Learn how you can choose a nursing home for your loved one.
Recently, U.S. News and World Report released a ranking of the best and worst nursing homes in the country by location. This evaluation is based on data from Nursing Home Compare, which is a program offered by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This ranking can be a helpful tool for families as they decide where their loved one will live once they require full-time care. Yet even the best and highest ranked nursing home can present a danger — and put your loved one at risk for elder abuse.
Before choosing a nursing home or long-term care facility, it is important to not only review rankings available from the federal government and sites like U.S. News and World Report, but also to visit various facilities, ask questions, and observe residents and their families. If possible, you should obtain recommendations from other people and talk to them outside of the care home to get a sense for how it is run. Location should be a consideration when it comes to selecting a care home, as the ability to visit often and at irregular times can help to prevent certain types of elder abuse, including physical and sexual abuse. You should also consider the type of medical care provided by the home, particularly if your loved one has specific mental or physical needs, and the level of care that the facility is able to provide. Next, think about the quality of life that the home offers. Is it a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages social interactions and activities? Finally, consider the cost of the nursing home or care facility. While in an ideal world, cost wouldn’t be a factor, the reality is that nursing home care can be expensive and will be a consideration for most families.
Having a high ranking does not guarantee that your loved one will have a positive experience with a particular nursing home. Similarly, just because nursing home has a good ranking does not mean that your family member or friend cannot experience elder abuse at that facility. You should remain vigilant and watch for signs and symptoms of abuse, and be sure to visit regularly to help protect against the possibility of financial, physical, and sexual abuse as well as neglect.
If your loved one has experienced elder abuse while living in a nursing home, an experienced personal injury attorney can help. At the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, our team of attorneys and support staff are dedicated to helping victims recover money for their injuries so they can get their lives back on track. We have helped our clients recover more than $2 billion dollars, and have a 95% success rate. We offer free initial consultations, and never charge a fee unless we get money for you. Contact us today at 800-333-0000 or info@larryhparker.com to learn more about how we can help you if your loved one has experienced elder abuse at a nursing home, long-term care facility or at the hands of a caregiver.
