When your loved one moves into a nursing home, the staff probably gives you a tour that makes it look like the residents will love it in the home. And perhaps they will. But if you are trying to look for signs of neglect and red flags, it’s important to keep in mind that the nursing home staff may not tell you everything.
For example, they may not actually have the residents engage in many different activities. They’ll spend far too much time sitting alone and staring at the wall or the TV. The home may have a schedule of activities that they put up, but what if it’s just for show?
Another potential issue is if the nursing home is understaffed, meaning your loved one could be neglected just because there is no way to meet everyone’s needs. One solution that some homes use is to bring on temps. These people, who actually work through a staffing agency and not for the nursing home, may cycle in and out as needed. Is that the type of care you want for your loved one?
It may also be wise to look into the ratings on your own. Many homes that have four-star ratings or less will clearly not give you that information up front. They may not deny it, but they don’t really want you to know. Doing some background research might make it easy for you to spot homes to avoid.
If your loved one does get neglected, whether you saw these red flags or not, make sure your family knows what legal steps you can take.
