6 Ways To Ensure Your Elderly Are Receiving Good Care in A Nursing Home
There comes a time in your life when you have to care for your elderly and ensure they get the best care. Turning the care of your loved ones over to strangers is not an easy task. So, even if you have to decide to send your loved ones to a nursing home, your responsibility still does not end.
Your parents or loved ones are sent to a nursing home because they need more care than you can provide with your busy work schedule. But it does not mean they cease to need your help. You are still their primary caregiver and have a say in their health-related decisions.
Here are some ways to ensure that your loved ones are getting the best care in nursing and that they are happy.
Visit Them Regularly
The biggest problem with nursing homes is the chance of nursing home abuse. Even though you have selected the nursing facility after deep deliberation, you can never be 100% sure. As they say, one bad egg plunders the bunch, so the neglectful actions of some nursing homes have stained the name of the rest too. So, you must keep your eyes and ears open and visit your loved ones regularly to see if they are okay and getting the best care.
A law governing nursing home abuse allows you to file a legal complaint and demand compensation for a loved one’s mental and physical damages. You can get help for your claim from an experienced nursing home abuse attorney to ensure you bring the culprits to justice.
Visit Them At Odd Hours
You can see what is really happening by dropping in the nursing home when they least expect you, for example, on Saturday evenings after dinner. At that time, most staff members typically go to their living quarters, and the residents eat their dinner. So, no one expects a sudden onslaught from friends and family members. Also, try to listen to the staff members and how they talk to the residents, whether your parents or someone else’s.
Look For Signs Of Mistreatment
Some apparent signs of nursing home abuse include bed sores, bruises, cuts, etc. but not all signs are obvious. Your loved ones might be hurting mentally. Look for symptoms of anxiety, depression, and any change in their moods and behavior. Are they sleeping and eating fine? Do they report insomnia and lack of appetite? Do they hesitate to discuss their problem or look around as if someone is watching them?
If you feel that your loved ones seem tired and disinterested, report a lack of appetite, and avoid calling the staff for help, they might be underhandedly asking for your immediate attention.
Also, encourage your family member to share their problem with you. They might be threatened not to reveal the truth, and their fear may zip up their mouth. But you must calm them down and ensure that you will take action and no harm will come to them. If you discover abuse, move them to someplace else immediately.
Use Technology
It can be quite challenging to trust the words of others when it comes to the health of your loved ones. But you cannot stay with them. So, technology can solve your dilemma. Use a wireless camera to check up on them whenever you want. You can always go back and see the video if you get suspicious about something.
Putting a camera in the nursing home is not allowed in all states. So, before you install a camera, always check with the legislation, lest you get into legal trouble. In other states, nursing homes have their own camera rules. If you ignore those rules, the evidence you collect might be inadmissible in court.
Video Calling
The camera is not the only technology you can use to check up on your loved ones. You can video call them too. To some extent, video calling is the replica of actually visiting the facility yourself. You can see the body language, facial expression, and surroundings and pick up on subtle clues that something amiss. Plus, your loved ones will be pleased to see your face too.
What To Do If Your Loved Ones Are Not Getting Good Care?
If you notice that something is out of place, you must know who to approach and tell your problem. Go through the proper channel. For instance, talk to the head nurse or facility manager; if they don’t respond to your concerns seriously, follow the facility’s formal grievance process to register your complaint with the higher-ups. But if you are still not happy and nothing changes in the predicament of your loved one, it is time to consult the law and file a legal complaint.
Conclusion
Confirming your loved ones get the best care and are not receiving abuse or mistreatment is your right. You can see the comfort level of your loved ones in a nursing home in various ways. Visit them regularly, keep an eye on the surroundings, talk to your loved ones about services, and install a wireless camera if allowed.