Often, families reluctantly have to place their loved ones in Nursing Homes or Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs), in order to assure medical attention and every-day assistance that they are not able to provide for themselves. They expect, and are certainly entitled to, top quality care.
1
How do I select the best Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility for my loved one?
Evaluate your needs to determine which nursing home is best suited for your particular situation. For example, do you need a facility to care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's? Do you need dialysis machines, or, a specialized wound care center?
Ask your physician for referrals; and, speak to others such as family, friends and neighbors who have been through a similar situation.
Contact your State and ask for copies of published information, such as Nursing Home Guides and surveys.
2
What are the signs of Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse?
If you notice any of the following, your loved one may be the victim of abuse:
* Any open wounds or cuts
* Unexplained injuries such as broken bones, bruises, or welts
* Reports of being slapped, pushed, shaken or beaten
* Falls
* Being physically restrained to the bed or chair
* Over-medication causing lethargy or unresponsiveness
* Weight Loss
* Sudden slurred speech
* Deprivation of food or water, for any amount of time
* Emotional upset or agitation
* Extremely withdrawn and non-communicative
* Displaying unusual behavior such as sucking, biting or rocking
* Displaying behavior that is: humiliating, insulting, frightening, threatening or ignoring towards family and friends
* Wanting to be isolated from other people
* Injuries requiring emergency treatment or hospitalization
3
What do I do if I suspect Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse?
If you believe that your loved one is suffering from abuse or neglect, TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY! The first thing you should do is CALL 911. In some circumstances, call the police. Then, remove your family member from the facility. Take him or her to another nursing home; or, if urgent care is required, get them to a hospital.
4
How do I ensure my loved one is receiving high quality care?
The most important part of ensuring care is to remain involved in your family member's life. Monitoring and observing changes in their condition is essential to ensuring they are being cared for properly.
5
What do I look for when checking up on my loved one?
Diet: Make sure that your family member is drinking enough water and eating well. Because nursing home CNA charting can be inaccurate, be sure to visit at mealtime to check the food, and, see if your loved one is eating. Malnutrition and dehydration can cause life threatening diseases including urinary track infections, kidney failure, and, skin breakdown that can lead to bedsores, dementia and a weakened immune system.
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