Are you aware of what safety hazards to be on the lookout for while deciding on the right nursing home for your aging loved one?
There comes a time when you may not be able to take care of an elderly loved one on your own and need the help of experienced Connecticut professionals. While nursing homes can bring both you and your loved one a great deal of peace of mind, you have got to make sure you choose a reputable and safe home; otherwise, you could find yourself dealing with nursing home negligence. Here is a list to help you get started:
Safety alert system
Because elderly individuals are prone to accidents that commonly result in serious injury, nursing homes should have safety alert systems; specifically, buttons or pull strings in bathrooms and next to the bed. What is more is that the system should actually work, and the staff should react to alerts promptly.
Individual assessment
Different nursing home residents have different needs, and staff members should be well aware of those needs. Before checking your mother, father or another elderly loved one in a nursing home, ask how the residents’ physical, mental, medical and emotional needs are evaluated and met. A one-size-fits-all approach may not sit well with you, and it is an approach that can certainly result in unnecessary injury.
Proper lighting
It is no secret that senior citizens do not have the best eyesight, and it is for that very reason that any nursing home you consider should not only be well-lit, but should also be properly lit as well to better minimize falls, trips, sprains, breaks and the like. One thing to point out about proper lighting is that too much lighting can be just as bad as not enough lighting. Glaring bright lights can make it difficult to see obstacles, so a proper balance is essential.
Continued employee education
Nursing home staff members should receive continuous training on nursing home safety risks. Not only does continuous training make staff members aware of the latest risks to nursing home residents, re-education also gives them the chance to return to the basics that they may have forgotten over the years, better ensuring that they are always looking out for residents and doing everything possible to keep them safe.
Medication administration
Those living in a nursing home may need assistance in taking their medication. Staff members should be properly trained on how to administer medication and how to prevent dangerous interactions between different medications. You can do your part to prevent accidents by informing the staff members of all the prescriptions your loved one is taking, even over-the-counter medications and supplements.
Even a top-notch nursing home in Connecticut is not exempt from negligence. If you ever find yourself embroiled in a potential personal injury lawsuit, know that there are attorneys who can help you and your loved one.