Whether due to the slow and steady decline of old age or an abrupt life change brought about by an injury or crisis of health, very few families are financially equipped to provide full time emotional and medical support along with the additional space required to care for their aging family member. If you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you have made the best choice for your loved one, it is important that you know what questions to ask at potential nursing homes and what to be on the lookout for to prevent nursing home neglect and abuse.

Have A Discussion That Includes All Family Members

It might seem a tempting thought, to just pick a place and decide on the outcome all on your own. That way you can just get the distasteful process done with. It is important to remember that your parent is still an adult with the same rights that you have. Allowing all family members to be involved in the discussion will help all family members to feel as though their voices have been heard and their opinions have been taken into consideration. This makes the road easier for everyone to travel.

Determine the Level of Care Needed

Different levels of care are offered by different types of facilities. These levels of care range from independent living to highly skilled nursing care. It is important to talk with your loved one’s doctor and with the staff at each place you visit so that you may determine the appropriate level of care that is needed for your parent’s best quality of life. Too little care and they will suffer. Too much care and they will feel invalided and resentful.

Visit Every Facility

It is a vital step in choosing the right care facility that you take advantage of any tours that are offered to you and your family. You will learn invaluable information by taking these tours, observing the grounds and living areas, and talking to as many of the staff members as you can. Eat a meal or two in the dining room so that you can assess the quality of the food. Looking for a place close to your home is the best way to ensure that you will visit more frequently, but proximity to one’s house should never supersede the level of care your loved one needs, and the quality of the facility. Those should be the primary issue.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions

• What services are covered by the monthly room and board costs?
• What types of organized social activities does the facility have for residents?
• Are there separate a la carte services that are additional charges?
• Do the rooms have emergency call systems for residents to summon staff?
• What are the visiting hours?
• Can the staff show you the results of their last 3 survey inspections? If not, why?
• Is the facility locked after a certain time at night? What are the rules on visitation?

Remember, this is going to be home for your family member and they should feel just as comfortable and welcome and at peace here as they would in their own house.

Nursing Home Neglect Legal Help

If you have a loved one whom you suspect has been the victim of a form of nursing home neglect and/or abuse, then you need to contact a qualified nursing home attorney right away and talk to them about it. Reaching out to one of the attorneys here at the Nye Law Group is the best way to assess what damage has truly been done and to make sure that the care facility is held responsible for their actions. If you would like a free consultation regarding your case of neglect or abuse against a care facility, give us a call at (912) 200-5230 and see how we are able to help you and your loved one.