to find a nursing home that is located near friends or family of the individual entering the nursing home. This will enable people to check in on their loved one frequently. Also, be sure to inquire about the home’s visitation policy. Different facilities have different visiting hours and schedules.
- What will the financial burden of this nursing home be? Cost is always a factor when choosing a nursing home. Discuss with your loved one’s insurance company what care will be covered and what the out-of-pocket responsibility will be.
- Does this nursing home offer the specialized care and facilities that your loved one may require? Different nursing homes are equipped to handle different types of medical, physical, and psychological needs. Talk with your loved one and his or her doctors to determine what services are necessary.
- What is the quantity and quality of the staff? Find out what the staff to patient ratio is, as well as the nurse to patient ratio. Depending on your loved one’s unique needs, he/she may require a facility with more staff and individualized attention. Also look into what training staff members are required to have and whether or not the facility conducts background checks on its staff members.
A checklist can also help families to compare nursing homes throughout their search. However, despite families’ best efforts, nursing home abuse continues to occur. If you or a loved one has suffered from nursing homes abuse, contact our nursing home lawyers for help. The Anapol Weiss attorneys can help you to protect your loved one’s rights, especially if they are unable to advocate for themselves.
