Deciding to place an elderly loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility is one of the toughest decisions you will make in your life. Even if it is best for your family member to receive round-the-clock care, it is natural to question whether you are doing the right thing.
Most importantly, you must choose a home or facility that prioritizes the health and wellness of its residents. Not only does this ensure a higher quality of life, it also helps your loved one avoid the damaging effects of nursing home abuse and neglect. AARP explains how to conduct a thorough search.
Keep your selection local
One of the best ways to protect family members in nursing homes is by paying them visits regularly. When you choose a facility that is located close to your home, it will be much easier to visit on a regular basis. However, if you choose a home that is an hour or more away, you may find yourself unable to visit as much as you – or your loved one – would like. Not only does this increase feelings of isolation and loneliness, it may also prevent you from picking up on signs of abuse and neglect.
Perform an online search
Once you have narrowed down your selection to a few local facilities, the next step is to look for reviews online. Nursing home reviews provide insight into the quality of the staff, the cleanliness of the facility, and the happiness of the residents. They also alert you to past instances of wrongdoing, including citations for failing to provide adequate care.
Conduct a visit
You can tell a lot about a nursing home during an initial visit. Pay attention to how the staff interacts with the residents. Is the staff kind and friendly when providing care, or do they seem frustrated and snippy? Also, pay close attention to the appearance of the residents. Do they appear bathed and groomed? Is their hair neat? Are they wearing clean clothing? All of these factors indicate the quality of the home, so they must play a role during your search. If you are not able to visit a location physically, ask whether virtual visits are possible.
