None of us likes to admit this, but our parents are getting older by the day, and soon, the best thing we’ll be able to do for them is to get them professional care. If you are wondering how to ensure your aging parents get quality care…you are not alone! The biggest issue is guaranteeing that your chosen facility will be good enough.
HOW TO MAKE SURE AGING PARENTS GET QUALITY CARE
I know there are many reputable nursing homes out there. But who’s to say any of them will work for my parents? It’s not just about having trained staff and clean rooms; this is a place my parents will, from now on, call home.
So, I’ve been thinking about how I can make sure they get the best care they need? And how can I be calm and know they’re happy and safe? Keep reading for some tips to make it easier!
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT NURSING HOME
The first thing to do in the mission of finding your aging parents get quality care is research! I hopped online and googled nursing homes, ratings, and I read a few articles on how to find the best nursing home. And some of the things I read were truly concerning.
For example, did you know that between 2013 and 2017, there have been 54 nursing home deaths in Florida because of neglect? And at least 25 of those homes have already been cited in the past for similar issues. In New Jersey, officials spotted over 360 violations across 20 nursing homes between March and May 2022. In Bergen County, there have actually been reports of residents attacking other residents, and those numbers have risen from 259 in 2021 to 456 in 2022. So I thought to myself, what would I even do if one or both of my parents were in Bergen County? Honestly, I’d pull them out of there immediately and hire a nursing home abuse lawyer in Bergen, NJ.
But then I kept reading and stumbled upon some more positive info, so let me tell you what I learned. The best thing to do is to narrow it down to a few nursing homes with high ratings and then visit all of them personally. Check how clean the place is and how the staff is. If people seem well and happy, and if they’re attentive and respectful towards the elders, it’s a great sign.
Safety is another thing to check (e.g., emergency protocols, accessibility features, and security measures). Then, meals and dietary accommodations – does the food meet the residents’ tastes and is it appropriate for their health?
The last thing to do is to make sure the facility is certified and that it complies with all the state and federal regulations. Check inspection reports and see if there have been any violations or complaints in the past.
While a nursing home might be the right choice for some, it’s not the only option for our loved ones. Sometimes, staying at home, even with extra help, can feel more comfortable and familiar for them. It’s definitely worth looking into other possibilities, especially if you’re hoping to keep them in their own space with a good quality of life. For a clearer picture of what those choices look like, exploring assisted living vs. home care options can help you weigh the pros and cons of each one.
HOW TO STAY INVOLVED
One of the best ways to protect your parents is to stay involved. Here’s how to do that.
VISIT THEM REGULARLY
If you come to visit them all the time, you’ll be able to see how they are. It’s a no-brainer. But you know how difficult it can be for older people, and they might not tell you if something’s bothering them. So, I’d say the best thing to do is to just see if there are any signs of poor hygiene, if they’ve lost weight all of a sudden, or if they have bruises they can’t explain.
Each issue must be handled immediately, so I wouldn’t hesitate to talk to the staff immediately. When you’re not there, you might want to look at senior monitoring devices available to provide peace of mind that you can keep an eye on them, even when not at the premises.
BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE STAFF
I’m not saying you should be best friends with them, but you must be friendly. Meet with them regularly to discuss how your loved one is doing and whether there are any changes in their care plan. Be proactive and show you’re invested in your parents’ well-being.
REPORT RED FLAGS
If you suspect, even for a moment, that your parent is abused or neglected, you have to report it that second. Take it up with the staff and explain everything that concerns you. When my mother was in a nursing home rehab facility last year, I had to report a few red flags. The nursing director seemed very glad to hear my concerns.
TAKE A DEEP BREATH
Chances are, this is a new situation, and it is scary. Remember to go with your gut feelings.
Even thinking about elders being abused in nursing homes is terrifying, but it’s the reality we live in. And caring for our parents goes beyond just finding them a place to live.
Do your research and talk to friends who are in the same situation. Don’t forget to give your parents grace during this difficult transition.
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