Nursing homes should be safe, secure places for the elderly and infirm. But it is often found that nursing home residents suffers from some form of neglect. The most common forms of neglect are medical negligence, not giving food on time, or cleaning the room adequately. While not all neglect cases can be prevented, there are measures you can take to reduce your loved one’s chances of facing maltreatment while living in a nursing home.
Let us present 10 ways to help prevent nursing home neglect without further ado.
- Research
Many different facilities are available for seniors who need help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating. Assisted living is a residential option where trained staff provide round-the-clock care to those unable to live alone but do not require constant supervision.
Similarly, nursing homes provide care to individuals who need it. It helps them do day-to-day tasks. Moreover, nursing homes also look after those whose health has deteriorated to such an extent that they cannot manage their medications, perform normal self-care activities, and respond appropriately to emergencies. When choosing a nursing home facility, make sure it meets state requirements for staffing levels, equipment, and training so there will be sufficient staff members around at all times. Nursing home neglect is often caused by inadequate staffing levels, which means there may be too few qualified professionals to monitor your loved one’s needs properly.
- Pay Attention To Reputation And Ratings From Other Residents
If you’re considering signing your loved one up for long-term care in a nursing home, look into its reputation. You may find this information on websites that offers star ratings based on inspection results and quality measures. You can also check online reviews from former residents and their families. If you plan to visit a nursing home, pay attention to how the staff interacts with the residents. Do they seem friendly? Do they treat the people with respect? Is the facility clean and well maintained?
- Ask Questions About Staff Training And Safety Policies
Ask about the kinds of safety policies the facility employs to prevent accidents. For example, is staff trained in CPR and first aid? Are they prepared to deal with emergencies such as fire, natural disasters, and security breaches? Does the facility keep track of each resident’s whereabouts during non-staffed hours? You should also talk to staff about their training programs and what kind of professional certifications they hold.
- Visit Frequently
Make it a habit to visit your loved one frequently so you can monitor his/her condition and talk to them about their living experience. You will want to ensure that they are dressed appropriately, bathed regularly, and not malnourished. Ask if there have been any changes in the person’s behavior in charge of taking care of them. If that seems to be the case, report it immediately to the nursing home administrator.
- Take Notes During Your Visit And Share Them With Staff
During your visits, take notes about the environment and conditions inside the nursing home. Make a note of everything from the temperature to the lighting to the cleanliness of the facility. If you notice any discrepancies, share them with the staff. The staff might not realize an issue until you bring it to their attention.
- Speak Up If You Notice Something Out Of Place Or Unusual
It’s important to speak up whenever you see something unusual or out of place. It includes anything from bruises to missing personal property. It’s possible that your loved one was injured when the nursing home failed to supervise them properly. If you suspect neglect, tell the nursing home administrators immediately. They will investigate the issue and determine whether or not neglect took place. If it did, they would take steps to stop it.
- Keep Track Of Any Problems Or Issues That Arise
Keep track of any issues or problems that arise. Some nursing homes may avoid addressing certain concerns, especially if they stem from medical complications. If you notice that your loved one is exhibiting strange symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact the physician who prescribed the medications.
- Stay Alert
Be aware of anyone who tries to engage in an awkward conversation with your loved one. If you sense that a particular staff member is trying to exploit your loved one, they may have ill intentions. If you notice any red flags, report them to the facility administration.
- Report All Suspected Negligence
If you notice any kind of neglect, inform the appropriate state agency in charge of licensing nursing homes. Most states have offices dedicated to investigating nursing home abuse or neglect complaints. They will investigate and determine if the facility in question violated regulations regarding neglect prevention. They will order the nursing home to correct the situation immediately if they find negligence on their part. If violations repeatedly occur, the nursing home may lose its license.
- Keep Record
You should always keep records of conversations with staff members, including dates, times and names. You can also keep records of any changes in your loved one’s condition. If you decide to pursue legal action against the nursing home, these records can prove useful if they are found negligent.
The Following Is A Short List Of Common Signs That Indicate Nursing Home Neglect
- Not changing the clothes regularly
- Not changing the beddings in a timely manner
- Not providing food immediately
- Not providing medication on time
Final Words
Nursing homes are supposed to provide a safe and healthy environment for the elderly and disabled. However, the reality is that human beings look after these facilities, and mistakes happen. Contact the proper authorities immediately if you suspect that your loved one is being abused or neglected. Once you’ve taken steps to address the issue, work closely with the nursing home administration to ensure your loved one receives proper care.
It is recommended to never let go of even small neglect by the nursing home as it might affect the physical and mental health of your loved one.
Happy Reading. Hope you have learnt the right way to protect the person you love during their stay at the nursing home facility.
