The growth of the elderly population in the United States has coincided with an increase of reports related to nursing home abuse and neglect. As such, if you are looking for a long-term care facility for your aging loved one, it is critical that you conduct thorough research when comparing the options.
In addition to considering the cost, location, and quality of care, you also need to take into account a facility’s reputation, staff, and legal history. Unfortunately, even if you choose a well-established facility, all it takes is one negligent or malicious caregiver to abuse or neglect your loved one.
If you or a member of your family was a victim of nursing home abuse in Illinois, turn to the Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. You may have grounds for a claim against the at-fault caregiver or facility. Call 312-384-1920 to schedule a free consultation with an elder abuse attorney in Chicago.
Read on to learn three questions you should ask when evaluating long-term care facilities:
- How Many Licensed Nurses Are on Duty during Each Shift?
Many claims against nursing homes do not arise out of physical abuse; rather, they relate to neglect. Understaffing has become a very real problem in nursing homes across the country. If there are not enough nurses on duty to feed the residents, administer their medication, and complete other essential tasks, the result can be tragic and even fatal.
Make sure you ask about the staff-to-resident ratio when touring a facility to ensure that your loved one will have easy access to licensed healthcare providers. You should also ask about the turnover rate; a fairly high rate could indicate that nurses are burning out due to short staffing.
- What Is the Visiting Policy?
Will you be able to visit your loved one whenever you have free time, or will you have to plan around strict visiting hours? Ask about the visiting policy to make sure the nursing home operates like an actual home and not a prison. Limited visiting hours may also indicate that the staff is worried about family members seeing the facility when they arrive unannounced.
- What Activities Are Available for Residents?
You should find a nursing home that allows residents to roam the property freely. During your visit, observe what the residents are doing, and find out if there is a calendar of activities for residents.
You should visit the prospective nursing home unannounced so you can see how the facility runs on a day-to-day basis. Come prepared with your list of questions, and look for any signs of understaffing, disorganization, or neglect.
If your loved one was abused, neglected, or financially exploited in a nursing home, contact the Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. Call 312-384-1920 to schedule a free consultation with a nursing home neglect lawyer in Chicago. You can learn more about nursing home abuse claims in Illinois by visiting the USAttorneys website.
