When a loved one is no longer able to live on their own, entrusting their care to someone else is a difficult, but often necessary, decision. Can you trust a nursing home with their well-being? How can you be sure that they’ll be properly cared for?
Researching facilities is one of the most important steps to take before choosing a nursing home. To help you make this decision, here are several key questions you should ask:
- How is the food quality? Dine with your loved one in the nursing home cafeteria. This will give you a good idea of the food and service quality. If it doesn’t look visually appealing to you, chances are it doesn’t interest them much either. Even if the food meets nutritional requirements, that doesn’t do much good if they won’t eat it.
- What sounds do you hear? Sounds of moaning and yelling can be unsettling, but they aren’t the most important things to listen for. More importantly, you should listen to how staff talks to and about the residents. They should refer to elders by name, in a compassionate tone of voice, instead of using vague nicknames or using an emotionless tone. They should also ask what residents prefer to be called.
- What does it smell like? A nursing home will almost certainly have some kind of odor. However, if a home reeks of stale urine, this could mean that the home and/or its residents aren’t being cleaned properly or regularly.
- Do you see bruising? Bruises do not necessarily mean abuse, but some bruises should not be ignored. Finger-shaped bruising, or hand-shaped marks on the face, stomach, or back are all red flags.
- How does the home handle falls and bedsores? Accidents happen, but it’s important to know how the staff reacts to and handles them. Do they check for injuries? Do they check on the resident later in the day to make sure their condition hasn’t worsened? Do they notify family when serious accidents happen?
The Chicago nursing home injury lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm represent families and individuals harmed by elder abuse throughout the country. We will travel to you at no extra cost. Call us today for a free consultation at (800) 794-0444.
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