Cleanliness: When you visit, cleanliness will be one of the very first things that you notice. If the residency does not appear to be taken care of, this could indicate the residents are being neglected as well.
The appearance of residents: Are the people who live there dressed and groomed or do they look as though no one cares if they are reasonably neat and clean? Are their rooms tidy and clean? Is their clothing fresh and clean or dirty and foul? Did you notice an overall stench at the home?
Pain management: As you walk through the home pay attention to the conversations between residents or between residents and caregivers. Note if you hear anyone say he/she is hurting, as it is pertinent that nursing home residents are receiving prompt and accurate care.
Medication: While it is important for nursing home residents to receive proper medication and treatment, it is equally important that they are not being overmedicated. See if the facility has an antipsychotic medication policy for residents who suffer from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as these are just a few of the issues faced in nursing homes today. These medications should not be used to subdue patients, however. They are only used when medically necessary.
Nutrition: To determine if your loved one will receive nutritious food and beverages, request a meal during your visit (at your expense). Also look at residents’ plates after they have been served, observing their expressions as they eat and notice if they did not finish their meal. If you did not enjoy your meal, think of the residents who dine at the facility every day, as they do not have access to alternative options. Also, ask if snacks are served between meal times and if residents have choices in times to eat and foods that they prefer.
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