If your loved one needs to make the transition to a nursing home, you may have several questions and concerns about picking the right one. Not only are there things to consider such as size, location, services, staffing, and available independence, but you also must check for red flags. The team of San Antonio nursing home neglect attorneys at the Maloney Law Group, P.L.L.C., have comprised a list of resources for evaluating nursing homes. We understand that it can be intimidating to be faced with such an important decision and we want you to have the power of information as you make a choice for elderly care.
If your loved one is in a nursing or assisted living home, and you are concern with the care that he or she is receiving, contact our team to discuss the circumstances and learn about your options. We have the experience and knowledge required of such sensitive situations.
Tools for Nursing Home Evaluation
There are several resources available that allow you to review inspection reports, deficiency reports, and other public records. In addition, spending time in the prospective homes is important when you are making these choices, so your decision is an informed one.
Review the information available on:
- Texas.gov: This government resource provides a Nursing Facility Quality Review that is made up of a list of 1,000 nursing homes that the Texas School of Nursing students visit.
- Medicare.gov: The Nursing Home Compare tool on this website has detailed information about the homes that are Medicare and Medicaid certified across the country.
- ProPublica.org: ProPublica provides a Nursing Home Inspect tool that compares nursing homes in each state based on the deficiencies cited and the penalties imposed over the previous three years.
Along with the above resources, you should also plan to spend some time in each nursing home that you are considering. Utilize the following personal tools when you are evaluating nursing homes on your own:
- Sit down and share a meal with the residents and ask about the food and drink availability. Does the dining area smell good and look clean? Are the foods tailored to special diets or does everyone seem to be eating the same thing? Are they all provided with enough water or juice and does the food look palatable?
- Listen to the sounds of the facility. Are the residents socializing? Are doors slamming? Do you hear whimpering or crying as you walk through the halls and if so, how are the staff addressing it? Are staff members having respectful conversations with the residents? Are the staff members using the resident’s name as a sign of respect?
- Check for smells that are permeating the entire facility. A faint foul odor from time to time can be chalked up to old age taking its toll on the body’s ability to control the bowels, but a scent of strong urine could be a sign of inadequate cleaning.
- Pay attention to how the staff interact with each other. If staff members seem exhausted, overworked, cranky or rude when interacting with each other, this may carry over to how they treat your loved one. Are the staff members gathered outside on a group break, or are they staggering breaks to provide optimal care and attention to the residents?
Using your senses can go a long way when you are at a nursing home facility. Sometimes taking just a bit of time to quiet your mind and take things in can provide a wealth of information.
Let Us Stand Up for You and Your Loved One
When you can no longer provide the care at home that your loved one needs, or when a loved one lives far from you, a nursing home is often the only choice. It pays to have resources available when you are evaluating where your loved one will live. Our team is here for when you when you have concerns about the care your loved one is receiving. If you have noticed that neglect or abuse is happening, and you are not sure where to turn—contact the San Antonio nursing home neglect lawyers on our team. We will stand up for you, and your loved one, when accountability is due.
Request a consultation at (210) 361-2997.