Making the decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is never easy. It often comes with a mix of emotions—concern for their well-being, guilt over not being able to provide full-time care, and anxiety over choosing the right facility. At The Inkell Firm, we understand the weight of this decision and are here to offer guidance on how to navigate this complex process with care and diligence so that your loved one gets the care that they disserve and hopefully you will never need our services.
Why Diligence Matters
Selecting a nursing home isn’t just about proximity or availability—it’s about ensuring that your loved one will receive the quality of care they deserve. Unfortunately, cases of neglect and abuse in long-term care facilities are all too common. Conducting thorough research can help protect your loved one from potential harm and ensure their safety and comfort.
Key Factors to Consider
- Staff Qualifications and Ratios: Investigate the qualifications of the staff and the staff-to-resident ratio. Adequate staffing ensures that residents receive timely and attentive care.
- Facility Cleanliness and Maintenance: A clean, well-maintained facility is a sign of quality care. Visit the facility to observe hygiene practices, safety measures, and overall upkeep.
- Resident Feedback: Speak with current residents and their families to get firsthand accounts of the care provided. Their insights can offer valuable perspective on daily life at the facility.
- Specialized Care Services: If your loved one has specific health needs, ensure the facility is equipped to provide specialized care, such as memory care or rehabilitation services.
- Licensing and Accreditation: Verify that the nursing home is properly licensed and accredited by state and federal agencies. This ensures they meet certain standards of care.
Resources for Evaluating Nursing Homes
- Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare: This online tool provides ratings and detailed information about Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes.
- ProPublica Nursing Home Inspect: Offers comprehensive reports on nursing homes across the U.S. based on government inspection data. Visit here
- Delaware State Health Department Surveys: Access inspection reports and any violations issued to facilities in Delaware. View reports
- Online Reviews and Advocacy Groups: Websites like A Place for Mom and local senior advocacy organizations can offer reviews and resources.
- Facility Visits: Schedule visits to multiple facilities. Pay attention to how staff interact with residents and the overall environment.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Choosing a nursing home for your loved one is a deeply personal and emotional decision. By taking the time to research and evaluate facilities thoroughly, you can make a choice that prioritizes your loved one’s safety, health, and happiness.
If you suspect that your loved one is experiencing neglect or abuse in a nursing home, Josh Inkell Law is here to help. We are committed to holding negligent facilities accountable and advocating for the rights of vulnerable individuals. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
Your loved one deserves the best care possible—let’s ensure they receive it.