Don’t Let Your Parent Become A Victim Of Elder Abuse Or Neglect: Important Advice From A Personal In

By Author: Robin Hewitt
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Five Tips on Choosing a Nursing Home


If you are the primary caregiver for an elderly parent, you may be choosing long-term nursing home care for your family member. While nursing homes are regulated by federal and state laws that require strict standards, according to the Florida Adult Services Program there were over 39,000 reports of abuse and neglect in 2001, and over 75 percent of the calls regarded people over the age of 60. There are certain things to look for when choosing a nursing home to ensure the safety and health of your elderly parent.
Appearance and Living spaces

Look at the overall appearance of the facility, checking that all areas are well-lit, clean, well-kept, and free from odors. A Tampa personal injury lawyer states that while appearances may be deceiving, they are also an excellent sign of quality care.
The temperature in all areas should be comfortable and the noise level should be low, especially in the dining room and other common areas. Furnishings should be comfortable, sturdy, and attractive. Make sure smoking is not allowed inside the home.
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Staff

Observe how staff interacts with residents. Are they cheerful, polite, and respectful at all times? The staff should be pleasant and tidy and each should wear a name tag. At least one Registered Nurse should be on duty eight hours a day. Inquire whether the home assigns the same Certified Nursing Aides to the same residents at least four to five days a week, and make sure the nursing home has continuing education for the staff. In addition, all staff should have a criminal background check upon employment.


Rooms and Common areas

View a resident’s room, checking that it is airy, comfortable, and has at least one window. Ask whether your parent will be allowed their own furniture and personal items, whether they can choose their roommate, and whether they will have a television and phone in their room. They should also have easy access to a water pitcher at all times, as a Tampa slip and fall injury lawyer points out that dehydration is one of the most common signs of neglect of the elderly.


Activities and Menus

Tour the common areas, and ask what community programs are in place for crafts, hobbies, and entertainment for residents that are both mobile and bedridden. Ask for details on any volunteer programs that are in place.
Check out the menu, making sure your parent will have a choice of meals and whether their favorite foods are available. They should also have access to nutritional snacks, and a Tampa personal injury lawyer points out that since malnutrition is a leading sign of elderly neglect staff should be available if the resident requires help eating or drinking.


Safety and care

Examine the most recent federal and state inspections; check that any noted deficiencies have been addressed. Make sure there is an emergency evacuation plan in place and that there are regularly scheduled fire drills, with bedridden patients included in the drills.
Verify that your parent may still visit their primary caregiver, and that the nursing home is affiliated with a nearby hospital in case of emergency. The home should also participate in preventive care, such as providing annual flu and pneumonia shots.
In conclusion, be assertive and inquisitive when choosing a nursing home for your parent’s long-term care. If a home doesn’t look or feel right, trust your instincts. Once your parent is settled in their new home, make sure they are healthy and content. A Tampa personal injury lawyer states that visitors should keep an eye out for signs of abuse such as unexplained bruising, fractures, and falls. Signs of possible neglect are dehydration, weight loss, malnutrition, bedsores, contractures, and urinary tract infections.


If you have any misgivings about the care your parent is receiving, contact a Tampa slip and fall injury attorney that specializes in elder abuse and neglect in order to protect your parent from further injury.

Robin Hewitt is a freelance writer working with Roman and Roman Slip and Fall Lawyers to educate Tampa residents about how to avoid nursing home elder abuse and neglect. Neglect of a parent can be serious, and an experienced injury attorneys Tampa can make all the difference if you suspect your elderly parent has been neglected or abused. For more information on Tampa injury attorneys , please visit the site.