Choosing the right nursing home for a loved one is a decision that affects not only their well-being but also the peace of mind of the entire family. While brochures and websites may highlight the best aspects of a facility, nothing can replace an in-person visit. A tour offers a firsthand look at the environment, staff, and daily operations. But what exactly should you be looking for? How can you spot red flags? In this blog, we outline key factors to consider during your tour so you can make the best decision for your loved one.
1. Facility Cleanliness and Maintenance
The overall cleanliness of a nursing facility is one of the clearest indicators of the quality of care your loved one can expect. If there is little concern for the cleanliness and maintenance of the facility, there will likely be little concern for the well-being of its residents.
Consider these questions during your tour:
Are the common areas clean and well-maintained?
Are there any unpleasant odors (keeping in mind that occasional "accidents" are common)?
Is the staff attentive to maintaining cleanliness in resident rooms, hallways, and dining areas?
Red Flags: Overall lack of maintenance, lingering odors, cluttered hallways, or overflowing trash cans.
2. Staff
Nursing home staff plays a critical role in shaping the daily lives of the residents. A compassionate, experienced, and stable team ensures consistent, high-quality care, while frequent turnover or dissatisfied employees can lead to gaps in care, stress, and a decline in resident well-being.
During your tour, consider the following:
How long have staff members and supervisors worked at the facility?
Ask staff members how they cope with the loss of residents. Do they sound compassionate or disconnected?
Do the staff look happy and engaged, or robotic and withdrawn?
How do staff members interact with residents, and how do staff members treat each other?
Red Flags: High turnover, signs of stress, lack of enthusiasm, rushed or indifferent interactions with residents, or general dissatisfaction among staff.
3. Resident Interactions and Appearance
Observe how staff interact with residents, especially when they don’t know they’re being watched. Regardless of a resident’s physical or mental needs, they should be treated with dignity, kindness, and respect.
Consider the following:
Are the residents clean, well-groomed, and appropriately dressed?
Do staff greet residents by their name?
Are staff responding to call lights in a timely manner?
How do staff communicate with residents, including those who may be non-verbal or who may have cognitive impairments?
Red Flags: Dismissive behavior, unkempt residents, call lights going unanswered for extended periods of time, staff chatting among themselves instead of engaging with residents.
4. Activities and Resident Engagement
A well-run nursing home offers a variety of activities and social programs to keep residents mentally and physically engaged.
Consider the following:
Is there a posted schedule of activities?
Do staff encourage resident participation in social activities?
Do residents seem isolated or depressed?
Are there outdoor spaces available for residents to enjoy?
Are activity rooms empty when the schedule indicates there should be an activity?
Red Flags: Empty activity rooms, unattended residents, or an overall lack of resident engagement.
5. Safety and Security
A nursing home must strike a delicate balance between providing a comfortable, homelike environment, while also ensuring robust safety measures to protect its residents. This is particularly important for elderly residents who may be more prone to falls and confusion. A nursing facility should have security protocols that promote an appropriate level of independence while safeguarding residents from potential harm.
Consider the following:
Are there handrails in hallways and grab bars near toilets and showers?
Are there call lights or call buttons in resident rooms and bathrooms?
Are there protections to prevent residents with cognitive impairments from wandering (also known as “eloping”)?
Can the exterior doors be opened from the outside without security measures?
Is the outdoor space safe and well-maintained, with secure fencing?
Does the facility have security cameras?
Are visitors required to sign a log?
Red Flags: Missing or broken safety features, including loose handrails or damaged fences.
6. Food and Dining Services
Good nutrition is essential for nursing home residents. The dining experience should be positive, promoting socialization and encouraging residents to get out of bed and leave their rooms.
Consider the following:
Are meals prepared fresh daily?
Is there variety in the menu?
Are there alternatives to the main course?
Are snacks offered between meals?
Are residents encouraged to eat in communal dining rooms?
How does the facility accommodate dietary restrictions?
Are staff actively assisting residents with their meals when needed?
Is the dining area clean and well-maintained?
Red Flags: Lack of variety, lack of staff assistance during meals, or a messy dining area.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Even after thorough research, touring facilities, and asking the right questions, nursing homes may still fall short delivering on their promises. When things go wrong, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your loved one’s rights and well-being.
At FIDJ, we hold Florida health care facilities, including nursing homes, accountable for abuse, neglect, and wrongful death. If your loved one has been injured by a Florida nursing home, don’t delay. Contact FIDJ.
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