Selecting the proper nursing home or skilled nursing facility for yourself or a loved one requires careful research and consideration. Over 15,500 Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes nationwide provide care to more than 1.4 million residents.
While most facilities aim to provide quality care to their residents, abuse and neglect unfortunately still occur in some homes. As you evaluate options, Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC, an experienced nursing home abuse law firm in Kentucky, recommends keeping the following factors in mind to identify a nursing home that offers safety and attentive care to all residents.
Know the Types of Care Offered in The Nursing Home
It’s a common misconception that nursing homes only serve the elderly. As noted in a May 2022 report from the National Center for Health Statistics, most nursing home residents are aged 65 or older, with 83.1% in that older demographic. However, 16.9% of residents are actually younger than age 65 – a sizable minority of the over 1.4 million people living in Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes nationwide. Nursing homes provide varying services depending on residents’ needs. Some residents may only require short-term rehabilitative care following a hospital stay, while others need ongoing comprehensive care. Be sure any nursing home you consider provides the specific level of care your loved one requires.
Review Nursing Home Staffing Ratios
The number of nurses and certified nursing assistants per resident significantly impacts the quality of care provided. Federal law mandates minimum staffing ratios, but some states require nursing homes to maintain higher staffing ratios. Ask each facility about their specific staffing numbers and visit in person to observe if the current staff adequately meets residents’ needs.
Consider Specialized Care Units in The Nursing Home
Many nursing homes have specialty units tailored to groups like those with dementia or ventilation needs. If your loved one requires specific specialized care, choose a nursing home with extensive experience in that area. Also, look for unique programming, like pet therapy for dementia residents, that caters to specific needs.
Evaluate Daily Living Assistance At The Nursing Home
Residents often require hands-on help with everyday tasks like eating, dressing, bathing, and grooming. During your visits, closely observe how attentive staff are to individual residents. Are call lights answered promptly? Do residents appear well-groomed and adequately cared for? The facility should provide dignified daily living assistance customized to each individual.
Check the Nursing Home’s Cleanliness and Safety Standards
Notice the cleanliness, sanitation, and odor as soon as you enter a nursing home. Dirty conditions can spread infections. Also, carefully inspect for well-lit hallways, secure exits, guard rails on beds and bathrooms, and other safety measures. Pay close attention to how safely residents maneuver around the facility.
Learn About Nursing Home Social Offerings
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, nearly half of nursing home residents have a diagnosis of depression. Maintaining residents’ dignity and emotional health means providing stimulating social opportunities that enrich their well-being. Ask about activities like exercise classes, arts and crafts, religious services, and community outings. Ensure programming meets both physical and emotional needs.
Review The Nursing Home’s Complaint History
Check with your state health department to read nursing home inspection reports and determine if any substantiated complaints have been filed against a facility you’re considering. Multiple violations or frequent complaints can signal deeper systemic issues. However, occasional minor citations may not necessarily indicate widespread problems. If you have concerns about potential nursing home abuse or neglect, consulting with a nursing home abuse attorney can help protect residents’ rights.
Selecting a nursing home that meets health needs and quality-of-life goals takes time and diligence. But the required upfront research can pay off with the ultimate reassurance that your loved one is safe, comfortable, and well cared for.
