Avoiding Elder Abuse: How to Find the Right Nursing Home

Choosing the right nursing home for a loved one can be a difficult decision. Finances, distance, and a lack of quality facilities can all pose significant hurdles. This daunting task is made all the more difficult when you factor in the high levels of elderly abuse often found in nursing homes.

Because nursing home abuse has become so common in the past few decades, it is critical to consult the Medicare website before you begin your search. The site provides in-depth information about local facilities, and allows you to compare and contrast various nursing homes.

Always visit the nursing home yourself before making a decision. Ask a nurse to show you a room. Pay attention to your gut feeling – your intuition will lead you. Come prepared to ask questions. Check and see how many residents there are in relation to the number of nurses. Legally, there should be at least one nurse to every 16 patients.

When you’ve decided on a home, check it out at the Better Business Bureau. They’ll have statistics on complaints about the nursing home, and what the nature of those complaints are.

Even after you’ve selected a nursing home and your loved one has moved in, continue being vigilant. Visit frequently, and check conditions of the nursing home each time you go. Is your loved one satisfied? Take their comments seriously. If they can’t communicate their feelings, check for bruises and bed sores, just in case.

Though nursing home abuse is extremely common, by doing your research and checking up on your loved one frequently, abuse can be prevented.