Attorney is often asked how to protect loved ones when they enter a nursing home. Her experience in nursing home neglect and elder abuse cases has taught her that being present and getting to know the staff who will be providing the day-to-day care are invaluable in ensuring that your loved one receives the best possible care.
Here are some tips that she shares with family members:
Tip #1: Do your homework
- Research the nursing homes that you are considering and check for citations for any violations.
- Talk to other families, read reviews and learn about its track record.
- Spend some time in the facility at a time other than a prearranged open house, so you can see a typical day at the nursing home.
Tip #2: Get to know the staff
The more active you are in your loved one’s care, the better the care he or she will receive. Learn the names of caregivers and the center director. Let them know they can expect to hear from you on a regular basis.
Even if you are too far away to visit, call frequently and ask to speak to your loved one’s caregiver. Discuss any changes in your loved one’s health or care requirements. Learn how to recognize signs of abuse or neglect, and take action right away if you see something that troubles you.
Tip #3: Take action
If you are concerned about the care that your loved one is receiving, consider contacting the facility’s ombudsman to discuss your concerns. Ombudsmen identify, investigate and resolve complaints by or on behalf of facility residents.
You can also report concerns to Connecticut’s Department of Public Health at www.ct.gov/dph and view a list of licensed nursing home facilities.
Contact us if you would like to discuss when it might make sense to get an attorney involved. We’re here to listen and advocate for you and your family.
