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NEWSLETTERS
CONSIDERATIONS IN CHOOSING A NURSING HOME
By
Sherry Byrd, RN
KALFUS & NACHMAN, P.C.
- Review past state surveys (inspections) on Nursing Home Compare
website. Request to read the last survey.
- Visit the nursing home several times at different times of the
day.
- Observe the following:
- Are odors prevalent?
- How many residents are out of bed/still in bed?
- Are residents well groomed: hair combed, teeth clean, appropriate
clothing for age/weather, nails clean?
- Are restraints in use: bed rails, reclining chairs, trays
placed on geri-chairs, etc.?
- Do residents appear happy, depressed, sad, intimidated by
staff?
- How does the staff interact with residents? Does the staff
speak to residents respectfully?
- Are activities that are age/interest appropriate in progress?
- Do the meals appear adequate in proportions and appetizing?
- What is the demeanor of the staff? Do they appear pleasant, tired,
etc.?
- Are there obvious dangers present, e.g., medicine carts unattended,
mop buckets in the hallways, spills on the floor, etc.?
- Are the Administrator and Director of Nursing Services willing
to meet with you?
- Inquire if the facility uses agency staffing. If so, are they contracted
individually for long periods of time or does the agency provide
staffing when needed?
- Inquire how you will be made aware of changes in condition.
- Inquire as to staff/resident ratio for each shift.
- Inquire as to what systems are in place to prevent wandering, falls,
pressure ulcers (bedsores), weight loss, and decline in activities
of daily living.
- Is the name/phone number of the Corporate Regional Manager and
Corporate office available to you?
- Is the facility well lit? Are there danger/obstacles in the resident
bathrooms?
- Is privacy being provided during personal care of residents?
- Do you hear residents screaming, moaning, or crying?
- How accessible are phones to the residents?
- What are the restrictions on visiting? May you visit at anytime?
These newsletters/articles are offered only for general informational and
educational purposes. They are not offered as and do not constitute legal
advice or legal opinions. Although we intend to keep this information current,
we do not promise or guarantee that the information is correct, complete
or up-to-date. You should not act or rely upon the information in these newsletters/articles
without seeking the advise of an attorney.
Call Kalfus & Nachman at 1-888-HURTLINE (888-487-8546)
for your free legal consultation or save time with our online Contact
Form.
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