How to Ensure Your Senior Loved One’s Safety in a Nursing Home

While a nursing home offers numerous benefits to your senior loved one, it can also be full of safety threats. If you plan to move your elderly to a nursing home or have already moved them and are concerned about their welfare, this article can efficiently guide you in ensuring your senior loved one’s security. 

Assessing the Facility

If you’re still in the nursing home searching stage, thoroughly assessing their potential care facility is vital. Evaluate the physical environment and safety measures. Ensure that the nursing home is licensed to operate and that all staff possess the necessary credentials. Review the care personnel qualifications and training portfolio. 

Check if your preferred facility has been accused of nursing home neglect or abuse. Verify if any of the therapists, nurses, social workers, and other relevant employees have a history of medical malpractice. When researching, be as meticulous and take advantage of all available resources. 

Regular Visits and Monitoring

The best way to ensure your loved one’s safety at the nursing home is to visit them regularly. Senior adults who don’t receive frequent visits from their loved ones are the most susceptible to mistreatment, neglect, and abuse. Regular visits help you efficiently monitor your aging adult and assess their well-being. 

Visit announced and vary the intervals. Pay attention to your loved one’s condition and look for any signs of negligence and exploitation. Observe for changes in health, personality, appearance, eating habits, and mood, and check your elderly for visible injuries. Inspect their room and its condition. Is every one of your senior adult’s valuables accounted for? Are any items damaged or misplaced? 

Don’t hesitate to ask your aging adult about their condition at the nursing home. Do they feel safe and secure? Are they receiving proper care? Pay attention to how they respond, especially their body language. Most mistreated seniors are often scared to report the abuse for fear of retribution, so trusting your instincts is essential. 

Understanding Care Protocols

Every nursing home has its own set of health and safety procedures. Learn these methods and seek clarification if necessary. Check if these procedures are strictly followed during your nursing home search or regular visits. Do the staff practice proper handwashing or regularly use alcohol-based sanitizers?

Does the facility follow food safety protocols? How clean are the facilities, and how safe are the equipment? Nursing homes should be a secure and comfortable haven for your loved one, so adherence to hygiene and safety protocols is vital. 

Communication and Advocacy

The nursing home’s staff is your senior adult’s best line of defense. They are tasked to keep your elderly safe and secure, so establishing effective communication with them is essential. Work together to develop a patient-centered care plan and get involved as much as possible. Be an active advocate for your loved one’s needs, and don’t be afraid to raise your concerns, however minor. 

If the nursing home often organizes social gatherings, consider volunteering on the event committee. Participating in these special events allows you to interact with caregivers, administrators, and other essential personnel. 

Endnote

Ensuring your loved one’s safety and comfort at their nursing home should be a priority. Remain vigilant and informed, and know where to seek appropriate help.