Choosing the Right Nursing Home Facility
Choosing a nursing home facility can be an emotional and stressful time. Frequently, we’re asked, how to go about picking a facility for parents and we have several criteria that we think are important.
1. The first is picking out the facility near your work or your home, so can visit your mom or dad frequently. The transition period for all family members during this life event can be emotionally charged. That is why staying in contact with your loved one is so important. Not only will you be able to support them during this time emotionally, you will also be able to provide the type of support that can only be given in person. A hug. Sharing a meal together. Or simply discussing the events of the day in the comfort of their own space. You want to continue to have that relationship with your mom and dad in this new and sometimes challenging time.
2. The second thing you want to look for is where is the facility spending its money? Is it spending money on cosmetic things, such as the building or outside, or is it spending money on staff? It is amazing how much money can be put into a parking lot or a flower bed, yet inside the residents do not have proper access to the facility or are living in less than adequate circumstances. By being in the facility yourself, you have the chance to really look around. How are the staff interacting with the residents? Does the staff seem happy and enthusiastic? These are the people who are going to be providing direct care to your loved one, are they worthy of that honor? You want to see where the facility recognizes the huge impact that staff has on the quality of life of the residents and you want to see that the staff is being taken care of.
3. The final thing that I would say to look for is the citation history and that is where the attorney comes in. The attorney, who deals with the area of law a lot, knows the citation history of nursing homes and knows which one to avoid. Even though a facility may look beautiful on the outside and have seemingly nice staff, the most important item to consider is the history of the establishment. How is this particular home being managed? Is the administration involved in quality care training of staff and are there any past events that could influence the quality of care that your loved one will reserve today? Your attorney will be able to provide you a history of the homes you are considering and give you the most up to date and accurate information available.
While choosing a nursing home facility can be stressful, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. York Law Firm specializes in ensuring elders are receiving the proper care and will gladly work with you to find the best possible in fit of nursing homes for your family.
York Law Firm is comprised of Sacramento lawyers that handle nursing home neglect and elder abuse cases. If you believe your loved one has been the victim of elder abuse or neglect in a nursing home or assisted living facility, or believe your family has a wrongful death claim, please call our office so that we can investigate your case at 916-643-2200 or contact us online. We are dedicated to representing families whose elders and dependent adults who have been injured, neglected or abused.