At The Rasansky Law Firm, we know that the decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is very difficult for most of us. Careful consultations with your loved one, your family members and your loved one's physician are a must. If a medical condition makes it impossible for a loved one to care for themselves, you must determine whether you can take care of their physical and medical needs or whether you'll need the help of others. Many long-term care facilities are clean, safe, and staffed by responsible and dedicated professionals. Unfortunately, some facilities are not. Following are a few tips to consider when choosing a nursing home for yourself or a loved one:

Visit every facility you're considering. When you first walk in, notice how the facility smells. Does it appear clean and well organized? Does the staff seem helpful and attentive to residents? These simple observations will alert you to the conditions that residents live with daily.

Ask to talk with the Administrator or the Director of Nursing. Ask to see the written policies about situations that might concern you. Find out whether those policies are actually followed. Pay attention if you feel that you are not getting straight answers. Notice when the answers are inconsistent with what you have observed.

Also talk with staff, family members and, if possible, speak with residents who live in the nursing home you are considering. This will help you to judge things for yourself, rather than simply accepting what you are told by a nursing home employee.

Ask Tough Questions

How many complaints have been filed against this facility in the past two years?

Out of the complaints filed, how many complaints were valid?

Has this facility been cited in the past two years?

How many "quality of care" violations have been cited in the past two years?

Has the owner of this facility had other facilities recommended for termination?

While visiting a facility, ask the Administrator and/or Director of Nursing questions such as the following:

Can I see the complaints/reports filed against the facility? What types of complaints were filed against this facility in the past?

What are your hiring policies? Where do you find your employees?

What is the facility policy about the ratio of nurses' aides to residents for the day, evening and night shifts?

Are the nurses' aides certified?

What kind of turnover do you experience for nurses and nurses' aides?

What is the ratio of registered nurses to residents for the day, evening and night shifts?

Is there an independent resident family council at this facility? Please give me the name and telephone number of the president.

How many residents are physically or chemically restrained? What is the facility policy about the use of restraints? May I see the policy?

How many residents have pressure sores? How many of these residents developed the pressure sores in the facility? What do you do to prevent pressure sores? How do you treat pressure sores?

What is the facility policy about what administrative steps must be taken before a resident can be taken to the hospital for an emergency?

What do you do to help residents with range of motion to help prevent immobility?

What type of planned activities are offered to keep residents mentally alert and socially engaging? How do you deal with residents' behavior problems?

How does a Medicaid resident's treatment and level of service differ from that of a non-Medicaid resident?

If a loved is in a nursing home and you feel that have been abused or neglected, please contact The Rasansky Law Firm immediately to discuss your legal rights and options regarding your loved one in a nursing home.

For more information about Nursing Home Claims, you can also visit www.nursinghomelawyer.com, a Rasansky Law Firm speciality site devoted exclusively to Nursing Home Claims, Nursing Home Abuse, Nursing Home Neglect, and Nursing Home Rights.

Signs that a Loved One In A Nursing Home could be in trouble include Behavioral Problems, Changes In Physical Conditions, Dehydration, and Immobility to name a few.