Nursing home neglect and abuse is a serious issue, affecting hundreds of thousands of residents every year. When choosing an assisted living facility for a loved one, you want to ensure that their physical needs are met in the safest environment possible. As you tour communities, meet with administrators, staff members, and other residents, and be sure to ask the following questions.

What to Ask When Touring a Nursing Home

1. What Is Your Staff Turnover Rate?

Staff stability is a strong sign that tenants are given adequate care by experienced caregivers who understand their needs. High turnover, on the other hand, is often related to understaffing, which is a strong indicator of nursing home neglect and abuse.

2. What Specialized Medical Services Do You Offer?

Many nursing homes provide basic medical services, which may not be adequate to manage dementia, broken bones, or other severe conditions. If your loved one has advanced medical needs or is at heightened risk of developing a chronic disease, choose a nursing home with expertise in that particular field.

3. What Is the Diet Like?

Many nursing homes feature cafeterias where residents who are mobile can get their own food. Try to visit during meal times to see whether patients seem to be enjoying it and try the fare yourself if at all possible.

4. Do You Have a Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse Prevention Plan?

Nursing home administrators should recognize the threat posed by nursing home neglect and abuse, and take proactive steps to prevent it. The individual giving the tour should be able to explain the specific actions the facility takes and how they monitor staff behavior to ensure each resident’s welfare.
 

If your family member has been the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, the attorneys at Reed Law Offices have the expertise to collect compensation for their losses. As the only law firm in Nebraska devoted exclusively to righting these kinds of wrongs, they have helped protect victims across the state. Visit their website to learn more about what constitutes nursing home abuse, get more news and tips on Facebook, or call (402) 933-0588 to schedule a consultation with an accomplished attorney.