Ensuring Nursing Home Safety

 Posted on November 30, 2022 in Nursing Home Abuse

Fox News Channel reported last month that the buildings department in Chicago fined the owner of a senior housing facility $1,500 following the deaths of three residents during a brief May heat wave. The buildings department found 11 code violations. The story is alarming to many people who have loved ones living in nursing homes in the Chicago area.

Everybody wants to assume the nursing home they are leaving their loved one at will be committed to providing the best possible care, but the unfortunate truth remains that too many nursing homes cut back on their services as soon as guests leave and nursing home abuse occurs in too many instances. 

Nursing Home Examination Checklist

When you are in the process of examining nursing homes for your loved one, begin by ensuring a nursing home is Medicaid certified, meaning they have passed an inspection by a state government agency. Also ensure a nursing home offers specialized services, such as special care units for residents with dementia.

Examine a nursing home’s ratings on Medicare.gov. Ask whether residents can still see personal doctors and whether transportation is provided for this purpose.

Look at the relationships between staff and residents. What are a nursing home’s policies regarding abuse and neglect?

How often has a nursing home been cited in the past two years? How do the residents appear to be dressed and groomed?

What is the temperature like within the nursing home? Is there good lighting?

Does a nursing home have clearly marked exits and quiet areas to meet with friends and family? Are there smoke detectors, sprinklers, and handrails?

What kind of food does a nursing home serve and do they allow for dietary needs? What snacks will be available and will staff help residents eat?

How does staff interact with residents and is there continuing education? How often are registered nurses present and do certified nurse aides help plan resident care?

What personal belongings will residents be able to keep in their rooms? Will there be internet access, television, and telephone access?

Contact a Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Attorney 

Do you think that you might have a possible nursing home abuse claim in Illinois? The Cook County nursing home abuse lawyers at Schwartz Injury Law will be able to step in and help you hold the negligent party accountable.

Our firm knows how frightening and distressing these types of cases can be for most people, so we will hard to make sure that your loved one is able to get the level of care you expect. You can call 312-535-4625 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation.

Source: 

https://www.foxnews.com/us/owner-chicago-nursing-home-fined-3-seniors-died-heat-wave