Tips For How to Keep Your Loved One Safe in a Nursing Home

Placing a loved one in a nursing home can be an emotional decision. While these facilities offer much-needed care and support, the well-being of your loved one becomes a constant concern. Here's a guide with practical tips to help you keep your loved one safe and thriving in a nursing home environment.

Before the Move-In:

Research and Choose Wisely: Start by researching potential nursing homes in your area. Look for facilities with a good reputation, high staffing ratios, and a history of providing quality care. Online resources, government websites, and senior advocacy groups can be helpful starting points.

Tour the Facility: Schedule tours of shortlisted nursing homes. Pay close attention to cleanliness, safety features, resident interaction with staff, and overall atmosphere. Ask questions about staffing levels, resident care plans, communication policies, and activities offered.

Review the Admission Agreement: This document outlines the facility's responsibilities and your rights as a resident's representative. Read it carefully, understand the terms, and ask questions if anything is unclear.

Advocate for Individualized Care: Work with the nursing home staff to develop a personalized care plan that addresses your loved one's specific needs, medical conditions, and preferences. Ensure the plan includes details on mobility assistance, medication management, dietary requirements, and any necessary therapies.

Staying Involved After Move-In:

Frequent Visits: Regular visits are crucial. This allows you to observe your loved one's well-being, monitor their care, and build relationships with the staff. Vary your visit times to get a more complete picture of their daily routine.

Open Communication: Maintain open communication with the nursing home staff. Ask questions, voice any concerns you may have, and report any changes in your loved one's health or behavior.

Become Familiar with Staff: Get to know the staff members who care for your loved one. This could be nurses, aides, therapists, and social workers. Building rapport allows you to understand their approach to care better and facilitates communication.

Stay Informed: Request regular updates on your loved one's condition. Attend care plan meetings to discuss any adjustments needed and ensure you're informed about important decisions concerning their health.

Empower Your Loved One: As much as possible, encourage your loved one to participate in their own care. Help them maintain their independence by involving them in daily decisions and activities.

Keeping an Eye Out:

Signs of Neglect: The nursing home injury attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp strongly suggest being aware of potential signs of neglect, such as dehydration, malnutrition, bedsores, unhygienic conditions, or unexplained weight loss. Report any concerns to the staff immediately.

Medication Management: Review your loved one's medication schedule and ensure they receive the correct medications at the prescribed dosages. Pay attention to any side effects or interactions.

Fall Risks: Discuss fall prevention measures with the staff. This could include using assistive devices, ensuring proper footwear, and addressing environmental hazards like loose rugs or poor lighting.

Emotional Well-Being: Monitor your loved one's emotional well-being. Social isolation and loneliness can be common issues in nursing homes. Encourage social interaction, participate in activities with them, and address any signs of depression or anxiety.

Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with resident rights in nursing homes. These rights guarantee your loved one's autonomy, dignity, and access to quality care. Don't hesitate to advocate for their rights if necessary.

Resorting to a nursing home can be an uneasy experience for many family members. However, if you are diligent in your research and know what to look for, the transition can be smooth and easy for everyone involved. Don’t settle for anything less when it comes to your loved ones, and use this as a guide in your decision-making process.