At The Rasansky Law Firm, we know that
the decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is very difficult
for most of us. Careful consultations with your loved one, your
family members and your loved one's physician are a must. If a
medical condition makes it impossible for a loved one to care for
themselves, you must determine whether you can take care of their
physical and medical needs or whether you'll need the help of others.
Many long-term care facilities are clean, safe, and staffed by
responsible and dedicated professionals. Unfortunately, some facilities
are not. Following are a few tips to consider when choosing a nursing
home for yourself or a loved one:
Visit every facility you're considering. When
you first walk in, notice how the facility smells. Does it appear
clean and well organized? Does the staff seem helpful and attentive
to residents? These simple observations will alert you to the conditions
that residents live with daily.
Ask to talk with the Administrator or the Director of Nursing.
Ask to see the written policies about situations that might concern
you. Find out whether those policies are actually followed. Pay
attention if you feel that you are not getting straight answers.
Notice when the answers are inconsistent with what you have observed.
Also talk with staff, family members and, if possible, speak with
residents who live in the nursing home you are considering. This
will help you to judge things for yourself, rather than simply
accepting what you are told by a nursing home employee.
Ask Tough Questions
How many complaints have been filed against this
facility in the past two years?
Out of the complaints filed, how many complaints
were valid?
Has this facility been cited in the past two
years?
How many "quality of care" violations have been cited
in the past two years?
Has the owner of this facility had other facilities
recommended for termination?
While visiting a facility, ask the Administrator
and/or Director of Nursing questions such as the following:
Can I see the complaints/reports filed against the facility? What
types of complaints were filed against this facility in the past?
What are your hiring policies? Where do you find
your employees?
What is the facility policy about the ratio of nurses' aides to
residents for the day, evening and night shifts?
Are the nurses' aides certified?
What kind of turnover do you experience for nurses
and nurses' aides?
What is the ratio of registered nurses to residents
for the day, evening and night shifts?
Is there an independent resident family council
at this facility? Please give me the name and telephone number
of the president.
How many residents are physically or chemically restrained? What
is the facility policy about the use of restraints? May I see the
policy?
How many residents have pressure sores? How many
of these residents developed the pressure sores in the facility?
What do you do to prevent pressure sores? How do you treat pressure
sores?
What is the facility policy about what administrative
steps must be taken before a resident can be taken to the hospital
for an emergency?
What do you do to help residents with range of
motion to help prevent immobility?
What type of planned activities are offered to
keep residents mentally alert and socially engaging? How do you
deal with residents' behavior problems?
How does a Medicaid resident's treatment and
level of service differ from that of a non-Medicaid resident?
If a loved is in a nursing home and you feel that
have been abused or neglected, please contact The Rasansky Law
Firm immediately to discuss your legal rights and options regarding
your loved one in a nursing home.
For more information about Nursing Home Claims,
you can also visit www.nursinghomelawyer.com,
a Rasansky Law Firm speciality site devoted exclusively to Nursing
Home Claims, Nursing Home Abuse, Nursing Home Neglect, and Nursing
Home Rights.
Signs that a Loved
One In A Nursing Home could be in trouble include Behavioral
Problems, Changes In Physical
Conditions, Dehydration, and Immobility to
name a few.
