1. Stop and Listen
Stop and listen to the noises around you. What do you hear? Listen to hear if staff call residents by their names. Staff should be respectful of residents’ choices, and this is a generation that is used to being referred to formally.
2. The Smells
Nursing homes have a reputation for odd smells. These are often unavoidable. Catching a whiff of something unpleasant isn’t out of the ordinary. Noticing an overwhelming smell of urine or feces is.
3. Hurried and Harried Staff
Pay close attention to the staff. You may notice that they hurry as they are going about their jobs. This could be normal, or it could be a sign of a problem. If there seems to be enough staff milling about for the number of people in population, chances are they are completing their duties efficiently. If, on the other hand, you only see a handful of staff members and they are running from task to task, it could be that the facility is understaffed.
4. Resident Activities
What do you see the residents doing? If every person is tucked into their room, it could signal an issue. You want to see residents milling about, participating in activities or socializing with one another. A good nursing home is one that has a calendar of activities…ask to see it.
5. Staff Interactions
Watch to see how the staff members treat each other. If you notice that the staff is friendly towards one another, chances are that they are friendly towards residents. If you see that staff are rude and disrespectful to one another, continue your search. You don’t want your elderly loved one in a situation like this.
Choosing a nursing home is a big decision and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Medical malpractice occurs in assisted living facilities frequently. You can cut down your loved one’s risk when you take the time to vet several facilities and find the right fit.
If your loved one has been the victim of medical error or negligence, call our office. A member of our team will review the details of your case at no cost to you and advise you of your options. Call now for assistance.
