The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is very difficult for families. However, elderly people with advanced medical needs can receive an elevated level of care in these facilities, which provides their families with peace of mind.
Accordingly, you must know the signs of a bad nursing home to make the best possible selection. The following are a few red flags that signal you should keep searching on behalf of your loved one.
Lack of activities
Along with medical care, nursing home residents also require access to fulfilling activities. Things like arts and crafts, book clubs, and gentle exercise ensure residents receive mental and physical enrichment. A lack of activities can take a negative toll on a person’s health and indicates that a facility does not prioritize the best interests of the residents.
Delayed responses
Facilities must also have enough staff members to meet residents’ needs. For example, staff should respond in a timely manner when residents press call buttons. Staff must also be available to assist residents with things like eating and using the restroom. In general, a quality home will provide all necessary care to each resident within a two- to three-hour period over the course of 24 hours.
Rude staff members
Staff at nursing homes also have an obligation to treat residents with respect and dignity. For many residents, much of their socialization will come from staff members, and rudeness can make for an unpleasant living situation. When staff is kind and courteous towards residents, they greatly improve the quality of life for those within the nursing home.
In addition to researching prospective facilities, it also helps to pay a visit. By visiting, you can speak with the staff directly and observe the condition of residents to determine whether a facility is a good fit.