VISITING YOUR LOVED ONE AT A NURSING HOME
When visiting a family member or valued friend at a nursing home, or acting as a goodwill ambassador, there are certain signs that may indicate the level of care that is being provided.
Please feel free to print this checklist to help you identify above average or substandard care.
Nursing homes receive Star Ratings (5 being the highest, and 1 being the lowest) for the following areas: Preventative Care, Quality of Care, Quality of Life, Resident Safety, Resident Status.
In addition to our checklist, we also suggest that you have your cellphone camera at the ready. Most importantly, is the “smell test”. When you walk into the facility, how are you greeted? Is the lobby warm and inviting, is there a pleasant, masked, or disturbing odor, what do you observe in the immediate vicinity?
However, the entry area is only a cover to the entire picture. It is more important what you see, hear and smell as you go about the facility. Observe staff… Are they pleasant, are residents presentable, are common areas clean, and so on. (We fully understand that maintaining a facility is demanding work, but with proper pay, oversight and staffing rarely should an issue arise.)
Speak with staff and other residents, show concern when speaking with the resident as there are telltale signs indicating a proper level of concern, view the common areas and check the residents’ room.
If you see a concern, make a notation on the checklist and take a picture or video.
If you see something, there is nothing imprudent or wrong about saying something. Speak with the Unit Manager, Director of Nursing and/or the Administrator. You also have the right to file a complaint with the New York State Department of Health.
We advocate to protect and promote the rights and dignity of nursing home residents.
Nursing Home Advocates
If you or someone you know is injured, please consider contacting Adams Law Firm, P.C. We have a successfully advocated on behalf of those injured due to harm, abuse and neglect throughout New York State and Northern New Jersey. There is no legal fee until we are successful.
Should you have any question, please contact us toll free at 888 MY 911 LAW (888.699.1152), or by email through our contact form here. Thank you.
