What nursing home red flags should I look out for?

November 11, 2021
Kevin Tharpe

Choosing to place a loved one in a nursing home is a challenging decision. Even if it is in their best interest, you will probably have concerns about the quality of the care provided to your family member.

Fortunately, it is possible to determine the overall quality of a facility by looking for a few key signs. U.S. News & World Report describes the following nursing home red flags to look out for.

Delayed responses to requests for help

You should visit prospective nursing homes to better gauge their quality. Along with speaking to staff and administrators, also pay attention to the other residents. If staff ignore their requests or delay them for long periods of time, it is likely there is not enough assistance for the number of residents. That can mean residents lack essential care and may even face hazards as a result.

Late wake-ups for residents

Quality nursing homes get residents out of bed bright and early to help them start their day. Early wake-ups ensure residents receive medication according to schedule, while also priming them for post-breakfast activities. When residents sleep well into the afternoon, it signals the staff is unable to coordinate morning routines efficiently.

High turnover rates among staff

Poor working conditions in assisted living facilities can lead to staff looking elsewhere for employment. When poor conditions persist, facilities will have difficulty retaining talented medical staff, as well as assistants and personal caregivers. Unfortunately, the residents of the home are the ones who suffer most when there are frequent staff changes.

State inspection issues

Agencies must inspect nursing homes and assisted living facilities to ensure they adhere to certain standards. Inspections typically take place once per year and result in a survey of findings. You can request a copy of this survey, as well as copies of any complaints made against the facility.

By performing proper due diligence, you can rest easy with your choice of accommodations. You will also know that your loved one is in good hands at their new home.

The following two tabs change content below.

Kevin Tharpe

With 25 years of experience, Kevin understands how estate planning, special needs planning, and government benefits programs work together. This is a crucial element of a thorough plan. He explains your eligibility for benefits programs and ensures that you do not make costly mistakes that may disqualify you or deplete your assets.

Latest posts by Kevin Tharpe (see all)