Heritage Health Mount Sterling

There is no foolproof way to completely prevent nursing home abuse; there will always be unscrupulous people who take advantage of more vulnerable people. However, certain conditions in nursing homes increase the likelihood of abuse, so the trick is to avoid struggling and failing facilities and seek care from reliable, highly rated facilities instead. These facilities are more likely to employ adequate staff and foster a compassionate, professional environment where residents are properly cared for.

To find the best possible nursing home for you or a loved one, begin by vetting the facilities available in your area. Start by asking for recommendations from friends, acquaintances, doctors, or social workers. You may also get suggestions from yourlocal senior and community activity center or a government program that serves senior citizens. Online reviews may also help you identify promising nursing homes.

After compiling a list of recommended facilities, start researching and comparing each one to pick out the best of the best. This is where you compare the ratings and health inspection reports published by Medicare. You can alsocall your local long-term care ombudsman, state health department, or state licensing agency and ask if they have further details about the nursing homes you’re considering.

We do not recommend taking the self-praise often found on nursing homes’ own websites too seriously. The majority of assisted living facilities in the US are for-profit and savvy at marketing themselves in a positive light to attract new residents. These sites can help you understand what services and amenities facilities offer, but are not reliable in reporting how well they act on promises of superb care and comfortable living conditions.

Since you can’t rely on the pretty pictures and select testimonials on nursing home websites, it’s important that you visit the facilities you’re considering in person. You or a trusted family member should schedule tours of your top picks so you can assess the living conditions there yourselves. During tours, pay attention to how clean and well maintained the facility is, the demeanor and friendliness of staff, and how the environment makes you feel in general. Ask questions aboutthe ratio of staff to residents, staff qualifications, and the procedure for filing resident complaints or anything else you’re curious about. If more questions come to you later, call or visit again.

Afterdoing your due diligence, you should be able to confidently select a trustworthy nursing home where you or your loved one are comfortable with the living conditions. Keep in mind, however, that even the best nursing homes can slip up now and again so you and family members must remain vigilant and be prepared just in case.

When a loved one moves into assisted living, plans should be made for how to stay in contact with friends and family, preferably with regular visits.It is common for residents who are isolated from loved ones to be targeted for abuse. Visitors can look for signs of abuse and help abuse victims file a complaint. Nursing home abuse is not always obvious, so it is important to learn the common signs of abuse. Below are such signs:

• Untreated severe bedsores
• Unexplained injuries like bruises, burns, or scars
• Evidence of poor circulation like sunken cheeks or eyes
• Weight loss or malnourishment not due directly to an illness
• Frequent trips to the emergency room or doctor
• Wrong type or the wrong amount of medication administered
• Poor hygiene or unwashed clothes or hair
• Instances of wandering or elopement
• Frequently misplaced or lost personal items
• A lack of basic necessities, including utilities, water, and food
• A dirty room or bathroom
• Frequent trouble sleeping
• Unusual violent or withdrawn behavior
• Sudden depression or confusion
• Signs of trauma like rocking back and forth

If you ever suspect or become aware of abuse of a nursing home resident, take action immediately.Follow the facility’s procedures for filing a resident complaint and notify someone in charge, such as a staff supervisor or the facility administrator. This person should take prompt, appropriate action to correct the situation and prevent further problems.

However, if the facility fails to take proper action or the abuse persists, you may need outside help. Contact a doctor, a state agency, or your local long-term care ombudsman as soon as possible for guidance. Additionally, if you or a loved one suffer injury or death in a nursing home, you may have a wrongful injury or death case and deserve justice according to the law.