Top 5 Things to Look for When Shopping Around for a Nursing Home

There are many important factors to consider when selecting a nursing home for a loved one. You may be wondering where to start, and our Florida Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Lawyers at Whittel & Melton are here to help. We have compiled a list of the top 5 most important considerations when choosing a nursing home.

1. Is The Facility Clean?

This is a huge deal. When touring the facility, run your finger along a desk or windowsill, and see if there is dust or dirt. If the facility is not up to par with cleanliness, imagine what else they are neglecting. Dirty floors and unkempt bathrooms could mean that residents are not being taken care of properly and are subject to poor hygiene. Unsanitary conditions could mean more infections among residents, and this can easily lead to elderly residents suffering medical complications.

Some signs the nursing home you are touring is unclean could be dirty bathrooms, dirty floors, cluttered walkways, dirty furniture, unsanitary kitchens or dining areas, the presence of bugs or rodents, unwashed dishes, trash cans over-flooding with trash, etc.

2. Is The Facility Very Noisy?

A noisy environment is an indicator that there is a lack of respect for residents and a lack of order among staff. A facility that is too loud can mean that caregivers cannot provide quality care to residents. Loud volumes can affect work performance and the quality of care provided to elderly residents.

3. Are People Raving About The Food?

Good food goes hand in hand with good care. If residents are dissatisfied with the food, it could suggest deeper issues within the facility. Your loved one may require nutrition tailored to their dietary needs, so it is crucial to ask about the meal preparation process, funding, and who assists residents during meals.

When touring a facility, observe the dining hall:

• Is there variety in meal options?
• Can residents choose their seating?
• Is the dining atmosphere pleasant?
• Are kitchen employees presentable?
• Do rooms offer amenities like refrigerators or kitchenettes?

Good food contributes to proper nutrition, and poor food quality can lead to malnutrition, which is a sign of neglect. Check the readily available snacks, both in rooms and through snack carts, ensuring residents have access to food between meals.

4. Are the Residents and Staff Happy?

If no one in the facility is happy, then why would your loved one want to be there? An unhappy environment could mean that there are deeper issues. Unhappy residents could mean that their needs are not being met and that no one cares to listen to them and find a solution. Unhappy staff members could indicate that they are understaffed and overworked. Staff members who are burnt out make mistakes, are forgetful, or lose their tempers, resulting in neglect and abuse.

5. Are The Phones Being Picked Up?

This one is very important. Phones not being answered goes beyond loved ones calling to check in on their loved ones. Remember, these phones are tied into resident’s rooms, so if they are not being answered, then that could mean that residents are not getting the help they need. When touring a nursing home, ask if residents can make calls when they would like and see what their cell phone policies are. Denying residents the right to use a phone could be a very telling sign that something is awry. On that same note, a facility not answering phones or returning calls could be another indicator that something is amiss.

Keep in mind that your loved one may not always be able to protect themselves and exercise their rights as they get older and continue to rely on others for the daily care they need to survive. You can help protect them by making sure the facility you choose for them is going above and beyond the standards set forth. Your loved one should be treated with dignity and respect, and if they are subjected to abuse and neglect, then action must be taken.

You do not have to prove abuse or neglect to contact us with any concerns. We will gladly gather all the information you have investigated further and file a report. We want to make sure that your loved one is safe and well cared for.

Call us now at 866-608-5529 or contact us online 24/7 to arrange a free consultation.