Making the decision to place your loved one in a nursing home can be difficult, but this is often the best place for aging adults to receive the care and supervision they need. However, not all facilities provide the same level of service. Fortunately, Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare website is designed to help families find high-quality senior housing. One of the newest features it provides will allow you to see which facilities have been flagged for potential nursing home abuse. This is a vital consideration when choosing somewhere for your elderly loved one to live. Below is an overview of what to watch for while researching.

A Guide to Vetting Out Facilities for Nursing Home Abuse

How the Nursing Home Compare Icon Works 

As of October 2019, the Nursing Home Compare website was updated with red open palm “Abuse” icons to identify facilities that have recently been cited for issues related to nursing home abuse, neglect, or exploitation. It can either indicate that a resident has been injured at the facility or there’s potential for harm to occur.

This tool is meant to help families easily recognize facilities that have a history of problems involving resident abuse and neglect. When this warning sign is present, users should do further research to discover why the icon was given and what’s being done to make sure residents are protected in the future.

Additional Ways to Determine the Safety of a Facility

Whether or not a facility has been marked with the nursing home abuse icon, do your due diligence when vetting out senior housing options. Be sure to check online reviews to see what kind of experience others have had with a particular facility, and set up a tour so you can get a good feel for it yourself.

Pay attention to how well current residents are groomed, the cleanliness of the facility, and the overall demeanor of residents and staff members. Watch to see if it seems like the staff is overwhelmed and how they interact with residents. 

If you have any questions or concerns about nursing home abuse, turn to the legal team at Reed Law Offices in Omaha, NE. They’re dedicated to keeping families informed and fighting to uphold the rights of nursing home residents. Backed by more than 15 years of experience, this firm has helped many elderly clients and their loved ones get the justice they deserve. Call (402) 933-0588 to schedule a consultation, or visit them online to learn more about their services.