For many families the decision to help a loved one move into a long-term care facility is difficult. With elder abuse cases on the rise, it is understandable if you have concerns about a particular nursing home that you’re considering for yourself or your loved one.
Although the decision may be necessary, you’ll obviously want to ensure that you’ve selected the most reputable facility available. To help you in the process of searching for the perfect long-term care facility for your loved ones, here is a list of helpful questions to ask of the facility’s administrators and staff.
*What is the staff to resident ratio?
*Do you run background checks on employees prior to hiring them?
*Is there a licensed social worker on staff?
*Does the facility have permanent full time nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNAs)?
*How many residents are in each room?
*Do residents have easy access to call buttons?
*Do residents have easy accessibility to nightstands, lights, etc?
*How many residents share a bathroom?
*Do residents have options for showering-v-bathing and at what times?
*Who plans the meals? Is there a dietician or nutritionist on staff?
*Are alternative meals offered?
*Does the facility have an outdoor area for use by residents?
*How often do the residents’ doctors visit the facility?
* Where are the results from the last inspection by the Department of Public Health posted?
*How is laundry washed and how often?
*Does the staff speak other languages in addition to English?
*Does the facility have therapists on staff?
*Do residents have adequate privacy?
These are just some of questions you should ask, when searching for a long-term care facility such as a nursing home for your loved ones. Answers to these questions may be obtained over the phone. If the answers don’t measure up to your standards, search for a new facility. However, even if the questions are answered to your satisfaction, you’ll want to do a personal assessment of the facility with your own eyes. Upon this visit, you will want to take notice of the demeanor of the residents and staff, cleanliness of the facility, quality of furnishing and much more. The decision is not an easy or quick decision for you to make, take the time to do your research and ensure you are satisfied with the care your loved one will receive.
Walton Law, APC is a San Diego boutique law firm dedicated exclusively to representing injured parties in the areas of personal injury, nursing home abuse and neglect, and financial elder abuse. We only represent people – not insurance companies – and take pride in our reputation for obtaining full and fair compensation for our clients while providing personalized client service. If you believe somebody you know has been a victim of elder abuse in San Diego, CA, please call (866) 338-7079 or visit us online for a free and confidential consultation.