Do you have an elderly parent that needs to be moved to a nursing home? Do they require more care than you’re able to provide? It’s a big decision that requires plenty of thought and you want to be sure the home you choose is right for them. You will be entrusting the nursing home with the very health and well-being of your parent.
With that said, there are some red flags to watch for when choosing a nursing home for a parent. These can also apply to people who already have a parent in a nursing home and are questioning if it’s the right place for them. So, let’s take a look.
Reviews Are in, and They’re Bad
One of the best places to start when looking for a nursing home is with online reviews. At the very least they give you a window into what you may expect in the facility and provide you with insight so that you can ask questions. If there aren’t many glowing reviews, it’s time to look a bit further.
The Food Options Are Limited
Because food is so important to a person’s overall health and well-being you want to be sure that the meal options are up to par. Residents should be provided with nutritious, healthy and yummy-tasting meals. If this isn’t the case, you risk your parent losing weight and not getting the needed nutrients.
The Facility Won’t Offer a Tour First
You also want to book a tour of the facility before making any decision. This is a chance to see what the rooms are like, as well as the staff, other residents, and amenities. You can also determine the level of cleanliness.
It’s a good idea to time your visit for late mornings, after 11 a.m. The reason for this is so you can see how many residents are still in bed. Ideally, they should all be up and moving, socializing and engaging in various activities. If a large number of residents are still in bed, this can point to a staffing issue, meaning they are understaffed.
Another thing to make note of while walking around is the response time. How long are residents waiting for a response when they need help or assistance?
They Have Suffered Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse
Perhaps your parent is already situated in a nursing home, but you question if it’s a safe and healthy environment. If you suspect your elderly parent may be or has suffered from nursing home neglect or abuse, this needs to act as a giant red flag. The first step should be contacting a nursing home abuse attorney to speak to them about your options including how to seek compensation. There is much more to neglect than just physical abuse, which an attorney can speak to you about. This isn’t the kind of environment you can trust with your parent’s health, safety and well-being.
Choosing the right nursing home for your parent is a big task. It’s something you don’t want to rush as you want to be sure you feel confident with your choice.