The Covid 19 virus has been especially scary for those who are in nursing homes, and for their loved ones who have not been able to visit them.
Even under the best of circumstances it is tough and frustrating to have a loved one in a nursing home or rehabilitation facility. You have to be vigilant and involved to ensure that your loved one receives the best care possible.
Some of the things you can, and should do when searching for a facility for your loved one include:
-visiting several care homes; don’t ever rely on the first visit
-visit facilities at odd times, such as overnight; this may be difficult, but be persistent
-make visits on different days; weekends are a good time
-make sure that the facility is well-staffed
One of the things to be wary of is a nursing home with fewer employees than is necessary. Check to make sure that the patient to staff ratio is adequate, especially during the overnight hours.
When the staffing is inadequate, patients do not get fed properly; they may not receive medications on time, and they may receive the wrong medications.
Check to ensure that bed linens are changed often so that your loved one doesn’t lie in their own waste. This is more common than you may think. Also if the patient is bed-bound, staff should be moving them and changing their position in the bed so that bed sores don’t form.
Most of all, be vigilant when choosing a place to care for your loved one. Be aware of what is happening on a day-to-day basis. And, if you have issues with the nursing home, make it known to the manager of the facility. Keep notes about everything that happens and doesn’t happen during the stay.
If you have questions or issues with a nursing home or rehabilitation facility, contact one of our attorneys. Visit our Online Legal Directory to find and attorney in your area.