The prospect of putting your loved one in a Maryland nursing home can be emotionally trying. This is especially true if you’re concerned about nursing home abuse and neglect, which unfortunately does occur. You can lessen the risk of your loved one being mistreated by choosing a quality facility capable of providing top care. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services recommends the following advice in this case.
Ask for Recommendations
The best way to ensure the quality of an assisted living facility is to ask for recommendations from people you trust. Your friends and loved ones are a good starting point, as you can rest assured they’ll provide accurate information about a home does well (and what it does poorly). If you can’t find any personal recommendations, ask your loved one’s health care provider for suggestions.
Plan a Visit
Once you have a few potential options in place, stop by for a visit. This will give you an idea of what the facility has to offer, how the staff treats patients, and how the residents respond to their surroundings. You can also bring your family member with you so he or she can get familiar with the place. This can be a tough transition for many seniors and the process may be smoother if you allow your loved one a say in decisions.
Ask Questions
During your visit, be sure to ask plenty of questions. For instance, if your loved one needs specialized care you want to make sure the facility is equipped to provide it. If you notice anything off, such as messy common areas or listless residents, be sure to inquire about the reason behind it. While it may be uncomfortable, you want to rest assured that the home can offer a higher quality of care to your relative.