Difficult Decisions
It is never easy to place your loved one in a nursing home. This decision is rarely the first choice for any family and is usually due to the fact that the individual in question needs specialized care. Therefore, it is especially important to select the very best facility for your particular situation.
Primary Considerations
When selecting a nursing facility, there are some primary considerations. These include whether the facility is certified by Medicare and Medicaid, how long it has been certified, affordability of care, admission requirements, and convenience of location. Location is a primary consideration because when family and friends are able to visit more often, it significantly contributes to the patient’s physical and emotional well-being. A Chicago personal injury lawyer from Shea Law Group can provide you a proper guidance.
Another important aspect to consider is what type of specialty care services are offered by the facility. If your loved one suffers from dementia or Alzheimer’s, you will want to make sure the staff is well-versed in handling these types of patients. Conversely, if your family member is socially outgoing and mentally sharp, you will want to make sure he or she will not feel isolated in their new surroundings.
Premises and Staffing
Going to visit a facility offers you the opportunity to see first-hand if it is clean, safe, well-lit and welcoming. During your visit, make sure to inquire about what types of diagnostic and/or treatment facilities are available on-site, how bathing and personal assistance is handled, and ask about the ratio of staff to residents during each shift.
Every resident must have a care plan. Make sure to ask how often the care plan is reviewed and how the overseeing physician visits. Ask about his or her bedside manner, about employee screening and hiring practices, and what the turnover rate is for skilled employees as well as those who perform services such as meal preparation, etc.
Another area of inquiry should be regarding foodservice. Tasty, high-quality meals are important to overall health. You should sample the food if possible, ask about seating protocol for meals, and if your loved one is bedridden or has special dietary restrictions, you will need to find out how his or her meals will be handled.
Roommates, Personal Items, and Activities
It is important to discuss whether residents are assigned roommates and if they are dissatisfied with the pairing, what is the protocol for changing roommates? What types of personal items are allowed? Are plants, pets, and other natural elements included in the facility’s environment?
Another vital aspect to overall health is mental and emotional well-being. This is stimulated by a good activities program—which should include regularly scheduled events as well as physical exercise activities. Find out if there is a workout room, store for purchasing personal items, or a library on premises. Also ask if residents are taken to community events or cultural activities on a regular basis.
Proper Planning Usually Prevents Problems
Once you choose a facility, all the planning should pay off. Hopefully, your loved one will adjust well to his or her new home and you will be continually satisfied with the treatment and care they are receiving. However, if a problem does arise and you feel that your trust has been misplaced, you may need to reach out to a knowledgeable nursing home abuse lawyer.
At Shea Law Group, we have handled hundreds of nursing home abuse cases and we are prepared to help you and your family if you ever find yourself in need of legal assistance. Contact Shea Law Group today.
