It is not uncommon for you to experience pangs of guilt when you make the decision to help transition a loved one into a nursing care facility. That guilt arises because you feel as though you are letting that person down, as you should be able to take care of them. The reality is that a nursing home provides the kind of around-the-clock care designed to provide residents with a decent quality of life.
That should bring you a sense of comfort knowing that your loved one will have their needs met.
Although the nursing home staff will take over the day-to-day care of your loved one, you still have a vital role to play in that care. It will be your responsibility to hold that nursing home accountable. If you do spot any of the following warning signs, you should reach out to the Peterson Law Office.
We are experienced Lexington nursing home abuse attorneys who have helped many families hold a long-term care facility accountable.
Here’s what you have to look out for on your visits to the nursing home facility:
Recurring Infection Issues
Preventing infections is a serious issue for everyone, but especially for nursing home residents who might also be dealing with preexisting health concerns.
Every nursing home should have strict infection control protocols in place to minimize the risk of illness. If you notice recurring infection issues, such as respiratory illnesses, urinary tract infections, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, you need to ask the facility about their infection rates.
You also need to pay attention to whether the staff are following proper hygiene procedures, such as handwashing and wearing gloves when interacting with residents.
Delayed Response to Residents’ Needs
Every nursing home resident should have a call button by their bed to request assistance at any time of the day or night.
You should check in with your loved one to see how quickly the staff responds to a call for help.
There could be many reasons why an individual’s call isn’t answered quickly. However, if those lapses become a pattern, it can be a breeding ground for neglect.
Staffing Issues
The lack of qualified staff at a nursing home can create a ripple effect of neglect that touches every resident. The federal mandates for nursing home staffing require at least 3.48 hours of direct nursing care per resident daily, which includes a 24/7 RN presence.
When there are gaps in staffing, it can lead to various problems, such as pressure ulcers, missing medications, and inadequate support for daily activities.
Staff turnover is expected at every nursing home, but when there are no new hires, that puts a strain on the existing staff, and everyone can suffer.
Limited Social Engagement
One of the many benefits of nursing home care is the socialization opportunities it affords to residents. This helps them stay engaged and promotes healthy cognitive function. When a resident is isolated, it increases the risk of them developing depression and anxiety. This is a type of neglect that might not cause physical harm but emotional pain.
A nursing home should have an active schedule that allows residents to participate in various activities. That includes residents with mobility challenges who should also be included.
If you notice that your loved one and other residents seem disinterested, it might indicate low-quality activities.
Poor Facility Cleanliness
Clean, sanitary conditions are essential to preventing illness in vulnerable older adults.
Dirty rooms, overflowing trash, soiled bedding, unclean bathrooms, and persistent odors signal poor housekeeping, and that can lead to infection control problems. During your visits, you should perform a quick visual check of your loved one’s room and bathrooms.
You also want to check out the dining spaces and common areas. If you notice grime, dust, or other cleanliness issues, please alert the staff before you leave.
Low Quality Nutrition
Nutrition also plays a major role in resident health. Kentucky requires nursing home facilities to honor dietary restrictions and offer nutritious, balanced meals. It’s a good idea to schedule a visit around mealtimes. You’ll be able to see if the residents are getting help when needed. You can also spot the number of “clean” plates versus untouched food.
Unappetizing or poorly prepared meals may cause malnutrition and indicate kitchen management issues.
Improper Medication Management
Medication errors endanger a resident’s overall health. A facility should never misuse psychiatric drugs to control behavior. You’re within your rights to ask about protocols for managing agitation and whether the facility relies heavily on antipsychotics. The care your loved one receives should focus on identifying the root causes of distress, rather than merely medicating symptoms.
If you notice signs of excessive drowsiness or confusion, it may be an indication that a resident’s medications are not working properly.
Inadequate Fall Prevention Policies
Falls are a significant source of nursing home injuries. That is why strong prevention programs are essential. Some facilities use “no-lift” policies that require emergency responders to assist fallen residents, which can delay care.
Do you know what the fall policies are at the nursing home?
You should also take note of all fall-prevention equipment, such as handrails, in bathrooms and hallways. A nursing home should also keep fall logs, analyze incidents, and provide individualized plans for residents at higher risk.
How Do You Report an Issue with a Nursing Home?
You can’t rely on Kentucky state inspections. As reported by the Lexington Herald Leader, there is a significant backlog of annual inspections that are supposed to occur in one of the 279 nursing homes in Kentucky. That means you need to step and watch out for warning signs of nursing home abuse.
If you notice cleanliness issues, poor nutrition, medication misuse, or inadequate fall prevention in a Kentucky nursing home, don’t ignore your concerns. Your loved one’s safety may depend on taking action. You can file a report with the Kentucky Division of Health Care. This agency is responsible for investigating nursing home safety violations and ensuring that facilities comply with state regulations.
After making an official report, you can also reach out to Peterson Law Office. We offer a complimentary consultation to guide you on how to follow up on your complaint and protect your loved one’s interests.
Our goal is to get a response that addresses the issue. In extreme cases, we can also assist with filing a civil complaint against a facility to ensure they correct the problem and compensate for any resulting losses.
If you have a concern about a nursing home, we want to hear from you.