The nursing home in which your loved one ends up is likely to be one of the last places they live. So, you want to make sure it’s a place that’s going to keep them safe, happy and healthy. But an attentive and caring staff is only part of the equation. The facility itself and the living conditions inside and out can greatly impact your loved one’s time living there.
Warning signs of an unsafe nursing home
Whether you’re visiting your loved one or searching for the right place for them, you can watch out for indications of a poorly run facility that may put your loved one in danger. Some signs include:
- Clutter — Misplaced equipment, overflowing laundry baskets or maintenance supplies can obstruct walking spaces in a nursing home. This poses a serious problem for the residents who live there. Feet, canes, walkers and wheelchairs can easily catch on any obstacle, which may cause your loved one to become seriously injured.
- Lack of staff — Unfortunately, many nursing homes are severely understaffed. When this happens, facilities have to work their staff members for long, sometimes arduous shifts. Workers can easily become exhausted and frustrated. Negligence and abuse are more likely to occur because of this.
- Uncleanliness — It’s crucial to pay attention to the cleanliness of both common and private areas. Resident rooms, cafeterias, lounges, bathrooms and even entryways should be free of grime and debris. Unclean rooms could lead to mold or animal infestation. Diseases can spread more easily in unclean environments as well.
- Poor food selection — A balanced nutrition is crucial for your loved one to maintain their health. Especially if they have dietary restrictions or allergies, it’s important that they be able to access the food they need. If their dietary needs are not met, your loved one could suffer from an allergic reaction or malnutrition.
Protect your loved one
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities should be clean, pleasant living environments that put the safety of your loved one first. Without a secure, sanitary space, your loved one and the other residents could experience serious health complications.
If you witness any of these problems or more, don’t hesitate to bring them to someone’s attention. Your loved one’s health and safety depend on it.
