As loved ones age, it’s not uncommon for families to consider nursing homes as a viable option for care. While it can be a tough decision to make, it’s important to remember that the right choice can be a positive step for their well-being. The process of choosing the right nursing home can be overwhelming with countless options available. However, taking the time to consider five key factors can help make the decision easier and ensure that your loved one receives the best care possible. With around 1.4 million older adults living in nursing homes in the United States alone, it’s crucial to exercise caution and choose wisely. After all, the well-being of your loved one is at stake.
Choosing the Right Nursing Home and Preventing Elder Abuse
While nursing homes are supposed to be a safe haven for the elderly, unfortunately, elder abuse is a harsh reality. To prevent elder abuse and ensure your loved ones’ well-being, there are a few things to consider when choosing a nursing home. Firstly, do some research and check the nursing home’s accreditation, ratings, and reviews. It’s also essential to tour the facility and observe the staff and residents. Look out for any signs of abuse, such as unexplained bruises or bedsores. Trust your instincts and ask questions until you’re confident about your decision. Remember, choosing a nursing home is a significant decision, and taking necessary precautions will provide you with peace of mind.
Location
The location of a nursing home should be a top concern. If possible, choose a nursing home that is conveniently located to family members, making it easy to visit your loved one regularly. Furthermore, it also makes sense to select a nursing home located close to hospitals or medical centers, making it easier to provide medical attention during any emergency.
Staffing
A nursing home’s staff quality significantly impacts the care provided to residents. Make sure the nursing home you select has well-trained professional care staff and an adequate number of staff members to attend to residents. Inquire about the staff-to-patient ratio, shift schedules, and training programs that equip staff members to offer new types of care.
Safety and Security
Never compromise safety and security. Make sure the nursing home has implemented adequate measures, including a gated entrance, CCTV surveillance, and emergency response systems in case of a mishap. Verify if the nursing home has faced any legal problems in the past, such as malpractice claims or lawsuits.
Amenities
A nursing home’s amenities drastically affect residents’ quality of life. When selecting a nursing home, ensure you find amenities that provide comfort and create a relaxing ambiance. Look for spacious rooms, comfortable furniture, green space, and recreational activities.
Reputation and Ratings
The nursing home’s reputation and ratings play a significant role in choosing the best nursing home for a loved one. Check out the nursing home’s reputation by considering various factors such as online reviews, recommendations, and feedback from people who have had experience with the home. Additionally, check out the inspection results from local state survey agencies that monitor nursing homes to ensure they meet state and federal regulations.
Ensure Quality Care For Your Loved One
Searching for a nursing home for a loved one is a critical decision and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Choosing a facility that provides quality care, comfort, and safety is vital to maintain their well-being. Take the time to research, ask questions, and tour multiple homes before selecting one. It’s important to prioritize your loved one’s specific needs, considering factors such as the quality of care, accommodations, staff-to-resident ratio, and activities. Don’t let glossy brochures sway your decision. If you suspect elder abuse or neglect has occurred, reach out to Gallon, Takacs, & Boissoneault, where our dedicated team of Toledo, Ohio elder abuse attorneys will assist you in seeking justice for your loved one. We work tirelessly to ensure that nursing home abuse victims receive the compensation they deserve, and we’re committed to preventing future mistreatment.
Call Your local nursing home neglect attorneys at 419-843-6663 to get started, or use our easy online contact form today.
If you reside in or around any of the areas we serve in Ohio and Michigan—Maumee, Defiance, Fremont, Findlay, Lima, Mansfield, Toledo, and Monroe—and are searching for a “nursing home neglect attorney near me,” you can count on having one of our attorneys from Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault nursing home abuse law firm represent you in a personal injury or wrongful death case. With a local personal injury attorney near you, help is just a phone call away.
Michael Bell, is Partner and Personal Injury Attorney at GT&B since 2007. His entire career has been committed to protecting the rights of those injured through no fault of their own. Mike concentrates his practice in the areas of car wrecks, trucking accidents, medical negligence, wrongful death, birth injuries, defective products, nursing home abuse & neglect, dog bites, construction accidents and slip & falls.
