As our loved ones get older, they may need to move to a nursing home or skilled nursing facility so they can receive round the clock care. They provide residents nutritious meals, mobility assistance, and offer many other types of benefits. Looking for the right nursing home takes time, and factors such as the proximity to family, hospice care, rehabilitation services, and a warm environment are all important to consider. Many families rely on these centers so their senior loved ones can have a permanent place to live. Not all nursing home facilities operate the same way however, and some fail to meet the standards of care for their residents, as a nursing home abuse lawyer in Philadelphia, PA from a reliable PA nursing home law firm knows only too well.
When you are researching a potential, do a thorough comparison of different sites and look into a variety of reliable sources. After you have decided your criteria, make sure to do the following:
Ask a Doctor
If you are not sure where to start, ask your loved one’s primary physician or other healthcare professionals to see if they have recommendations for trusted nursing homes. Since they are familiar with your loved one’s health conditions and medical history, they may be able to suggest centers that offer services and amenities that meet the needs of your loved one.
Check Trusted Websites
A comparison of nursing home reviews can be found on the government website Medicare.gov, which has a Nursing Home Compare section that shows Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing homes. They include information such as overall star ratings, past performance, and detailed information relating to staffing, health inspections, and quality of care. The AARP and the National Institute of Aging (NIH) websites also have helpful guides for choosing a facility.
Visit the Facility In-Person
Before deciding on a nursing home, a trusted Philadelphia, PA nursing home abuse lawyer like one at Wieand Law Firm, LLC would recommend that you and your loved one go to the facility to get a feel for the place and speak to staff. Request a meeting with the nursing home director and prepare a list of questions for them such as ones regarding staffing and available services. Observe the staff and how they interact with and care for the residents. Are they friendly with residents? Do the rooms throughout the building look clean? Note your positive observations as well as any red flags that you see, as PA nursing home lawyers would recommend.
Based on what your specific needs are, check to see if the facility has these features:
Contact an Experienced Attorney
It’s important that you know what exactly to look for when finding the nursing home for your family member. Nursing homes should be held accountable if they do not provide care to their senior residents properly. If you think you or a loved one may be experiencing nursing home abuse, contact a nursing home lawyer in Philadelphia, PA who can provide you the legal assistance you need to take the right course of action.
