Putting your loved one in a nursing home can alleviate some of your responsibilities. A good facility will provide high-quality care, customized assistance and opportunities for socializing.
However, sometimes hazards can put your family member at risk of a severe injury. When you know these hazards, you can stay vigilant and mitigate the risks to your loved one.
Elopement and falls
The nursing home facility of your choice agrees to provide quality care for monetary payment. According to Medicare.gov, three factors to consider when shopping for a facility includes staffing experience and qualifications, health inspection reviews and the quality of resident care.
A poorly monitored and maintained facility may substantially increase your family member’s risk of eloping. This means your loved one may escape the confines of the facility and wander off. Falls, auto-pedestrian accidents and other tragedies could result. Within the premises, facility staff should regularly maintain and repair any fall risks. If you worry about your loved one’s balance, request a walker or cane to provide added stability.
Bedsores and choking
Some other hazards in nursing homes include bedsores and choking. If your family member has mobility issues, spending time in bed for hours on end may be the norm. However, if the staff does not frequently help your loved one change positions, painful bedsores may develop. If not addressed immediately, these sores can become infected and trigger other serious health issues.
Depending on the physical abilities of your loved one, eating a regular meal could create challenges. Facility staff should show concern about each resident’s individual needs to assess the appropriate food to feed to each one. Staff should cut food into smaller pieces or even puree it as needed.
If your family member has suffered at the hands of a negligent nursing home facility, you may choose to take legal action. An attorney can help you advocate for the rights of the people you love most.
